Two day warning until major UK passport rule change that'll cost Brits

31 January 2023 , 09:53

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Passport applications are about to become more expensive (Image: Ben Stansall/AFP via Getty Images)

Brits have just over a day to apply for a new passport before a new, more expensive system comes into force.

From February 2, the Home Office bosses will introduce new passport fees for all applications.

The fee for a standard online application submitted from within the UK will rise from £75.50 to £82.50 for adults and £49 to £53.50 for children.

Postal applications will also rise from £85 to £93 for adults and £58.50 to £64 for children.

Those hoping to avoid the fees, particularly families with multiple passports which need renewing at once, still have time to get in under the net.

8 money changes coming in February including Universal Credit and passport fees

It may be time to trade in your old maroon passport for a blue one (Getty Images)

Applying for travel documents also means you will have a new blue passport which can be used on e-gates, potentially speeding up the airport process.

"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 writes on its website.

"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, a spokesperson for the Home Office said.

It comes as it was confirmed passports will continue to be issued in the Queen’s name despite her death.

The spokesperson continued: “Passports referencing the King will be issued once operational changes have been implemented.”

The famous message on the first page read: “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."

If your passport is nearing the end of its life, make sure you check how many months or years it has left before expiration.

Passport warning as prices to increase from today if you want to get a new one

Since the UK left the EU rules around a passport's validity when it comes to entry into EU countries has changed.

Now you must have three months left on your passport before expiration on the day that you plan to leave the EU nation.

To be allowed in, the passport issue date must be less than 10 years before day of arrival in the EU.

Milo Boyd