The Home Office increased their fees for most visa applications on 9 April 2025. The fees for British passports were increased on 10 April 2025. In this blog we shall explore the new costs, examine the Home Office’s reasoning, and consider whether these price hikes are justified or if they place an undue burden on individuals and families.
Upcoming increases to UK passport fees
Effective 10 April 2025, UK passport application fees increased, following parliamentary approval. The new costs are as follows:
- Adult online application: £94.50 (up from £88.50)
- Child online application: £61.50 (up from £57.50)
- Adult postal application: £107 (up from £100)
- Child postal application: £74 (up from £69)
- One-day premium service (adult): £222 (up from £207.50)
- One-day premium service (child): £189 (up from £176.50)
Notably, passports remain free for individuals born on or before 2 September 1929.
Why the Home Office is increasing the fees
According to the Home Office, the fee increases are part of a wider initiative to make the passport service self-sustaining, funded entirely by its users rather than the taxpayer. The Home Office maintains that it does not profit from these applications. The revenue generated is reportedly allocated to passport processing, border control, and consular support services for overseas incidents, including lost or stolen passports.
Outpacing inflation: is this justified?
While the objective of cost recovery is understandable, the scale and frequency of these increases raise concerns. The proposed 7% hike follows two recent rises – 9% in February 2023 and another 7% last year – bringing the cumulative increase to 25% over just two years. Evidently, this exceeds the rate of inflation and could place a disproportionate financial strain on lower-income applicants and larger families.
Who really benefits?
A portion of the fee supports processing at UK borders, which benefits frequent travellers more than occasional ones. Yet, all applicants pay the same. Additionally, funding for consular support services overseas, such as lost passport assistance, should, arguably, be covered by those directly affected or their travel insurance, rather than spread across all applicants.
Improved service, but at what cost?
It is true that passport processing has become more efficient – 99.7% of standard UK applications in 2024 were completed within three weeks. But improved turnaround times do not necessarily justify above-inflation price increases, especially without greater transparency on actual costs.
What this means for you
At Gherson, we recognise that changes in passport policy impact not just travellers, but individuals navigating complex immigration and citizenship matters. We advise you to seek expert advice if you are unsure about how these changes may affect your plans.
Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in offering comprehensive support for citizenship applications. If you need assistance with your passport, nationality application, or immigration status, our team is here to provide clear, professional guidance.
Updated: 15 April 2025
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The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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