UK passport fees up 3% for expats

THE COST of replacing or renewing a British passport while abroad is set to rise by 2.9% from April 6, the UK Foreign Office has confirmed.

While the cost of a standard adult passport issued in the UK remains stable at £77.50, getting one issued overseas will now cost £128.

An emergency passport to cover short-notice travel until the full document is issued will cost £71. Other consular fees will also rise by 2.9%, the current rate of inflation in the UK.

Foreign Office minister Chris Bryant said in a written ministerial answer this week: "It is right that those who benefit from consular services should meet the cost of them, rather than the UK taxpayer.

"The new fees represent the full economic cost of what we do, and will ensure that British missions continue to provide a high standard of service to consular customers."

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office website has more advice on what to do if you lose your passport while living abroad.

Should expats pay more for consular services? Email us on contact@connexionfrance.com

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