On February 2, the government will impose increased fees for all passport applications, whether new or renewed. The fee for submitting a standard online application in the United Kingdom will increase from £75.50 to £82.50 for adults and from £49 to £53.50 for children. Postal applications for adults will rise from £85 to £93, and for children from £58.50 to £64. According to the Home Office, the extra funds will be used to improve its services, such as the cost of processing passports, including those that have been lost or stolen, and the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders. According to the government’s announcement web page, “this will help the Home Office move towards a system that meets its costs through those who use it, reducing reliance on funding from general taxation.” The cost of passport applications generates no profit for the government.” “The fees will also help to cover the costs of processing passport applications and providing consular assistance overseas, including for lost or stolen passports.” The cost of applying for a passport has risen for the first time in five years, and the proposals are being scrutinised by Parliament, according to the Home Office.
