UK Child Passport: How Much Parents Will Pay for a 5-Year British Passport in 2026
UK Passport
The United Kingdom has published the official cost of applying for a British passport for children under the age of 16 in 2026, with fees varying depending on the application method.
According to the UK government’s official guidance, parents applying online will pay £66.50, approximately ₦138,000, while those using a paper application form obtained from the Post Office will pay £80, roughly ₦166,000.
The child passport is valid for five years, and the application must be submitted by someone who has parental responsibility for the child.
The government also requires applicants to provide details of both parents. Where information about one parent cannot be supplied, the person applying must explain why before the application can proceed.
How Much Does a UK Child Passport Cost in 2026?
The cost of a British passport for a child under 16 depends on how the application is submitted.
The official fees are:
| Application method | Fee | Approximate naira value |
|---|---|---|
| Online application | £66.50 | ₦138,000 |
| Paper application through the Post Office | £80 | ₦166,000 |
The fees apply to child passports with a five-year validity period.
The naira figures are approximate conversions provided in the source and may vary with exchange rates.
Who Can Apply for a UK Child Passport?
The UK government requires the person applying for a child’s passport to have parental responsibility.
Applicants must provide details of both parents as part of the application process.
Where the details of one parent cannot be provided, the applicant must explain the circumstances. Acceptable reasons include being the only parent named on the child’s birth certificate or having adopted the child independently.
Parents should ensure that the information supplied is accurate to avoid complications during the application process.
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UK Child Passport: What Parents Should Know Before Applying
The type of application required depends on the child’s passport history and current circumstances.
Parents applying for a British passport for the first time must submit an application for a first child passport.
Where the child already has a British passport, the parent should follow the renewal process. Separate procedures also apply when an existing passport has been lost, stolen or damaged.
A new passport application is required when the child’s personal details on an existing passport have changed.
The process also changes when a child approaches adulthood. Those who are already 16 or will turn 16 within three weeks may need to apply for an adult passport instead.
The appropriate route depends on whether the applicant previously held a British passport. Those who did may use the adult renewal process, while first-time applicants must follow the first adult passport application procedure.
UK Offers Faster Passport Services for Urgent Applications
Parents who need a child’s passport urgently can consider two faster services listed by the UK government.
These are the Online Premium service and the one-week Fast Track option.
Applicants are advised to check the relevant processing times before submitting their forms. The government also warns against booking travel until the passport has been received and is valid for the intended journey.
Separate application rules apply to people submitting passport applications from outside the United Kingdom, so applicants abroad should check the guidance relevant to their location.
Who Can Get a UK Passport for Free?
The UK government provides a passport fee exemption for a specific age group.
People born on or before September 2, 1929, can apply for a British passport without paying the standard application fee.
Most other applicants must pay the applicable charge, whether they apply online or through a paper form.
The five-year child passport fee is particularly relevant to parents and guardians planning to obtain or renew British travel documents for children under 16.
Frequently asked questions
1. How much does a five-year UK child passport cost in 2026?
It costs £66.50 when applying online and £80 through a paper application form obtained from the Post Office.
2. How long is a UK child passport valid?
A British child passport is valid for five years.
3. Who can apply for a British passport for a child?
Only someone with parental responsibility for the child can submit the application.
4. Can one parent apply for a child’s UK passport?
Yes, a person with parental responsibility can apply. However, the application requires details of both parents. If one parent’s details cannot be provided, the applicant must explain why.
5. What happens when a child turns 16?
A child who is already 16 or will turn 16 within three weeks may need to apply for an adult passport. The correct process depends on whether they previously held a British passport.
6. Can parents get a UK child passport urgently?
The UK government lists the Online Premium and one-week Fast Track services for urgent passport applications.
7. Who qualifies for a free British passport?
People born on or before September 2, 1929, can apply for a British passport without paying the standard fee.