UK passport prices are compared to those of Europe and the US.

The price of obtaining a UK passport has recently increased for the second time in the span of 14 months. As of today, the cost for adults applying online is £88.50, compared to the previous price of £82.50. The price for children has also risen, now at £57.50 instead of the previous £53.50. But it's not just online applications that are seeing a price hike. The cost of a standard passport through postal application has also gone up by £7 for adults, now at £100, and £5 for children, now at £69.

It's worth noting that the cost is even higher for those applying for their passport while abroad. The last price increase was implemented in February 2023, marking the first increase in five years, resulting in a 9% jump in prices. The government has clarified that they do not make a profit from passport applications, and the recent increase only represents a 7% rise.

For those whose passports are set to expire before December 17 for adults and August 14 for children, it's advisable to renew before Thursday to avoid the price increase. The Home Office's Passport Office has explained that the new fees are necessary to better cover the costs of delivering passports and associated operations, reducing reliance on general taxation funding. They have also reiterated that the government does not profit from passport applications.

With two price hikes happening in quick succession, one may wonder how the cost of a UK passport compares to other countries. While it may not be the most expensive in Europe, it still ranks high on the list. Switzerland holds the top spot with an adult passport costing a hefty £122, followed by Denmark at £103, which is the same price as a US passport. Italy comes in third at £99.50, with the UK following closely at £88.50. Other countries such as Norway and Lithuania have significantly lower passport costs at £55 and £43, respectively. It's also worth noting that while most countries issue 10-year passports, some, like Finland and Sweden, only offer five-year documents.

In some countries, there are discounts available for certain groups, such as pensioners, those with registered disabilities, and war veterans. Last month, it was brought to light that many British travelers with "remainer passports" were being caught out by a little-known 10-year rule. Before the UK left the EU, passport holders could transfer up to nine months from an old passport to a new one, even on 10-year passports. However, EU nations do not accept passports over 10 years old, which many people only realize when it's too late. More information on this rule can be found here.

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