Martin Lewis’ team at MoneySavingExpert (MSE) are calling on UK passport holders to ‘check theirs now’ before a significant change comes into effect on April 8, 2026. From next month, a new price rule means the cost of a standard UK passport will exceed £100 for the first time, with fees increasing by 8%, according to the Home Office.

For digital applications submitted by people aged 16 and above in the UK, the price will increase from £94.50 to £102. For children under 16, passports will now cost £66.50, up from £61.50.

Comparable percentage rises will also apply to postal applications and those lodged from overseas. These amendments require Parliamentary approval and are scheduled to commence on April 8. This follows fee rises of 7% in both of the previous two years and a 9% rise in 2023.

In a fresh warning on the MSE website, it stated: “Passport fees rising by up to £17.50, 8 April. Check NOW if yours is due for renewal, there’s still time to get the lower rate.” Just two weeks remain before the prices increase from today (March 25).

It continues: “The only site you’ll ever need to go to is the Gov.uk website. It has options for getting your first passport, renewing an old one or getting one for your child. You can apply online, which is the cheapest option, or by paper at the Post Office. Last year, over seven million Brits saved by applying online.”

For those whose passports are due to expire imminently, it may be prudent to renew now, ahead of the price rise. It’s essential to verify processing times before submitting your application. Should you require a passport urgently, further details about the Online Premium or one-week Fast Track services are available on Gov.uk, reports the Mirror.

Avoid booking travel until you possess a valid passport – your replacement passport will carry a different number to your previous one. When applying for a new passport online, you’ll require a debit or credit card. Applying online costs £12.50 less than submitting a postal application.

Addressing the price increase, the Home Office said in a statement: “The new fees will help the Home Office to continue to move towards a system that meets its costs through those who use it, 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.”