What is the new fee for a British passport?

As of 10 April 2025, the fee for a standard online British passport application has increased to £94.50 for adults (34-page) and £61.50 for children. Paper applications are more expensive, costing £107 for adults and £74 for children.

What are the new rules for British passport?

What are the new rules? Under the new travel rules, British dual citizens will have to show a British or Irish passport in order to enter the UK. If they want to use the passport of the country where they hold dual citizenship, they'll have to present it alongside a certificate of entitlement.

Are UK passports free for pensioners?

Who is eligible? You can get or renew a British passport for free if you are a British national born on, or before, 2nd September 1929. Learn more about how to pay and the application process on the GOV.UK website.

How much is a UK passport renewal for an adult?

It costs £94.50 to renew or replace your passport if you apply online or £107 if you fill in a paper form. You must be aged 16 or over (or turning 16 in the next 3 weeks) to get an adult passport.

Do I need a new photo to renew my passport?

You must get a new photo when you get a new passport, even if your appearance has not changed. Your photo must have been taken in the last month. Your application will be delayed if your photos do not meet the rules. You can get help with your passport photos if you're disabled.

British Passport Application 2026 | New Rules, Fees & Processing Time

What is the current wait time for a UK passport renewal?

For a standard UK passport renewal, the official guideline is up to 3 weeks, but it's wise to allow at least 6-8 weeks, as processing starts when documents are received, and it can take longer if there are issues or during busy periods, with options for faster services (like Fast Track or Premium) available at extra cost.

What should I wear for my passport photo?

Choose dark, solid colors

Since a passport photo must have a white or off-white background, avoid light-colored clothing. I suggest you wear a darker top, such as a plain black T-shirt. Navy blue, burgundy and darker shades of green or purple are also acceptable and flattering options.

Do Brits have to return their old passports when renewing their passports?

We must physically cancel a customer's old passport (for example, the passport they are renewing or replacing) when: we issue them with a new passport and complete the application. they collect their new passport from an international Local Service office.

What are the changes in the passport 2025?

For 2025, key passport requirements involve the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) starting October 12, requiring digital entry for many, replacing stamps, plus the upcoming ETIAS visa-waiver for UK citizens to the EU by 2026, while US domestic travel requires REAL ID by May 2025; always check your passport's issue/expiry date (often needing 3 months validity past travel) and country-specific rules for minors or unique travel purposes. 

What are the changes to the British passport in 2025?

From December 2025, British passports will start to feature His Majesty King Charles III's Coat of Arms and new images of iconic UK landscapes. The new design includes world-leading security features - making our passports more secure than ever.

Why is renewing a passport so expensive?

Price increases over recent years have been driven mainly by a number of service changes and other factors including: the introduction of ePassports; authentication by interview for first time passport applicants; secure delivery; a number of anti-fraud initiatives; and forecast demand.

How long are passports taking in May 2025?

According to His Majesty's Passport Office, passport processing time in 2025 currently averages three weeks for online applications and ten weeks for paper applications via post when you are applying from the UK. These timelines begin from when the passport office receives your documents.

Do I need photos for my passport?

Supply 2 passport photographs. Confirm with your nearest Home Affairs office if they're using the new biometric system. If so, then you don't need to bring your own photographs. Pay the fee of R600.

How early should you renew your passport?

Most people think that it's ok to renew their passport a couple of months before they leave for vacation. During normal processing times, your passport can usually be processed within eight weeks. At least, that's without any potential glitches or mistakes.

Do pensioners get a free passport?

Free passports for British Citizens born on or before 2nd September 1929. A scheme was introduced in 2004 to provide free passports for British citizens then aged 75 or over “in grateful commemoration for their wartime efforts”. The scheme is aimed at those who were 16 or older at the end of the war.

What disqualifies you from getting a passport?

You can be stopped from getting a passport due to unresolved legal issues (like warrants or child support arrears), identity problems (unproven citizenship/identity, fraud suspicions), significant debt (U.S.), or if you're a minor with parental disputes, with common reasons including incomplete applications, failure to prove identity, or security concerns. 

Do pensioners get a discount on passports?

If you're 75 or over you can apply for a senior's passport, which is valid for 5 years and has a lower fee. A child is defined as a person under 18 years of age who has never married. For children aged 15 and under passports are valid for 5 years. Those aged 16 and 17 are issued with 10-year passports.

Can I smile in my passport photo?

Pose and Expression

Use a neutral facial expression or natural smile. Avoid showing teeth. Look directly at the camera with your eyes open. Make sure that your eyes are not obstructed or covered by your hair.

Who can confirm your identity for a passport?

To confirm identity for a passport (in the UK context), you need a person of good standing in a recognized profession or a current passport holder who has known you personally for at least two years and isn't a relative or housemate, such as an accountant, police officer, dentist, teacher, or a current UK/Irish/EU/US/Commonwealth passport holder. They receive an email from HM Passport Office and verify details online by confirming they know you, checking your photo, and providing their own passport details.