UK passport 2026: renewal fees, processing times, and travel rules

Whether you’re renewing your passport for the first time in ten years or applying for a child’s first passport, understanding the current costs, processing times, and travel requirements can prevent last-minute stress. The passport system has changed in recent years, particularly with the introduction of online applications, and knowing what options are available saves money and time.

Passport fees in 2026

Applying online costs significantly less than using a paper form. For an adult standard 34-page passport, online renewal costs £102, while a paper application costs £115.50—a saving of £13.50. If you travel frequently, the 54-page frequent traveller passport costs £116 online or £129.50 by paper.

Children under 16 have lower fees. A child’s standard 34-page passport costs £66.50 online or £80 by paper. The 54-page frequent traveller variant for children costs £80.50 online or £94 by paper. Those born on or before 2 September 1929 are eligible for free passports, though this discount does not apply to urgent processing services.

Online applications are the default recommendation because they are cheaper, faster, and more convenient. You cannot get a refund if you cancel your application or discover you’re not entitled to a passport, so check eligibility carefully before paying.

Renewing online versus paper applications

Online passport renewal is available for adults aged 16 and over (or turning 16 within three weeks). The process is streamlined: you upload your application with a digital photo and supporting documents, and your new passport is sent to you by courier or Royal Mail. You can track your application using a reference number throughout the process.

Paper applications are available but slower and more expensive. You collect a form from a Post Office, complete it by hand, and submit it with supporting documents. The Post Office then sends it to HM Passport Office on your behalf.

Processing times vary depending on demand and backlog at the time you apply. You should check the current processing times on the gov.uk website before applying, as they are not fixed and can range from several weeks to several months during peak periods. Before booking any travel, ensure you apply in time to receive your passport before your departure date—applying late puts you at risk of needing urgent services.

Getting a passport for a child

A child passport is valid for five years, compared to ten years for an adult passport. Someone with parental responsibility must apply, and both parents’ details must be provided unless there is a documented reason one parent’s details cannot be included (such as being the sole parent on the birth certificate).

Child passports follow the same online or paper application process as adult renewals, with the same fees. The child does not need to be present for the online application, though their photo is required. If applying by paper, you must arrange to visit a Post Office with the child.

Do not book travel for your child until you have their valid passport in hand. Processing times are the same as for adults, so allow adequate time before travel.

Photo requirements and what not to do

Your passport photo is important; photos that don’t meet the requirements will be rejected and your application delayed. Your photo must show your face forward, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression and mouth closed. Your eyes must be open and visible, with no hair covering them. No head coverings are permitted except for genuine religious or medical reasons.

The photo must be taken within the past month. It requires a plain light-coloured background with clear contrast to your face. Include your head, shoulders, and upper body without cropping the image yourself. Do not wear glasses (unless medically necessary), and sunglasses and tinted lenses are not acceptable. Avoid red eye, and ensure no shadows fall on your face or background. No other people or objects should appear in the frame.

For digital photos, the file must be at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall, between 50KB and 10MB in size, in colour, and unaltered by software. Children under six have relaxed requirements—they need not look at the camera or maintain a neutral expression, and infants under one need not have their eyes open, though any supporting hand must remain hidden from the photo.

Urgent passport services: when you need one quickly

If you need a passport before standard processing times allow, two urgent services are available. The 1 Day Premium service costs £239.50 for an adult standard passport (£253.50 for a 54-page frequent traveller variant). The earliest appointment available is two days after you apply, and you collect your new passport just four hours after your appointment. This service is restricted to adult passport renewals only.

The 1 Week Fast Track service is more flexible. It costs £192 for an adult standard passport (£206 for the 54-page frequent traveller version) and £156.50 for a child standard passport (£170.50 for the 54-page version). Appointments are available the next day after applying, with courier delivery of your new passport one week later. This service covers passport renewals, personal detail changes, replacements for lost or stolen passports, and child passports, making it more versatile than Premium.

Both urgent services require a digital photo and payment by card, and you can book appointments up to three weeks in advance; each appointment takes about 10 minutes.

EU and European travel rules for your passport

If you’re planning to travel to Europe (Schengen area countries including France, Germany, Spain, and others), your passport must meet two specific requirements. First, its date of issue must be less than 10 years before your arrival date. This mainly catches people who renewed early and so have a passport with extra months carried over from their previous one, pushing the issue date further back than expected; check your issue date if your passport was renewed before October 2018. Second, your passport must have an expiry date at least three months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen area.

These rules apply strictly: a passport that isn’t yet expired can still be refused if it lacks three months’ validity from your departure date. Check both dates before booking travel to Europe and renew if necessary, as airline or border staff will refuse entry otherwise.

Dual citizenship and returning to the UK

British dual nationals can hold citizenship of the UK and another country simultaneously. When returning to the UK from abroad, dual nationals can enter using either a valid UK passport or an Irish passport (if Irish) or a certificate of entitlement. However, there is one critical rule: British citizens cannot enter the UK without using a valid UK or Irish passport, even if they hold another nationality’s passport. Attempting to enter on a non-UK passport alone is not permitted.

Dual nationals cannot obtain a UK electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for travel to other countries. If you are a dual national planning to travel abroad, check the specific entry requirements of your destination country and whether an ETA or visa is required.

Key points

• Adult online passport renewal: £102; paper: £115.50
• Child online passport: £66.50; paper: £80
• 54-page frequent traveller variant costs £14–£15.50 more
• Check processing times before applying; they vary by demand
• Online renewal is faster and cheaper than paper
• Passport photos must have plain light background, neutral expression, eyes visible, no glasses or head coverings
• EU travel requires passport issued within 10 years and 3 months validity remaining after departure
• Urgent services: 1-day Premium (£239.50 adult, £253.50 54-page, adult renewals only) or 1-week Fast Track (£156.50–£206 depending on passport type and page count, more flexible)
• British dual nationals must enter the UK using a valid UK or Irish passport, not another nationality

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