Several warnings have been issued to UK passport holders after news of changes were announced by the Home Office. Now, there is just one day to go before the price of applying for a British passport increases.
The increases apply to both adult and children's passports. The fee price rise will come into effect from Thursday, February 2, 2023 and applies for a standard online application submitted from within the UK. Charges go from £75.50 to £82.50 for adults and £49 to £53.50 for children. Postal applications also rise from £85 to £93 for adults and £58.50 to £64 for children.
It is the first time in five years the cost of applying for a passport has increased, according to the Home Office.
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The Government's webpage, announcing the proposals, said: "The new fees 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 Government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications. The fees will also contribute to the cost of processing passport applications, consular support overseas, including for lost or stolen passports, and the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders.
"The increase will also help enable the Government to continue improving its services." The proposed increases would be the first in five years, the Home Office said, adding they will be subjected to parliamentary scrutiny.
If you are applying for a new passport, don't expect to receive a new one referencing the King. It was confirmed passports will continue to be issued in the Queen’s name despite her death.
A spokesperson said: “Passports referencing the King will be issued once operational changes have been implemented.” The message on the first page reads: “Her Britannic Majesty’s Secretary of State requests and requires in the name of Her Majesty all those whom it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance, and to afford the bearer such assistance and protection as may be necessary."
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