The cost of obtaining or renewing a British passport has increased quite substantially in recent years, with the latest hike in fees occurring in March 2021. This increase means that those living in the UK who apply for a standard adult passport will now have to pay £75.50, while those looking to renew their passport will be charged £85.
The hike in fees has understandably sparked outrage amongst many Britons, who are already struggling financially due to the ongoing pandemic. Many people feel that the government’s decision to increase passport fees is unfair, particularly given that there has been no real explanation as to why these costs have risen so dramatically.
One of the most frustrating aspects of this issue is that the rise in passport fees has come at a time when many people are keen to travel, after spending months in lockdown. With international travel finally starting to open up again, this new fee hike feels like a significant barrier for those wanting to explore the world.
Furthermore, the increased passport fee could have a potentially damaging impact on certain communities, such as students who wish to study abroad or older people who may be reliant on their passports to visit friends and family in other countries.
Some experts have suggested that there may be more to this story than just a simple increase in fees. For example, there have been concerns raised over the government’s decision to outsource passport production to a French company, Oberthur Fiduciaire. This decision has been criticised in some quarters, with opponents arguing that it will lead to a reduction in quality and may eventually damage the UK’s ability to create its own passports.
It’s worth noting that the cost of obtaining a passport isn’t simply limited to the application fee alone. In addition to the standard charges, there are other costs that need to be factored in, such as the required photos and documents, as well as any additional charges for expedited processing.
While the cost of a passport may seem like a small issue in the grand scheme of things, for many people it is yet another expense that they could do without. It’s also frustrating to see this increase occurring at a time when so many are already dealing with the economic fallout from the pandemic.
Overall, it’s fair to say that the rise in British passport fees has left many people feeling frustrated and upset. Given the lack of transparency around the reasons for this increase, it’s easy to see why some people may feel that they are being unfairly penalised. The cost of obtaining a passport is simply too high for many people to afford, which could have a negative impact on their ability to travel and explore the world. Ultimately, it’s up to the government to provide a clearer explanation for this increase and to consider its impact on those who can least afford it.