Passport renewal fees are about to see a sharp increase in the next few weeks, so those looking to get ahead of the changes should act quick.
The UK government were quick to remind travellers to check the issue date and the expiry date on their passports ahead of the spring and summer months, but they have now announced changes to the renewal process.
It's important in post-Brexit Britain to ensure that you have a valid passport which has been issued less than 10 years before your departure, and valid for at least three months after your return.
If you have a blue passport, you should be safe from this issue.
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But for those with a red passport, you should also check your expiry date, and aim to renew it at least 10 weeks before it expires or booking travel.
Brits should look to renew when the expiry date is within three to six months.
If you fall into this category and have a sunny holiday to look forward to, it's vital that you get your application in ASAP, to avoid any delays or chances of the passport arriving late.
You should allow up to three weeks past the application date for your new passport to arrive, with at least six weeks needed for first-time or complex applications.
New passport renewal prices
The following fees will come into effect from Wednesday 8 April:
Adults - £102
Children - £66.50
One-day premium service - £239.50
Overseas adults - £116.50
Overseas children - £75.50
The new prices mean that the application fee will rise to £100 for the first time, as adults will see a rise from £94.50 to £102, while children's passports have gone from £61.50 to £66.50, in an eight percent increase.
According to the Home Office, this increase will allow them to 'move towards a system that meets its costs through those who use it', while relying less on taxpayers.
As for those applying by post, adults will see an increase from £107 to £115.50, and £74 to £80 for children, while overseas applications by post will go up from £120.50 to £130, while children's applications will rise to £89 from £82.50.
The Home Office has explained that these new fees will go towards contributing 'to the cost of processing passport applications, consular support overseas, including for lost or stolen passports, and the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders'.
Passport prices last saw an increase in 2024, going up by seven percent, after going up nine percent back in 2023.
It should be noted that renewing your passport could take longer than three weeks in busy periods, such as the weeks leading up to school holidays.
So if you're looking to travel in the upcoming summer months and have a few months left on your passport, it's worth getting your application in early to save money, and alleviate any worries for at least 10 years.
Topics: Travel, UK News, Brexit, Cost of Living
Joshua Nair