British holidaymakers are being warned they could pay more than they need to when applying for a new passport. A simple mistake in choosing how to apply could cost you £12.50 extra – and thousands of people are making this mistake every year.
With passport fees having gone up in April, it’s now more important than ever to understand the cheapest way to apply and how to avoid unnecessary charges.
Two Ways to Apply for a Passport – One Costs More
There are two main ways to apply for a UK passport:
- Online application
- Paper application via the Post Office
While both methods are valid, the paper application costs more. Choosing to apply by paper form will add an extra £12.50 charge to your application fee.
According to MoneySavingExpert, over 360,000 people paid this extra cost last year just by not applying online.
Updated Passport Fees (as of April 2024)
Here are the latest UK passport fees, broken down by age and method:
Standard 34-page passport (Online Application)
- Adults (16 and over): £94.50
- Children: £61.50
Standard 34-page passport (Paper Application)
- Adults: £107
- Children: £74
Large 54-page passport (Online Application)
- Adults: £107.50
- Children: £74.50
Large 54-page passport (Paper Application)
- Adults: £120
- Children: £87
As you can see, applying by paper form always adds £12.50, no matter the type or size of passport.
Urgent Applications Cost Even More
If you need your passport quickly, you might consider the One Day Premium Service – but be prepared for higher fees.
- Adults: £222
- Children: £189
This service is helpful for urgent travel, but it comes at a high price. Make sure you check if you really need this fast option before booking it.
Applying from Outside the UK? You’ll Pay More
UK citizens living abroad also face higher costs when applying for passports:
Online Applications (from overseas)
- Adults: £108
- Children: £70
Paper Applications (from overseas)
- Adults: £120.50
- Children: £82.50
Again, applying online saves you £12.50 compared to paper forms, even if you’re abroad.
Why Are Passport Fees Rising?
The government says the higher passport fees are being used to cover:
- Passport processing costs
- Support for British citizens abroad (including lost or stolen passport help)
- Security and processing at UK borders
So while the price rise might seem steep, the aim is to improve passport services both in the UK and overseas.
Apply Early to Avoid Travel Issues
The best way to avoid last-minute stress is to apply well before your travel date. In 2024, 99.7% of UK standard passport applications were processed within three weeks – as long as no further documents were needed.
Avoid delays and extra costs by:
- Applying online
- Starting the process at least a month before your trip
- Double-checking all information before submitting
Applying for a passport online is the smartest and cheapest option. Avoid the extra £12.50 charge by skipping the paper form and applying digitally. With prices going up and more people travelling, it’s important to apply early and save where you can. Stay informed and save money with just a few simple steps.
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to apply for a UK passport?
The cheapest way to apply is online. Paper applications cost £12.50 more than online ones.
How much does a UK passport cost in 2024?
A standard adult passport costs £94.50 online and £107 by paper. For children, it’s £61.50 online and £74 by paper.
Why is there an extra charge for paper passport applications?
The £12.50 charge covers the extra cost of processing paper applications compared to online ones.
How long does it take to get a passport in 2024?
Most standard UK applications are processed within three weeks, as long as no extra documents are needed.
Is the One Day Premium passport service worth it?
It’s only worth it if you need your passport urgently. It costs £222 for adults and £189 for children.
