Holidaymakers have been issued a reminder by a popular UK airport ahead of the summer season. London Luton Airport took to social media platform X to share an urgent message for passengers travelling with teenagers, urging them to act now to prevent any issues at the airport.
Key Advice for Parents
The airport wrote: "Travelling with a teenager about to turn 16? If their passport needs renewing, apply for an adult passport to make sure they can travel." Officials directed people to the GOV.UK website, confirming that once a child turns 16, or is about to turn 16, they will need to apply for an adult passport.
Eligibility for First Adult Passport
You can apply for a first adult passport if all of the following apply:
- You are a British national
- You are aged 16 or over (or will be in 3 weeks)
- You have never had a UK passport before
The government adds: "You must also apply if your last UK passport was issued before January 1, 1994. You can use your child passport until it expires, even if you are over 18."
Application Costs and Options
If you are in the UK, you can apply for a passport online for £102, or with a paper form for £115.50. These prices are for a standard 34-page passport. If you require more pages, the cost will be higher. An adult passport is valid for 10 years.
The government introduced new fees for passport applications on April 8, 2026. Updated passport fees can be found on the official website.
How to Apply Online
To apply online, you will need:
- A digital photo of yourself (or a device that takes digital photos and someone to take your photo)
- Someone who can confirm your identity
- Supporting documents
- A credit or debit card
The cost is £102.
How to Apply with a Paper Form
To apply with a paper form, you will need:
- A filled-in application form
- 2 identical printed passport photos
- Someone who can confirm your identity (a countersignatory)
- Supporting documents
The cost is £115.50. Your new passport will be delivered by courier or recorded delivery. Your supporting documents will be sent separately from your passport, and the return method depends on the delivery option you select when completing your application.
