The cost of a British passport is set to rise by 7 per cent next month, with the increase taking effect from 10 April 2025. This means a straightforward online application will go up by £6, reaching £94.50.
Why Are Passport Prices Increasing?
The Home Office announced the change just three weeks before the price rise, stating:
“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.”
Ministers insist that the government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications. Instead, the fees contribute to covering the expenses of passport processing, security, and administration.
One of the Most Expensive Passports in Europe
The UK passport is among the most expensive in Europe. The latest price rise will put British passports almost on a par with:
Italy (€116 / £97)
Denmark (Dkr893 / £100)
The only European country where passports are significantly more expensive is Switzerland (140Sfr / £123).
However, Switzerland and many other Schengen Area nations offer a much cheaper alternative – an ID card. These ID cards allow travel to more than 30 countries, though they are not valid for entry into the UK. British citizens, in contrast, have no alternative but to purchase a passport for international travel.
Should You Renew Before the Price Increase?
If your passport expires soon, it might be worth renewing before 9 April 2025 to avoid paying the higher fee. You should consider early renewal if:
Your passport expires (or becomes invalid for travel to the EU or other destinations) by 25 November 2025.
You plan to travel abroad before that date.
For many destinations, including those in the EU, your passport may need at least six months’ validity on the date of travel. If your passport is set to expire later in 2025, it’s best to check the entry requirements of your destination country.
Expired or First-Time Passport? Act Now!
If your passport has already expired or you are applying for your first-ever passport, now is the time to act. Don’t delay, as after 9 April, you’ll be paying the increased price.
Applying online is simple, but getting the right passport photo is crucial to avoid delays in processing.
What Is the Best Method to Get Your Passport Photo?
To ensure your passport application is processed quickly, we recommend using a Photo-Me booth for your passport photo.
Our stats show that photos taken at these booths go directly into the Passport Office system, significantly reducing the risk of rejection. In contrast, self-taken photos using a phone are often rejected due to incorrect lighting, background issues, or improper sizing, which can cause delays in your application.
Using a Photo-Me booth or a professional passport photo service ensures that your picture meets all government requirements, allowing your application to proceed without unnecessary setbacks.
Act Now to Save Money
If you qualify for early renewal, submitting your application before 9 April will ensure you avoid the price increase and pay the current fee. With passport processing times currently averaging just over a week, you shouldn’t have to wait very long.
Get Your Passport Fee Covered in Our Monthly Giveaway
There’s a way you could potentially get your passport for free! Every month, Passport Waiting Time holds a free prize draw for people who submit their passport wait time.
The lucky winner receives the cost of their passport application fee in Amazon vouchers.
Submitting your wait time takes under a minute, and you can do it here:
Submit Your Passport Waiting Time