Holidaymakers have been warned that they have only a few days left before changes are made to the passport application system. From February 2, the Home Office is introducing increased fees for applying and renewing passports.
Under the changes, passport application fees will rise in the UK from £75.50 to £82.50 for adults and from £49 to £53.50. Meanwhile postal applications will rise from £85 to £93 for adults and from £58.50 to £64 for children, Nottinghamshire Live reports.
Fees will also increase for online application for overseas applicants from £86 to £94 for adults and from £56 to £61 for children. Overseas standard paper applications will increase from £95.50 to £104.50 for adults and from £65.50 to £71.50 for children.
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The Home Office said: “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 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.”
It is the first time in five years that the cost of applying for a passport has increased, the Home Office said. It comes as it was confirmed passports will continue to be issued in the Queen’s name despite her death.
A spokesman said: “Passports referencing the King will be issued once operational changes have been implemented.” The famous message on the first page said: “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."
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