Britons are expressing frustration and anger as the cost of British passports skyrockets once again, with fees rising by seven per cent, marking the second increase in just 14 months.

Effective immediately, adults seeking to renew their passports will now face a fee of £88.50, up from £82.50, while the cost for children under 16 has surged to £57.50, a £4 increase. The price for postal applications has also risen, with adults now paying £100 instead of £93, and children’s passports increasing to £69 from £64.

This latest spike comes after a nine per cent rise in passport fees last year, fuelling public discontent and leading to questions about the quality of service provided in return for the increased costs.

Guy Hobbs, a travel expert at Which?, remarked that customers would likely be taken aback by the sudden hike. These latest price rises may well reflect rising production or processing costs,” he said, “but the UK passport is now amongst the priciest in Europe.

Many Britons have voiced their dissatisfaction, highlighting concerns about diminishing passport quality. One individual, Ian, shared his disappointment with the BBC, stating, “The quality of these new passports is shocking.”

Consumer rights campaigner Martyn James echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for improvements in service quality alongside price increases. Just because a business or organization can raise prices doesn’t mean they should,” he emphasized.

Before the recent surge in passport fees, prices had remained unchanged for five years, further exacerbating the public’s frustration.

Responding to the outcry, the Home Office justified the fee hike, stating that the increased revenue from passport applications would help cover the costs of processing applications and providing consular support.

With the cost of passports continuing to rise, Britons are advised to plan ahead for their renewal needs and be aware of the associated expenses.

For those considering passport renewal, here’s what you need to know:

• Renewal Process: Passport renewal can be done online via HM Passport Office or through paper applications available at select Post Offices.
• Processing Time: Renewing a passport typically takes up to three weeks, although delays may occur during peak periods.
• Travel Requirements: Travellers should ensure their passports meet entry requirements, particularly when traveling to EU countries. Post-Brexit, passports must be issued less than 10 years before the departure date and be valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date.

As passport prices continue to climb, the issue remains a point of contention for British travellers, who are grappling with the increasing costs of international travel.