It’s becoming a bit of a headache for UK travellers with these constant passport price hikes, right? Just when you think you’ve budgeted for your travel expenses, up pop these increases. From April 11, 2024, adults will see online application fees rise from £82.50 to £88.50, and for kids under 16, from £53.50 to £57.50. And if you’re filling out a paper form, it’s now £100 for adults, up from £93, and £69 for kids, up from £64.
The Home Office reasons that these increases help cover the operational costs of processing applications, support for lost or stolen passports, and managing UK borders. They insist there’s no profit being made from these fees, aiming instead to reduce the passport service’s reliance on general taxation. But for many, these explanations don’t quite take the sting out of the extra cost, especially considering it’s the second rise in as many years. It’s a growing frustration for many who feel that these regular increases, though framed as necessary for maintaining and improving services, add an unwelcome extra burden on the travel budget
