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Change to UK passport rule happening Wednesday April 8 'for first time'
Reach Daily Express | April 7, 2026 6:41 PM CST

British citizens renewing their passports will encounter revised charges, as the Government will implement updated application fees on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. The price of a standard UK passport will surpass £100 for the first time as charges are increasing by 8%, the Home Office confirmed.

The cost of online applications submitted within the UK for people aged 16 and over will rise from £94.50 to £102. Passports for youngsters under 16 will cost £66.50, up from the current £61.50.

Comparable percentage increases apply to postal applications and those submitted from abroad. The modifications, which require parliamentary approval, are scheduled to take effect on April 8.

This follows increases of 7% in each of the previous two years, and 9% in 2023. The proposals, which require Parliament's approval but are set to go ahead, will include the following.

The standard online application submitted from within the UK will rise from £94.50 to £102 for adults, reports the Mirror.

It will go up from £61.50 to £66.50 for children, too. Postal applications will increase from £107 to £115.50 for adults and £74 to £80 for children.

The charge for a Premium Service (one-day) application submitted from within the UK will rise from £222 to £239.50. The charge for a standard online application for a UK adult passport when applying from overseas will rise from £108 to £116.50.

It will also increase from £70 to £75.50 for children. Standard paper applications for overseas passports will see a rise from £120.50 to £130 for adults, and from £82.50 to £89 for children.

The Home Office stated: "The new fees will help the Home Office to continue to move towards a system that meets its costs through those who use it, reducing reliance on funding from general taxation. The Government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications. The fees contribute to the cost of processing passport applications, consular support overseas, including for lost or stolen passports, and the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders."

As per Gov.uk, these revised fees will assist the Home Office in transitioning towards a system that is funded by its users, thereby lessening dependence on general taxation. The government doesn't generate any profit from passport application charges.

These fees cover the costs of processing passport applications, providing consular assistance abroad, including for misplaced or stolen passports, and handling British citizens at UK borders. Customers are strongly advised to submit their applications well ahead of their travel dates. Apply online for a UK passport.

Commenting on the fee changes, Tom Vaughan, travel insurance expert at Confused.com, said: "With prices of new passport applications rising above £100 for the first time, it's more important than ever to check when your passport expires. If it's due for renewal soon, it's worth factoring in the higher costs now in your travel budget. It's also important to make sure your passport will be valid for any upcoming trips, as nothing ruins holiday excitement faster than realising too late that your passport isn't valid.

"And it's easier to get caught out than many people think. Our research shows that less than half (43%) of holidaymakers are aware that passports for EU travel must be issued within 10 years of departure, which often leads to travellers being confused about when they need to apply for a new passport.

"Sorting an emergency passport will now cost £239.50, and that's before you consider having to take time off work to travel to a passport office, which are often far away for last minute appointments. For families, it can be even more challenging, as fast track child passports can take up to a week to arrange, assuming you can get an appointment in time.

"Travel insurance won't cover the cost of an emergency passport or any missed flights. So with fees increasing next month, it's worth checking now if yours needs renewing before the new fees come into effect. Our passport checker can help you avoid a last-minute panic and ensure your holiday starts the way it should, stress-free."


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