UK and US Passport Fees: A Comprehensive Guide
Applying for a passport is an essential part of international travel. However, applicants must pay a fee to obtain a passport. The cost of a passport varies depending on the country, type of passport, and processing time. In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide to the UK and US passport fees.
UK Passport Fees
The fees for obtaining a UK passport will vary depending on several factors. Adult passports come in standard 34-page and jumbo 50-page options, and a child’s passport is available for those under the age of 16. The current UK passport fees are:
Standard adult 34-page passport: £75.50
Jumbo adult 50-page passport: £85.50
Child passport: £49.00
Applicants can also opt for a fast track or premium service for an additional fee, with prices starting from £177. The fast track service offers a one-week turnaround time, while the premium service offers a one-day turnaround time.
US Passport Fees
The US passport fees vary depending on the type of passport and processing time. An adult passport is available in a 10-year validity period, while a child passport has a five-year validity period. The current US passport fees are:
Standard adult passport: $145
Standard child passport: $115
Applicants can also opt for expedited processing for an additional fee, with prices starting from $60. Expedited processing offers a two to three-week turnaround time. Additionally, the US Department of State offers an Expedited at Agency service for those who need their passport within 72 hours, but this service comes at an additional fee of $60. This service is only available in select US cities.
Factors that Affect Passport Fees
Several factors determine passport fees, including:
Type of Passport: Different passport types, such as adult, child, first-time, and renewal, have different fees.
Validity Period: The number of years a passport can be used before it expires affects its fees.
Processing Time: The processing time required for the passport application to be processed and delivered also affects passport fees.
Service Type: Services such as fast track, same-day, or expedited services, also incur additional fees.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining a passport is an essential requirement for international travel, and the costs can vary significantly. The UK and US passport fees are reasonable and offer different types of processing services to suit applicants’ needs. The fees should be taken into account when planning international travel to avoid any delays in obtaining a passport. It is essential to check the fees and processing times before applying for a passport. Remember that passport fees are subject to change, so it’s always recommended to check the current fee structure with the relevant passport issuing authority.
Passport Fees Background
Passport fees are a necessary component of obtaining a passport. These fees are unavoidable and can easily cost an individual a sizable amount of money. A passport fee will vary depending upon the types of passport an individual must obtain and the service that he/she requires. He/she will not only pay a fee to obtain a passport, but also to renew it.
British Passport Fees
When a UK citizen needs to obtain a passport, he/she must pay British passport fees. UK passport fees vary, depending upon the type of passport an individual must acquire. For example, the UK passport fee for a standard adult passport is different than the fee necessary to obtain a jumbo adult passport or a standard child passport.
US Passport Fees
In order for an individual to obtain a United States passport, he/she will be required to pay US passport fees. People who apply for a US passport must pay both an application fee and an execution fee. These fees can be relatively expensive. An individual should keep in mind that additional services, such as expedited services and overnight shipping, will result in additional fees.
