Oxfordshire mum complains as passport prices rise to over £100

Passport fees are set to increase tomorrow (Tuesday, April 7), with the cost of a standard online adult application rising to £102, marking the first time it will exceed £100.

Children’s passports will also increase to £66.50, alongside rises across postal and premium services.

The change has been slammed by Emily Kerr, Green Party city councillor for St Mary’s, who is a mother to young children.

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Passport prices are rising (stock photo). (Image: Pexels)

Criticising the price hike, the politician said: “The rising cost of living, from food to passport fees, is hammering families across the board.

“Our country is seeing almost Victorian levels of inequality – that’s why we need Green policies like a wealth tax and better local facilities so people can enjoy holidaying at home.

“I’m currently in Devon with my family, and we just went cycling on the car-free Tarka trail: I want to see more investment in nice local things like this for everyone to enjoy – it’s good for health, the local economy and the environment.”

Tom Vaughan, a travel insurance expert based at Confused.com, also commented on the price change, warning people could get caught out by the change.

“With prices of new passport applications rising above £100 for the first time, it’s more important than ever to check when your passport expires,” he said.

“If it’s due for renewal soon, it’s worth factoring in the higher costs now in your travel budget.

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Councillor Emily Kerr in Oxford. (Image: Newsquest)

“It’s also important to make sure your passport will be valid for any upcoming trips, as nothing ruins holiday excitement faster than realising too late that your passport isn’t valid.

“And it’s easier to get caught out than many people think.

“Our research shows that less than half (43 per cent) of holidaymakers are aware that passports for EU travel must be issued within 10 years of departure, which often leads to travellers being confused about when they need to apply for a new passport.

“Sorting an emergency passport will now cost £239.50, and that’s before you consider having to take time off work to travel to a passport office, which are often far away for last-minute appointments.

“For families, it can be even more challenging, as fast-track child passports can take up to a week to arrange, assuming you can get an appointment in time.

“Travel insurance won’t cover the cost of an emergency passport or any missed flights. So with fees increasing next month, it’s worth checking now if yours needs renewing before the new fees come into effect.

“Our passport checker can help you avoid a last-minute panic and ensure your holiday starts the way it should, stress-free.”