BBC Finance Expert Highlights Passport Cost Pitfalls After 2026 Price Increases
BBC Morning Live finance expert Laura Pomfret has issued a crucial warning to families about a significant financial mistake they could make when ordering new passports following the 2026 price rises. She emphasised that with passport fees now exceeding £100 for the first time, households need to be vigilant to avoid unnecessary expenses.
The Rising Cost of Passport Renewals
Laura Pomfret explained that passport renewals have become a substantial expense for many British families. "It is becoming a bigger and bigger expense to get a passport for you, for your loved ones, for your family," she stated. "And fees have just gone up. It is now over £100 to get a passport, but there are ways of avoiding paying more than you need."
The current pricing structure post-March 2026 increases includes:
- Standard online adult passport: £102
- Standard online child passport: £66.50
- Paper application for adults: £115.50
- Frequent traveller (54-page) online: £116
The £100 Intermediary Website Trap
One of the most costly mistakes identified by Pomfret involves intermediary websites that claim to help with passport applications. "Always go directly to the HM Passport Office," she advised. "There are these intermediary websites that might look official to help you fill out the application, but it's not the HM Passport Office. It's an intermediary, and you could pay up to £100 just for essentially helping with the passport."
This means families could effectively double their passport costs by using these unofficial services without realising they're not dealing with the official government portal.
Significant Savings Through Online Applications
Pomfret highlighted that the first major saving comes from choosing online applications over paper forms. "The first big saving is do it online, don't do it by post because that's £15 per passport," she explained. "That's an awful lot of money, and if you're a bit unsure about online, which not everyone is, especially with something traditional and formal like a passport. You could ask a friend, a trusted friend, to do it with you online."
For those uncomfortable with the online process, she recommended the Post Office Check and Send service, which adds £16 to the application fee but ensures proper completion. "You're paying £16 for this, but actually to get it done properly, it may be worth you deciding to use that service," she noted.
Additional Cost-Saving Measures
The BBC expert also revealed other ways families can reduce passport expenses:
- Take your own passport photos: "If you've not renewed your pass for a while, you may not know that you can take your photos yourself. You don't have to pay to go into a shop. You don't have to go to one of the passport booths," Pomfret explained. She advised using good lighting and a plain background, with the online system providing feedback on photo quality.
- Plan renewals strategically: With processing times typically taking up to 10 weeks for standard online applications, families should avoid last-minute renewals that might require expensive expedited services.
- Use the official GOV.UK site: This remains the most reliable method for obtaining the lowest prices and fastest processing times.
"All in all, I think it's worth having a look at if you need to get a new passport," Pomfret concluded. "Have a look at these different ways of saving money because it's worth it in the long run, especially if you're getting more than one."
With passport fees reaching unprecedented levels, Pomfret's advice provides essential guidance for families navigating the renewal process while managing household budgets effectively.
