Latest news with #passport
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Will British holidaymakers have to pay more than £120 for a passport? Officials say the cost of renewing travel documents should RISE
British holidaymakers could see a major rise in the cost of renewing their passports under plans put forward by government officials. The National Audit Office says that the current £94.50 cost of a new travel document should increase because the Passport Office is losing so much money. The department, which has been credited with reversing a huge backlog of delays in issuing new passports, has racked up a deficit of almost a billion pounds over the past five years, including £223million last year alone. The NAO argued that without increasing the one-off payment made every 10 years taxpayers more generally would have to cover the shortfall. It did not give a figure for the rise but the Telegraph suggested it would have to rise £32 to £126.50 to recoup the lost money. A Home Office spokesperson said there were no 'immediate plans' to increase fees and any changes would almost certainly not come into effect this year. But it would be an additional financial burden for Britons at a time when the cost of living remains high. Gareth Davies, head of the National Audit Office said: 'Government bodies provide important services for the public and businesses, including issuing passports and driving licences, and filing company information. 'But many are not consistently recovering their costs - posing risks to the financial resilience of these services and fairness between users. 'HM Treasury should strengthen how it oversees cost recovery processes and provide more comprehensive guidance to charging bodies.' The cost of renewing passports has already risen significantly in recent years. The department drastically hiked prices for adult passports in February 2023 - from £75.50 to £82.50. Fees then rose again by 7 per cent last year - before an inflation-busting increase of 6.7 per cent in April to the current level for digital renewals. Renewing an adult passport using a paper form already costs £107, while fast track services will get you your passport in a week for £178 or a day for £222. The Home Office previously said the new fees were necessary to ensure the cost of passport operations is met without relying on taxpayer funding. It added that fees help cover passport processing, consular services for lost or stolen passports, and border operations. Nearly seven million new passports were issued last year. Adult passports are valid for ten years, while passports for children are valid for just five. The call for higher passport renewal fees came in a wider report by the National Audit Office into government services. A total £340million shortfall was found across all the services looked at - including UK Visas and Immigration, the Court and Tribunals Service and the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency. The National Audit Office's report concluded: 'Many government departments rely on charging fees to recover the costs of providing services to people and businesses. 'But none of the services we looked at recovered costs consistently, and the charges for the services may not accurately reflect the costs.' 'The government is missing opportunities to deliver efficiencies and share good practice,' it added. 'This poses risks to the financial resilience of public services, the costs of which are likely to be borne by future fee payers.'
Telegraph
6 hours ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Passport Office urged to raise £95 renewal fee to plug black hole
Ministers have been urged to increase the £95 passport renewal fee in a blow for millions of Britons. The National Audit Office (NAO) said the Passport Office should increase its fees to address a growing black hole in the department's annual budget. The Passport Office had a budget shortfall of £223m last year and a total deficit of £916m over the last five years. The gap is currently covered through taxpayer funds but the NAO said fees should instead be increased to fill the black hole. Higher charges would hit millions of people who renew their passport each year. There were 6.97m passports issued to Britons last year. An adult passport is valid for 10 years while a children's passport is valid for five. The NAO, which scrutinises public spending, said the Passport Office, which is overseen by Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, should raise the cost of services in a 'reasonable time'. It did not give a figure for how much fees should rise by. If it were to have filled its £223m black hole last year, it would have had to charge each applicant roughly £32 more based on the number of requests received. The NAO declined to comment on the estimate. Adults must currently pay £94.50 for a new passport, while a one-day renewal costs £222. The recommendation comes after it emerged that Brussels was considering making it more expensive for Britons to visit the EU. A €7 fee set to come into force could be raised to help the bloc cover its Covid debts, diplomatic sources have revealed. The cost of getting a passport has already risen significantly in recent year. In February 2023, the fee for an adult passport was raised for the first time in five years by 9pc, from £75.50 to £82.50. It rose again by 7pc in 2024 before an inflation-busting increase of 6.7pc in April. While high, Britain's fees are not unusual in Europe and the West. An adult passport costs €86 (£73) in France, €101 in Germany and $130 in the US. The NAO argued that the long gaps between renewing a passport meant it was fairer to charge the full cost of the service upfront, rather than running a deficit and asking central government to cover it. It said: 'Persistent deficits lead to large cumulative losses which are difficult to recover and risk creating high fees for service users in later years. 'This can create generational unfairness where services are used only periodically, such as adult passport renewals which happen every 10 years.' The call for even higher fees came in a report by the NAO into government services, including UK Visas and Immigration, the Court & Tribunals Service and the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency. Gareth Davies, the head of the NAO, warned that some government services 'are not consistently recovering their costs – posing risks to the financial resilience of these services and fairness between users'. The NAO found a budget shortfall of £340m across all services it looked at, with the Passport Office accounting for the lion's share. The official audit watchdog said the department had made 'significant operational improvements' over the last few years but warned that it had not covered its costs since the 2017/18 financial year. Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, said: 'Cost recovery is an important mechanism to reduce the tax burden, but imbalances between fees and costs are creating risks for the resilience of public services, falling unfairly on the taxpayer to pay these differences.' 'Correct charging requires accurate data on costs and users, but the system is being hampered by a lack of monitoring and reporting from some departments, the time consuming legislative process to change fees and limited checks from HM Treasury. Better guidance and a more consistent approach on setting and amending fees and charges is also needed across government.' A Home Office spokesman said there were 'no current plans to increase passport fees.'
Daily Mail
11 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Passport prices could rise AGAIN in another blow for British holidaymakers
The cost of a new passport could rise by a whopping £32 in the latest blow for millions of British holidaymakers. Ministers have been urged to increase the current £95 renewal fee to address a growing black hole in the Passport Office's budget. The department recorded a budget shortfall of £223million last year and a £916million deficit over the past five years. The National Audit Office, which scrutinises public spending, has recommended that the Passport Office increase the cost of its services to address the issue. It did not, however, give a figure for how much the passport renewal fees should increase by. According to The Telegraph, the Passport Office, would need to charge each applicant £32 more to overcome last year's shortfall. The cost of renewing passports has already risen significantly in recent years. The department drastically hiked prices for adult passports in February 2023 - from £75.50 to £82.50. Fees then rose again by 7 per cent last year - before an inflation busting increase of 6.7 per cent in April. The Home Office previously said the new fees were necessary to ensure the cost of passport operations is met without relying on taxpayer funding. It added that fees help cover passport processing, consular services for lost or stolen passports, and border operations. Adults must currently pay £94.50 for a new passport, while a one-day renewal costs £222. Nearly seven million new passports were issued last year. Adult passports are valid for ten years, while passports for children are valid for just five. A Home Office spokesperson said there were no 'immediate plans' to increase fees. Meanwhile, the National Audit Office declined to comment on the estimated price hike. The call for higher passport renewal fees came in a wider report by the National Audit Office into government services. A total £340million shortfall was found across all the services looked at - including UK Visas and Immigration, the Court and Tribunals Service and the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency. The National Audit Office's report concluded: 'Many government departments rely on charging fees to recover the costs of providing services to people and businesses. 'But none of the services we looked at recovered costs consistently, and the charges for the services may not accurately reflect the costs.' 'The government is missing opportunities to deliver efficiencies and share good practice,' it added. 'This poses risks to the financial resilience of public services, the costs of which are likely to be borne by future fee payers.' Gareth Davies, head of the National Audit Office said: 'Government bodies provide important services for the public and businesses, including issuing passports and driving licences, and filing company information. 'But many are not consistently recovering their costs - posing risks to the financial resilience of these services and fairness between users. 'HM Treasury should strengthen how it oversees cost recovery processes and provide more comprehensive guidance to charging bodies.'
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Travel + Leisure
a day ago
- Travel + Leisure
The 1 Place You Should Never Put Your Passport—and the Foolproof Way to Always Keep It Safe
International travelers are no longer the only ones using their passports at the airport. With new ID requirements now in place, plenty of domestic travelers are using their passports in lieu of a Real ID. That means it's more important than ever to keep your passport safe—and there's one passport mistake you probably don't know you're making. When you pack your passport in your carry-on luggage, you're seemingly tucking the document away where you can't lose it. In reality, this is a big mistake that can cause major headaches. When traveling internationally, it's essential to keep your passport on you at all times. If you pack your passport in your carry-on and later need to gate-check your bag, you won't be able to retrieve your passport before you reach immigration. This could result in being denied entry to your destination. If you have to gate-check your bag, you'll be separated from your passport at immigration. Thieves may target travelers with suitcases, even stealing carry-ons in the airport and nearby areas. Fellow passengers can steal your passport from the plane's overhead compartment. Plus, many travelers report experiencing theft upon landing at their destination. Whether it's at baggage claim or while heading to your hotel, someone can easily snag your luggage with your passport still inside. Even if you're traveling domestically, you shouldn't keep your passport in your carry-on. Travelers frequently need to stow their carry-on luggage in an overhead bin far from their seat, and in this case, you won't be able to keep an eye on your belongings. Sadly, in-flight theft happens, and your passport can easily be stolen mid-flight. There's one easy alternative to packing your passport in your carry-on, and as expert travelers, we always recommend it to our family and friends: Wear a crossbody bag, belt bag, or money belt. These simple bags keep your wallet, passport, phone, and other valuables close to your body and safe from thieves. Keep reading to shop 11 reliable travel bags ahead of your next trip—from $9 at Amazon. More than 20,000 shoppers purchased this crossbody bag in the past month, and plenty of satisfied reviewers report using it to secure their valuables while traveling internationally. It features four separate pockets to organize your belongings, including a hidden back pocket that's ideal for your passport. If you prefer a traditional money belt to conceal beneath your clothes, this one from Alpha Keeper is 'comfortable to wear' and keeps items 'secure from pickpockets.' It is slim enough to be discreet under clothing, and the length is adjustable to suit every traveler. Plus, it has two zippered pockets and one hidden compartment to secure your valuables. This trendy option from Pander looks so much like a shopper-loved version that's much more expensive, and one shopper says it has the 'exact same feel and quality,' too. The bag has a water-resistant nylon exterior that's durable enough for any itinerary, along with two zippered pockets. One of the exterior compartments is even hidden at the back of the bag for extra peace of mind. This fashion-forward option will secure your passport while complementing your summer travel outfits. It has a vegan leather exterior, gold hardware, and an adjustable woven strap. There are two exterior zip pockets, along with internal compartments to keep your belongings organized. Sling bags are another popular option for travelers, and reviewers rave about this one from Simptech. One shopper used this bag on a seven-day trip to Europe and had plenty of room for their family's passports, cash, and more. They add that the conveniently-placed buckle at the front of the bag ensures pickpockets aren't able to unlatch the bag from behind. You'll wear this stylish leather crossbody all summer long—in and out of the airport. It features three external pockets, along with internal pockets. The adjustable strap can be worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag, making this a versatile purse for any occasion. This bag is designed to defend against pickpockets, so it features multiple unique safety features. The strap and bag are slash-resistant to prevent thieves from cutting the bag off your body, and it has RFID-blocking passport and card slots for extra security. Plus, its classic black design is versatile enough to pair with any travel look. This stylish sling bag has several zippered compartments, so you won't be rummaging through an unorganized bag at the airport. It has three front pockets, along with a hidden back pocket that's perfect for hiding your passport. It even has card slots inside to organize your IDs and credit cards. We love the summery look of this bag, which comes in 17 vegan leather colors. Over 10,000 shoppers purchased this low-key sling bag last month, which also happens to be the least expensive option on our list. One reviewer used this bag on a trip to Italy and said they 'often forgot' they were wearing it thanks to its comfortable, barely-there feel. They added that the secure pockets and discreet size gave them peace of mind. One shopper calls this the 'perfect purse for international travel.' It has a gorgeous vegan leather exterior that looks expensive, as well as stylish gold hardware. The small sling bag also includes two large compartments that are large enough to hold all the essentials 'without feeling bulky or cumbersome.' Travelon bags have some of the best security features on the market, and this convertible bag is no exception. Its body and straps are slash-proof to ensure pickpockets can't remove the bag, and it also has zipper pulls that lock for security. As if that's not impressive enough, this bag even has RFID-blocking technology to protect against cyberattacks. Wear this bag as a crossbody or belt bag for a comfortable, hands-free fit. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
The Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Taking back control: Spain to gain sovereignty over British travellers to Gibraltar thanks to Brexit
UK visitors to Gibraltar could be sent home on the next plane by Spanish frontier officials – even if they have a passport valid for the British Overseas Territory. Once the post- Brexit agreement between the UK, Gibraltar, Spain and the EU is ratified, visitors to the British Overseas Territory will face two passport checks on arrival. The existing examination by Gibraltar's Borders & Coastguard Agency will be augmented by a Spanish frontier post. The deal has been constructed to allow a free flow of passengers, vehicles and goods across the land frontier between Gibraltar and Spain. In order to achieve this, Gibraltar must be treated the same as the Schengen area – the passport-free zone that includes almost all the European Union, plus Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. Consequently, the 'third-country' rules that the Boris Johnson government negotiated for UK citizens will apply to the territory. Spain will have the final say on whether a UK traveller can enter Gibraltar. Unless they meet the 'Schengen rules' for passport validity and maximum length of stay, they will be flown back to the UK. As Spain gains control of the territory's border, officials are at pains to stress that Gibraltar will not become part of the Schengen area. The foreign secretary, David Lammy, said the settlement had tackled 'the last major unresolved issue from our decision to leave the EU, providing much-needed certainty for people and businesses in Gibraltar'. He said: 'The deal removes another obstacle to closer ties with our EU friends and, crucially, protects British sovereignty over the Rock.' But the red tape that British travellers face will face is exactly the same as any Schengen frontier post. Because the Gibraltar-Spain border controls will be removed – allowing free movement as far as the Arctic and the Baltic – there is no alternative to treating UK arrivals as entering the zone At present British visitors to Gibraltar must simply have a valid passport. The only rule: 'Your passport must not expire during your planned visit to Gibraltar.' When the agreement takes effect, British passports will need to meet two stricter requirements: Initially, British travellers will be stamped in and out. Once the EU's much-delayed entry-exit system takes effect, they will need to provide a facial biometric and fingerprints. Customs rules for the European Union will also be applied, meaning that no dairy or meat products can be taken from the UK into Gibraltar. In addition, the special status of Gibraltar to enable extended stays in the Mediterranean will end. At present, British holidaymakers can remain as long as they wish in the territory. Time spent in Gibraltar does not count towards the '90 days in any 180 days' limit that the UK negotiated for British travellers after Brexit. UK citizens who are nearing the maximum 90-day stay in Spain or elsewhere can currently cross the land border into Gibraltar and continue to enjoy Mediterranean life until the calendar permits them to return to the Schengen area. This option will cease, and could mean that UK long-stayers travel across to Morocco instead.
