They replaced the burgundy passports that were in use during the UK’s membership of the bloc. In March 2020, two months after the UK left the EU, traditional blue passport covers returned for Britons for the first time in 30 years. In 2022, more than 95 per cent of standard applications were processed within 10 weeks, the Home Office said. The Home Office pointed out that more than five million people delayed their applications during lockdowns. The government was criticised for the delays in processing passports, with reports that some people had been waiting months for their documents. In early 2022, before the summer travel season began, the Home Office was hit by “unprecedented demand” for passports as many Britons prepared for their first foreign holidays since before the coronavirus crisis. The department said the proposals are subject to scrutiny by MPs. It will be the first price increase for passport applications in five years, the Home Office said. The price increase means Brits will have to pay £82.50 to get a new passport. “The new fees include those newly applying or renewing their passport.” The fee for getting a new passport and to renew a passport will increase by approximately 9 on Thursday (February 2). “The increase will also help enable the government to continue improving its services. “The fees will also contribute to the cost of processing passport applications, consular support overseas, including for lost or stolen passports, and the cost of processing British citizens at UK borders. “The government does not make any profit from the cost of passport applications. “The new fees will help the Home Office move towards a system that meets its costs through those who use it, reducing reliance on funding from general taxation,” the statement read. The changes were announced on the government’s website. Postal applications will increase from £85 to £93 for adults and from £58.50 to £64 for children. For children, the fee will be £53.50, instead of the current £49.
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