British citizens renewing their passports will face higher charges from April 8, 2026, as the Home Office confirms an eight percent fee increase. For the first time, the cost of a standard UK passport will exceed £100.
Online applications for those aged 16 and over will rise from £94.50 to £102, while passports for under-16s will increase from £61.50 to £66.50. Similar percentage rises apply to postal applications and those submitted from overseas.
The Home Office 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.' The government does not profit from passport fees; the charges cover processing, consular support overseas, and border processing costs.
These increases follow rises of seven percent in each of the past two years and nine percent in 2023. The proposals require parliamentary approval before coming into force.
Applicants are advised not to book travel until they have a valid passport, as new documents have different numbers. Applying online saves £12.50 compared to postal applications.
