Last summer, over one million UK travellers waited until the last minute to apply for, renew, replace, or amend their passports and as a result nearly missed out on their holiday. In order to help holidaymakers plan ahead, avoid disappointment and keep the costs to a minimum, Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) has put together a table highlighting the application processes and fees when renewing a UK passport. The research is available in the Know Before You Go section of the website, at www.aph.com/passportcosts.

The research compares the different options available for applying, renewing, replacing or amending an adult or child passport including cost, time needed to receive a new passport and application processes.

The cheapest option to apply for a new passport was found to be, unsurprisingly, through the post costing £72.50 for a Standard 32-page passport, £82.50 for Jumbo 48-page passport and £46.00 for a Child passport (aged under 16). With regards to applying for an adult’s first-time passport, this can usually take up to six weeks to process and usually includes a compulsory interview.

First time applicants are able to use the Post Office Check and Send service, which ensures the application has been filled out correctly, all supporting documents are included and the correct fee is paid. The research also found that the Check and Send service now costs an additional £8.75 per passport (adult and child), which has increased with postage costs from £6.85 since 2011.

To replace a lost passport, the fees are the same as applying for a new passport at a cost of £72.50 for an adult and £46 for a child, but with the additional option of £103 for an adult and £87 for a child to process through the Fast Track option.

If replacing a lost passport there are three different application options. Applying by post or online, an adult passport will cost £72.50 and a child’s is £46 and applicants should allow three weeks for arrival. For a quicker service, the Check and Send service takes two weeks and costs £81.25 for an adult passport and £54.75 for a child. Again, if a replacement passport is needed especially urgently, the Fast Track service is available which ensures applicants receive their passports within one week. The cost of this speedy option is £103, or £87.00 for children.

Finally, for applicants who simply wish to renew a soon-to-be expired, current passport or amend any details such as name, there is an additional Premium service available in addition to the usual services as outlined above. This service is next-day and costs £128 for a standard adult passport and £103 for a child’s passport. 

Applicants should also be wary of rogue websites that charge extra, unnecessary fees for passports. To apply for a new passport, or renew, extend, or replace a current passport, travellers should visit www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports.

For further information on Airport Parking and Hotels (APH),

visit www.aph.com or call 01342 859515.

-ENDS-

Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) is the UK’s award winning long stay airport parking operator and booking agency, after winning the Best Airport Parking Company for a third year running at British Travel Awards 2012. This year APH also celebrates its 33rd year as a retailer and operator of pre-booked airport parking and travel extras. APH offers parking at all major UK airports as well as airport hotels packaged with parking and airport lounges. APH is also a carbon balanced company and has, through support of the World Land Trust, helped purchase more than 1,000 acres of endangered rainforest.

Media Enquiries
Sarah Salord / Jessica Meins / McCluskey International / 020 8747 2170 / aph@mccluskey.co.uk