A rise in the price of applying for a passport has just been confirmed by Tory MPs. Fees for a child’s passport are going up from £46 to £58.50 – a hike of 27%. For an adult passport they will rise from £72.50 to £85.
The new fees, which apply to postal applications only, will come into force on March 27. That suggests applicants can still beat the price rise – but only if they apply in the coming weeks.
You can also beat the hike by making an online application, for which the rise is less dramatic. Online prices will rise to £75.50 for adults or £49 for children under 16.
Labour tried to block the rises today after warning they would be another burden on struggling families. But they were passed anyway by 317 to 258 in a House of Commons vote.
Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott said: “This whopping increase will hit families badly and could see some families being forced to cancel their summer holiday plans as the costs become too high.”
Fees for “fast-track” applications will however rise steeply by £39 for adults to £142, while it will reach £122 for children under 16.
The new rules also introduce a top-level “premium collect service” that would cost travellers £177 (£151 for children).
People born before 2 September 1929 are usually either exempt from fees or pay a reduced rate.
Some diplomats, servicemen and women or people in a crisis overseas can also have their fees waived at officials’ discretion.
Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes said: “These proposals will ensure that those people who don’t travel abroad are not footing the bill for those who do.”
The hike is nothing to do with bringing back blue passports once we quit the European Union . It will cost £100million because it is grouped together with other changes.
In its first year the Home Office will make half that back, £50million, in higher application fees.
Source Credit: Mirror
