Holidaymakers to Face Increased Passport Fees, With One Group Exempt
In a move that will affect many holidaymakers, passport fees in the UK are set to increase, starting from Thursday, April 10. The price hike will see the standard fee for an online passport application rise from £88.50 to £94.50, marking a 7% increase. This change will also impact other passport fees, particularly those for expedited applications required for urgent travel situations. The government has stated that these fee adjustments will help the Home Office improve its systems to better serve customers, reducing its reliance on taxpayer funding to meet operational demands.
The augmented fees are reported to cover the costs associated with processing passport applications, providing overseas support to British citizens, especially in situations where passports are lost or stolen, and facilitating the processing of travellers at UK borders. The funds generated from the fee hikes are intended to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of passport services, ensuring smoother operations for UK travellers.
According to details published on GOV.UK, here are the upcoming changes to passport fees effective April 10:
– The fee for a standard online application from overseas for a UK passport will increase from £101 to £108 for adults and £65.50 to £70 for children.
– Postal applications will see a rise from £100 to £107 for adults and £69 to £74 for children.
– The fee for a Premium Service application (1 day) made within the UK will go up from £207.50 to £222 for adults and £176.50 to £189 for children.
– Overseas standard paper applications will increase from £112.50 to £120.50 for adults and £77 to £82.50 for children.
– The fee for a standard online application from within the UK will rise from £88.50 to £94.50 for adults and £57.50 to £61.50 for children.
One way to circumvent these upcoming passport fee increases is to submit applications early at the current rates, especially for those with passports expiring soon. Generally, UK passports should be renewed every 10 years, though holders of the older burgundy passports may have them valid for an additional nine months beyond the expiration date. This leniency is applicable to passports issued before September 2018. Furthermore, certain countries require that UK passports remain valid for a specific period beyond the planned departure date.
However, there is a group exempt from these fee hikes. Official guidelines stipulate that British citizens born on or before September 2, 1929, can renew their passports free of charge. Additionally, individuals in this category can avail themselves of the Post Office Check and Send service at no cost, coupled with free secure delivery. Nonetheless, if quicker passport delivery or frequent traveller passport status is sought, standard fees will apply.
In summary, while many holidaymakers will be subjected to elevated passport fees starting April 10, taking early action and being aware of exemption criteria can help mitigate the impact on travel costs. The government’s rationale for the fee increases lies in enhancing passport services to cater to the evolving needs of UK citizens efficiently.