Martin Lewis' MSE issues 'apply now' warning for anyone planning a holiday

26 March 2024 , 10:26

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Martin Lewis' MSE has explained how passport prices are rising (Image: ITV)

Martin Lewis ’ MoneySavingExpert.com website has issued a passport warning to anyone planning a holiday.

The cost of online UK passport applications for adults will increase from £82.50 to £88.50 from April 11. Passports for children under 16 will rise from £53.50 to £57.50 if you’re applying online.

For paper applications, the cost of an adult passport will rise from £93 to £100, and the price of children will increase from £64 to £69. Fast-track services for adult passports will go up from £155 to £166.50 for adults, and from £126 to £135.50 for children. Passport fees rose by around 9% in February last year.

Martin Lewis’ MSE published an update this week ahead of the rise, and said if you have less than 10 months left on your current passport, it could be worth renewing now. A standard adult passport lasts for ten years.

The cheapest way to renew your passport is through GOV.UK or if you do want to use a paper application form, you can pick this up from most Post Office branches. You can also request one from the Government's passport advice line by calling 0300 222 0000 or by using its online form.

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Most passport applications are completed in three weeks, although the fastest your passport can be renewed with an urgent renewal is two days from the date of your application. Check out our rundown of the different services available and how to access them.

The Home Office said: “The new fees will help ensure that income from these applications better meets the cost of delivering passport and associated operations, reducing reliance on funding from general taxation. The Government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications.

“The fees 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.”

Levi Winchester