Getting your hands on a British passport will cost you 7% more from tomorrow.
The cost of the online application will jump up by £6 to £94.50.
Here, we’re going to look at how you can beat the hike…
Why is the price going up?
Over the past two years the cost of a UK passport application has risen more than 25%.
Where is all that money going?
The Home Office insists it makes no profits, and is focused on keeping the waiting time for a British passport at around three weeks.
“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 said when it announced the rise.
Part of the cost goes towards funding passport control and border officers, while some of the money supports “consular support overseas, including lost or stolen passports”, the government says.
Can I beat the cost increase if I’m quick?
If you put your application in to renew by 9 April (the end of today), you could save yourself six quid.
An Irish passport?
The Irish passport was recently named the most powerful in the world for perks and entry.
Because Ireland is in the EU, you skip long queues in EU countries.
You also don’t need to get yourself an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) every time you travel to the UK – the only country in the world that doesn’t have to. Read more about ETAs in the Money blog.
Finally, they’re more than £30 cheaper than the British ones at €75/£62.
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Who is eligible for an Irish passport other than Irish citizens?
The Department of Foreign Affairs explains: “If you or your parent were born on the island of Ireland before 2005, you are an Irish citizen. You can apply for an Irish passport without making an application for citizenship.”
From 2005 onwards, it depends:
You can check if you’re eligible for an Irish passport here.
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How does the price compare?
Before the rise, the UK passport was already among the most expensive in Europe, and it retains its spot with the increase.
Italy (£97), Denmark (£100) and Switzerland (£123) cost more, while Norway (£55) and Lithuania (£43) are considerably cheaper.
