As of February 2023, it will become that little bit more expensive to apply for a British passport - the Tory Government have confirmed.
Chiefs are set to introduce new passport fees for all applications as of February 2, affecting all who are both newly applying or renewing their passports.
As it currently stands, a standard online application made from within the UK will set an adult back £75.50 and a child £49, but both numbers are set to rise. As of February 2, adults will be charged £82.50 and children will be charged £53.50 respectively.
Read more: Little-known passport rule which could stop travellers from visiting European countries
The Mirror reports that postal applications on the other hand will increase from £85 to £93 for adults and £58.50 to £64 for children.
The Government's webpage announcing the proposals 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, adding that the proposals are subject to parliamentary scrutiny. It was also previously reported how passports will continue to be issued in the Queen’s name despite her death.
Travel documents being distributed months after the late monarch’s death will last up to 10 years. It means passports could be the last documents to officially carry the authority of the last monarch.
Those issued now will be valid up to 2031 when King Charles will be 84.
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…”
But work has already started to change money and stamps. Coins featuring King Charles’s image are in production by the Royal Mint and images of new notes are expected from the Bank of England by the end of the year.
Read next:
- North Shields couple's heartbreak as beloved boat written off after 'marina lock breaks'
Heartbroken mam's tribute to 'loving' North Shields son who died weeks after cancer diagnosis
Tributes pour in for a 'legend' of Newcastle pubs and bars after he died aged 60
People with these surnames in the North East could inherit a fortune
Meet the Sunderland YouTuber who camps in the strangest places imaginable and has 30k subscribers
