The UK government has proposed an 8% increase in passport fees, marking the first time the online standard adult passport fee will go above £100.
This hike affects both adults and children, for online and paper applications, whether applying from within the UK or abroad.
The changes are set to take effect from 8 April 2026, pending Parliament approval.
How Much Will Passport Prices Rise?
For UK Residents (Standard Online Application):
Adults: £94.50 → £102
Children: £61.50 → £66.50
For Overseas Applicants (Standard Online Application):
Adults: £108 → £116.50
Children: £70 → £75.50
Overseas Paper Applications:
Adults: £120.50 → £130
Children: £82.50 → £89
Postal Applications (UK):
Adults: £107 → £115.50
Children: £74 → £80
Premium 1-day Service (UK): £222 → £239.50
Additionally, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee will rise from £16 to £20, a 25% increase.
Applying for a UK Passport
You can apply online to renew, replace, or update your passport.
Online applications are cheaper by about £12.50 compared to paper forms and are generally faster.
In 2025, 99.7% of standard online applications were processed within 3 weeks.
If you prefer, you can submit a paper application via post, which takes longer, or get assistance at a Post Office, where staff can help with your digital photo and online application for an extra fee.
Even if your passport is burgundy or still shows “European Union” on the cover, it remains valid until expiry.
Key Takeaways
Passport fees are rising for the first time above £100 for online adult applications.
Both online and paper applications, domestic and overseas, will see increases.
ETA charges will also increase by 25%, reflecting rising administrative costs.
Online applications remain faster and slightly cheaper than postal submissions.
This change is part of the UK government’s regular fee updates, so applicants should plan ahead to avoid last-minute surprises.
