The cost of renewing or obtaining a UK passport is about to increase this week, with Brits urged to act within hours.
Anyone in need of a new passport should apply before Thursday, April 10 as the price of a new adult version is set to shift by 7%. While it is unlikely to arrive before the end of the Easter holidays, you’ll get a new, cheaper passport before summer. The new cost is set to go up to £94.50, while the current price is £88.50 for online applications.
In addition to the online adult passport application fee, there are a few other passport fees set to increase on April 10:
The Home Office statement announcing the new passport renewal fees reads: “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 statement goes on to clarify that the passport renewal fees contribute to the cost of processing passport applications, as well as consular support overseas for lost and stolen passports and the cost of processing UK citizens at UK borders.
UK passports can be renewed at any time, though the remaining time is not carried over onto the new passport and you must forfeit your current passport while you wait for renewal. As a general rule, passports should be renewed every 10 years.
One small exception is in place for citizens with the old burgundy passports. Travel experts recently reminded burgundy passport holders – of which there are approximately 32 million – that their passport may be valid for an additional nine months after the 10-year expiry due to a now axed practice.
The nine-month leeway is only valid for UK passports issued before September 2018, but passengers should keep in mind the passport entry requirements of the country they are visiting. For example, EU countries require UK travellers to ensure their passports are valid for at least three months after their planned departure date.
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