Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Passport fees set to increase from April

Premium Service (1-day) applications within the UK will rise from £207.50 to £222 for adults and from £176.50 to £189 for children.

uk passport

For overseas applicants, the fee for a standard online application will increase from £101 to £108 for adults and from £65.50 to £70 for children. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

THE COST of UK passports is set to rise from April, subject to parliamentary approval.

The fee for a standard online application within the UK will increase from £88.50 to £94.50 for adults and from £57.50 to £61.50 for children. Postal applications will go up from £100 to £107 for adults and from £69 to £74 for children.


Premium Service (1-day) applications within the UK will rise from £207.50 to £222 for adults and from £176.50 to £189 for children.

For overseas applicants, the fee for a standard online application will increase from £101 to £108 for adults and from £65.50 to £70 for children.

Standard paper applications from overseas will go up from £112.50 to £120.50 for adults and from £77 to £82.50 for children.

The Home Office said the changes will help cover processing costs and reduce reliance on general taxation. Fees contribute to passport application processing, consular support overseas, and border processing costs.

In 2024, 99.7 per cent of standard UK applications were processed within three weeks.

More For You

council tax

The rise for this year accounts for 29 per cent of the total council tax increase over the last four years.

iStock

Birmingham sees highest council tax increase in England

BIRMINGHAM residents will face the highest overall increase in council tax in England for the 2025/26 financial year, according to research by Go.Compare Home Insurance.

The city’s households will pay an additional £43.1 million in council tax this year, the largest rise among all local authorities.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rain Returns to the UK: What Today’s Unsettled Weather Means

Expect intermittent rainfall and breezy conditions

iStock

Unsettled UK weather today as rain returns after dry spell

The weather today across the UK is set to be changeable, marking a shift from the warm and dry conditions experienced in recent weeks. Forecasters are predicting a mix of sunshine, showers, and cooler temperatures as low-pressure systems move in from the west.

The Met Office says much of the country can expect intermittent rainfall and breezy conditions throughout the day, particularly in the west. Temperatures are expected to hover around the seasonal norm, between 14°C and 18°C.

Keep ReadingShow less
Historic Indian restaurant Veeraswamy on Regent Street  battles eviction

A file picture from November 11, 1980, of guests at Veeraswamy

Historic Indian restaurant Veeraswamy on Regent Street  battles eviction

ONE of Britain’s oldest Indian restaurants, Veeraswamy, is fighting to keep its central London location on Regent Street as its lease nears its end.

The Crown Estate, which owns Victory House where the Michelin-star restaurant has operated for nearly 100 years since April 1926, has decided not to renew the lease. They plan to carry out a complete refurbishment of the building.

Keep ReadingShow less
Pope Francis

Pope Francis will be remembered for his commitment

Getty

BAPS' Mahant Swami Maharaj offers condolences on the passing of Pope Francis

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj has offered condolences following the passing of Pope Francis, expressing solidarity with the Catholic community around the world.

In a letter addressed to members of the Roman Catholic Church, Mahant Swami Maharaj conveyed heartfelt prayers on behalf of the global BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu fellowship. The letter described the late pontiff as “a beacon of hope, compassion, and unity” and highlighted his efforts in promoting social justice, environmental stewardship, and interfaith harmony.

Keep ReadingShow less
modi vance

Modi and Vance also reviewed the progress made since Modi met president Donald Trump in Washington in February. (Photo: X/@narendramodi)

narendramodi

Modi, Vance say progress made on India-US trade talks

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi and US vice president JD Vance discussed the progress of trade talks between the two countries during a meeting in New Delhi on Monday, their offices said. The meeting comes as India seeks to avoid US tariffs and continue dialogue with the Trump administration.

Vance is in India on a four-day visit with his family. US officials said the visit is largely personal and includes a trip to the Taj Mahal and a speech in Jaipur.

Keep ReadingShow less