The money saved can go towards your holiday!
You may need to apply for a new passport soon – and you can save money while doing so(Image: Getty)
This April, prices are going up for stamps, council tax, and more, and so are passport fees. To help cut costs, the team at MoneySavingExpert (MSE) has highlighted a simple tip for your passport photo.
One way to save some cash is to take your own photo. This could save you up to £13. And if you’re renewing multiple passports, that extra money could go towards a nice treat on your long-awaited holiday.
MSE, founded by Martin Lewis, explained: “If it’s been a while since you last applied for a passport, you may be surprised to learn that you can now take your passport photo yourself at home and upload it directly into your online application. This means you DON’T need to shell out for photos taken at high-street shops or photo booths, which can typically cost between £5 and £13 ish.”
It added that MSE obtained figures from the Passport Office using a Freedom of Information request and it found that “nearly one in seven (13.5%) faced delays to their application due to issues with their photo.”
What is an acceptable passport photo?
MSE recommends following the steps and advice below to maximise your chances of being accepted on your first attempt.
- You can use your smartphone – make sure the photo is clear, in focus and in colour. There’s no need to use a fancy camera (unless you have one around, of course!).
- Take it against a plain, light background. The photo should include your head, shoulders and upper body, with no other people or objects in the frame.
- Avoid editing or altering it. It will be cropped for you during the application process, so there’s no need to do that yourself.
For full details and the official guidelines, including how to take children’s passport photos, see Gov.uk.
Passport prices to rise on April 8, 2026
As confirmed by GOV.UK, changes to passport application fees will take effect on April 8, 2026. You can check the current passport fees online here through the GOV.UK website.
Can I get a free passport?
If you are a British national born on or before September 2, 1929, you can currently obtain or renew a British passport free of charge. You can also use the Post Office’s Check and Send service at no cost, including free secure delivery.
A fee applies if you need a passport urgently or if you want a frequent traveller passport, which offers 54 pages instead of the standard 34.
