New British passport fees and EU visas are coming, here's what you need to know

Brits will be hit by a couple of extra fees this year if they want to travel to Europe as the cost of a passport application goes up and travel permits for the EU are introduced.

The cost of applying for a new British passport will go up next month with the government stating that the new fees will take effect from February 2. In another blow to travellers, the introduction of EU visas means UK nationals will have to pay to enter 30 European nations later this year.

Passports fees

The Government announced that new passport fees will affect those newly applying for or renewing their passport.

The changes in fees for a standard online application will increase from £75.50 to £82.50 for adults and £49 to £53.50 for children. Postal applications will also go up from £85 to £93 for adults and £58.50 to £64 for children.

The Government’s web page states, as per The Independent:

The new fees will help the Home Office move towards a system that meets its costs through those who use it, reducing reliance on funding from general taxation.

The Government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications.

The fees will also contribute to the cost of processing passport applications, consular support overseas, including for lost or stolen passports, and the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders.

EU visa

People travelling from the UK will also soon have to pay for a new electronic travel permit that has been introduced to enhance the security and enforce the borders of the Schengen zone. The visa waiver will cost 7 euros to complete and is expected to be valid for three years allowing unlimited entries into the EU.

To obtain the travel permit, travellers will need to complete the online application form to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). The process is not expected to take longer than 10 minutes to complete.

You will only need your passport or equivalent travel document and your payment card to make the application. Afterwards, you will receive a confirmation email with a unique ETIAS application number and then a follow-up email informing you of its outcome, as per the Liverpool Echo.

Sources used:

- The Independent 'New passport fees for all applications from next month'

- Liverpool Echo 'UK travellers will have to pay to enter Europe from end of 2023'