Passport fees set to rise in April — apply now to save!

Anyone planning a holiday or needing to renew their passport is being urged to act quickly, as new UK passport fees are set to come into force from 8 April 2026.

The increases, subject to parliamentary approval, will affect almost every type of application — meaning waiting even a few weeks could cost applicants more.

What’s changing?

The new fee structure will see notable rises across online, postal, premium, and overseas applications:

• Standard online (UK):

  Adults: £94.50 → £102

  Children: £61.50 → £66.50

• Postal applications (UK):

  Adults: £107 → £115.50

  Children: £74 → £80

• Premium 1-day service (UK):

  £222 → £239.50

• Standard online (overseas):

  Adults: £108 → £116.50

  Children: £70 → £75.50

• Standard paper (overseas):

  Adults: £120.50 → £130

  Children: £82.50 → £89

Why fees are increasing

The UK Government says the changes are part of a wider move to ensure the passport system is funded by those who use it, rather than relying on general taxation.

Officials stressed that passport fees do not generate profit, but instead contribute towards:

• Processing applications

• Consular support overseas (including lost or stolen passports)

• Border processing for British citizens

Apply early to avoid higher costs

With the deadline approaching, travellers are being advised to submit applications sooner rather than later — especially ahead of busy holiday periods.

Encouragingly, performance figures suggest the system is running efficiently. In 2025, 99.7% of standard UK applications were processed within three weeks, provided no additional information was required.

Still, delays can happen, particularly during peak travel seasons, making early application the safest option.

What it means

For families and frequent travellers, the increases could quickly add up — particularly for households renewing multiple passports at once.

Applying before April could mean noticeable savings, especially for those considering premium or postal services.

Looking ahead

With international travel continuing to rebound, demand for passports is expected to remain high throughout 2026. The upcoming fee changes are likely to prompt a surge in applications in the coming weeks.

For anyone planning trips later this year, the message is simple: check your passport now — and renew early if needed.

At a glance

• UK passport fees will increase from 8 April 2026

• Adult online applications will rise to £102

• Postal and premium services will also see significant increases

• Overseas application costs are also going up

• Government says fees cover costs, not profit

• 99.7% of standard applications processed within three weeks in 2025

• Travellers urged to apply early to avoid higher fees and delays

• Families could face higher costs if renewing multiple passports

• Demand expected to rise ahead of the deadline