The UK government has announced an increase to passport fees, which, if approved, will take effect on April 8, 2026. The cost of a standard adult passport will rise to more than £100 for the first time, with online applications for adults increasing from £94.50 to £102.
For children under 16, the new passport fee will be £66.50, up from £61.50. Additionally, postal applications for adults will see a rise from £107 to £115.50, while postal applications for children will increase from £74 to £80.
The Premium Service application made from the UK could cost £239.50, up from £222. For those applying from overseas, a standard online application for adults will increase to £116.50, up from £108, and for children, it will rise to £75.50, up from £70.
The Home Office has 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.” They also clarified that the government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications.
This increase follows previous hikes of 7% in each of the last two years and a 9% increase in 2023. The new fees are designed to help the Home Office manage its costs more effectively.
Details remain unconfirmed as the changes are subject to parliamentary approval. Observers expect that these adjustments will be a topic of discussion in the upcoming parliamentary sessions, as they impact many citizens planning to travel in the near future.
