Need a new passport? Get your application in before April 2026 price hike

If you’re thinking about booking a holiday or you already have travel plans, it’s worth checking your passport sooner rather than later. That’s because passport fees are going up on 8 April 2026 and applying before then could save you money. It will now cost more than £100 to get an adult passport for the first time.  

The Home Office has announced that standard passport applications, premium services and overseas applications will all rise in price. The changes still need Parliament’s approval, but they’re expected to go ahead.  

What are the new passport prices from April 2026? 

Here’s how much you’ll pay from 8 April 2026 if the changes are approved: 

UK applications (online – the cheapest option) 

• Adult passport: £102 (up from £94.50) 

• Child passport: £66.50 (up from £61.50)  

UK applications (by post) 

• Adult passport: £115.50 (up from £107) 

• Child passport: £80 (up from £74) 

Premium (1‑day) service 

• Adult premium passport: £239.50 (up from £222)  

Applying from overseas (online) 

• Adult passport: £116.50 (up from £108) 

• Child passport: £75.50 (up from £70)  

Applying from overseas (paper form) 

• Adult passport: £130 (up from £120.50) 

• Child passport: £89 (up from £82.50)  

Why are passport fees going up? 

The Home Office says the higher fees will help cover the costs of: 

• Processing passport applications 

• Providing consular help abroad, including for lost or stolen passports 

• Border security for British citizens re‑entering the UK 

The government says it doesn’t make a profit from passport fees. 

How long does it take to get a passport? 

Most standard passport applications are processed in around three weeks, as long as no extra information is needed. 

However, processing times can be longer: 

• During spring and summer, when many people renew ahead of holidays 

• If the Passport Office asks for extra documents or details 

So, it’s a good idea to apply as early as possible and this year, it could even save you cash.  

What’s the cheapest way to get a passport? 

The cheapest way to get or renew your passport is to apply online through the official GOV.UK website. Online applications from the UK are almost £15 cheaper than postal ones.  

You’ll pay more if you: 

• Use a postal application 

• Apply overseas using a paper form 

• Need it urgently, via premium or fast‑track services 

Should I renew my passport now? 

If your passport runs out this year, it’s worth renewing now to avoid paying the new higher fees, especially if you’re planning to travel soon anyway. You don’t need to wait until your passport expires. Any remaining time isn't added to a new passport anymore, but renewing early could still save money before the fee rise.