UK passport holders are facing a significant increase in renewal fees, with just 24 hours left to apply at the current rates before a 7% hike takes effect on April 10, 2025. The standard online application fee for adults will rise from £88.50 to £94.50, while children's passport fees will increase from £57.50 to £61.50. This change marks a staggering 25% increase in passport fees over the past two years, a rise that has sparked outrage among Britons, particularly in light of ongoing inflationary pressures.
As families prepare for summer holidays, the timing of this price hike could not be worse. Jessie Chambers, a senior travel expert at Global Work and Travel, expressed concern about the financial burden on families, stating, "For young travellers, a passport is the starting point for any journey, and what should be a straightforward step suddenly feels like a financial obstacle." This sentiment is echoed by many who feel the pinch of rising living costs.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) has criticized the increased costs, arguing that they disproportionately affect families in Scotland compared to those in Ireland. SNP MP Stephen Gethins highlighted that a family in Ireland pays roughly half the price for a new set of passports compared to their Scottish counterparts. He stated, "With many families preparing for their Easter and summer holidays, they'll now face the rip-off cost of travel imposed by Brexit Britain with passport prices soaring to among the highest in Europe." He further added that Brexit is contributing to the economic strain on families, stating, "Brexit is costing the UK economy and public finances billions of pounds every year, and it is also raising the cost of living for families."
In terms of comparative costs, UK passports are now among the most expensive in Europe, second only to Switzerland, where the cost is £123. In contrast, applications in Belgium and Portugal are around £54, while Spain charges just £26 for an adult passport. This disparity has left many questioning the justification for the rising fees.
From April 10, the fees for postal applications will also see an increase, with adult applications rising from £100 to £107 and children's applications from £69 to £74. Furthermore, the Premium Service (1 day) application fee will rise from £207.50 to £222 for adults and from £176.50 to £189 for children. The government has justified these increases by stating that the additional funds will help support the Home Office in enhancing its systems and services, which include processing applications and providing consular support for lost or stolen passports.
Despite the government's assurances, many Britons are frustrated. One irate citizen lamented, "WHY IS EVERYTHING GOING UP EXCEPT WAGES …drives me insane." Another echoed this sentiment, comparing the costs unfavorably to those in other countries, stating, "My daughter has a French passport and we are renewing for 17 euros, or £14. That’s a joke, we’ll keep the French passport then."
The increases come at a time when many families are already feeling the squeeze from rising prices across various sectors. Zoe Adjey, a Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality at the University of East London, noted that while the passport fee increase may not deter international travel, it could lead families to reconsider their travel plans. "These cumulative expenses following years of inflation may make European trips less accessible for budget-conscious families," she said.
In light of the impending price hikes, individuals are encouraged to renew their passports as soon as possible to avoid paying the higher fees. The government advises that passports should generally be renewed every ten years, although children’s passports expire every five years, adding to the financial burden for families with multiple children.
British citizens born on or before September 2, 1929, can renew their passports free of charge, a small relief for some. However, those eligible will still incur fees if they opt for expedited services. As the deadline approaches, many are scrambling to submit their applications, hoping to secure a passport at the current rate before the increases take effect.
Travel experts suggest that the best strategy for avoiding the fee hike is to apply now, as processing times can vary, and the new fees will apply to all applications submitted after April 10. With summer holidays on the horizon, the urgency to act has never been more pressing for those looking to travel abroad.
In summary, the upcoming increase in UK passport renewal fees has sparked widespread criticism and concern among families and travel experts alike. The 7% hike, effective April 10, 2025, adds to the growing list of financial challenges faced by Britons in the wake of Brexit and rising inflation. As families prepare for their travels, the burden of these costs looms large, prompting many to reconsider their holiday plans.
