Check the date on your passport because you could save money.
With the issue of blue passports still in the public domain, we’ve got some bad news because the travel document is going to get more expensive- regardless of the colour.
The price of a British passport is to rise by £12.50 from 27 March for those applying by post. Currently, an adult’s passport costs £72.50 regardless of how you apply for it but under new government plans, this would rise by 17% up to £85.
Prices for adult passports on the fast-track service will also rise from £103 to £142, and from £128 to £177 under the premium service.
The cost of online applications will also go up – but only by £3 to £75.50.
Children’s passport applications will also increase by £12.50 (27%) from £46 to £58.50 for anyone that’s under the age of 16 but they’ll be £49 online.
The Home Office said that: “These reforms are part of plans by the Home Office to invest £100m on border security and infrastructure next year” as they aim to “create a self-sustainable immigration and borders system”.
The proposed increased fees could mean the government makes an extra £50m in the next financial year.
If you’ve still got time left on your old passport, it will be transferred over to your new one up to a maximum of nine months. Take note if your passport runs out before 27 December though because if you get it renewed over the next eight weeks, it will be at the cheaper rate
All relevant information can be found here.
