Introduction
A passport is a valid travel document intended for citizens of states to show they are permitted to be in a country. Passports have been issued by national authorities, including government agencies and sometimes by non-governmental organizations. The standard format of a passport consists of 32 pages issued in a booklet measuring 135 X 180 mm, with two interior pages of information inserted between the cover and main body.
How much does a passport cost?
The cost of a passport depends on the country in which it is needed when you apply. Cost may vary depending on whether you are an adult or child, if your application is accepted or even when you apply for the passport.
Passport Application Cost in United Kingdom
The current adult passport application costs £44. If you are applying for a minor under 16 years old, then you have to pay £28.50 for the application fee. The passport itself costs £85 . If you are renewing your passport, then it costs £33 . There are also additional requirements which have to be met before your application can be processed by authorities to get your documents printed. You will have to visit any government agency that issues passports for this.
Passport Application Cost in United States of America
In the United States of America, adult passport application costs $140 and it increases to $145 if you need an expedited processing of your application. If you are a minor and you want to apply for a new passport, it costs $105 and $110 respectively if you want your document delivered through expedited delivery services. Note that the cost of a passport increases by $25 if you need it fast track service.
Passport Application Cost in Canada
Adult passport cost in Canada is CA$154 which is paid at the time of submission of your application by visiting any government agency that issues passports. The passport contains 32 pages with a plastic cover and a photo page. When you apply for a non-Canadian citizen, the cost is CA$100 that cannot be paid online.
Passport Application Cost in Australia
The current adult passport application costs AU$105 and child passes cost AU$55. The application fee is AU$80, but this increases to AU$89 if you need it fast track service. However, there are other requirements which have to be met before your application can be processed by authorities to get your documents printed. You will have to visit any government agency that issues passports for this.
Passport Application Cost in China
In China, the current passport application costs CNY 860 for adults and CNY512 for minors when you apply through any government agency that issues passports. You can also pay the required fee when you apply online.
Passport Application Cost in Russia
Adult passport cost in Russia is RUB 8300. However, this figure increases to RUB 9400 if you need a diplomatic passport or a service passport. A child passport costs RUB 3200 which increases to RUB 4300 if it is a service document. Note that both fees have to be paid through online payment system which cannot be done outside the Russian Federation.
Passport Application Cost in India
In India, you have to pay INR 1000 for an adult passport and INR 600 for the fee of an AFMP child passport. You can also pay the required fees when you apply online. There are no other requirements to meet other than the payment of the money to be able to get your documents printed.
At present, it looks like there is no cheaper way of getting a passport in India than getting an e-passage issued by any government agency that issues passports. You may also get a free electronic passport application form which helps you fill up your application form online through www.passportindia.gov.in website which is operated by Ministry of External Affairs (India). The current fee for an electronic passport is INR 1000 which is applicable for citizens of India.
Passport Application Cost in Singapore
Adult passport cost in Singapore is S$60 and child passport costs S$30. There are no other requirements to meet other than the payment of the money to be able to get your documents printed.
Passport Application Cost in France
Adult passport cost in France is €100 (without visa) and €120 (with visa). A child passport costs €75 without visa and €80 with visa. There are no other requirements to meet other than the payment of the money to be able to get your documents printed.
Passport Application Cost in New Zealand
Adult passport cost in New Zealand is NZ$180 for adults and NZ$90 for minors. There are no other requirements to meet other than the payment of the money to be able to get your documents printed.
Passport Application Cost in Mexico
In Mexico, the current adult passport application costs MXN 2,600. This cost increases to MXN 3,600 if you need to apply for a diplomatic passport. In addition, minors have to pay MXN 1,600 for their passports. There are also procedures that have to be met before your application can be processed by authorities to get your documents printed. You will have to visit any government agency that issues passports for this.
Passport Application Cost in Germany
Adult passport cost in Germany is €70 and €55 if you need a diplomatic or service passport and it goes up to €95 and €60 respectively if you require an urgent processing of your application. Children's passport cost €35 and €25 respectively if not needed for urgent purposes.
Passport Application Cost in Sweden
Adult passport cost in Sweden is SEK 90 which includes SEK 65 for the application form, SEK 25 for photo processing, SEK 37 for issuing the order, courier service to collect your passport, postal fees to get it back, the service fee etc. There are no other requirements to meet other than the payment of the money to be able to get your documents printed.
A child's passport costs SEK 55 without a photo and SEK 70 with a photo. The application fee is around 200 or so depending on whether it is an adult or a minor application.
Passport Application Cost in Switzerland
Adult passport cost in Switzerland is CHF 60 and CHF 75 if you require an expedited processing of your application.
Passport Application Cost in Hong Kong
Adult passport cost in Hong Kong is HKD 950 (approx). It is an optional service. However, there are no other requirements to meet other than the payment of the money to be able to get your documents printed.
Passport Application Cost in Indonesia
A new passport application currently costs Rp.300,000 for adults and Rp 200,000 for minors. You can also apply for a renewal if your passport expires within 2 years and it will cost you Rp 300,000 as well. This is a one-time payment which means you do not have to pay any additional fee upon renewal. For urgent processing, passports cost Rp 200,000 more than the original price.
When travelling to other countries, having a passport is the only way you can prove your identity. It is important to apply for one when your current document gets expired or there is information missing in it. If you are planning to apply for passport fees in future, ensure that you meet all requirements necessary for your application.
If you are looking for ways to reduce passport fees, here are some tips that you can follow:
1) Travel during public holidays - Some countries offer discounted passport fees for people who apply during public holidays. If you know which dates these are, this can save you up to $70 or so. You may also be able to schedule your trip around the holiday season.
2) Plan ahead - If possible, plan your application for renewal at least 3 months before your passport expires. Use the services of a passport agency that provides discounts and offers better service than public agencies. You may also be able to find websites offering such services such as passport examiners. You can save up to $50 or so by taking advantage of this option.
3) Use an agent - It is better to go for a bigger reputable agency than taking the risk buying your passport from public agencies. You can save up to $40 or so if you use an agent in the process. The up-front cost of using an agent is higher but you will also be assured of getting the best service at the best price.
Bottom Line:
Regardless of the government entity that issues passports, the passport fee is set by law. It is not possible for any agency to offer lower fees (unless they are caught red-handed in some scam). That said, there are ways in which you can save money in the process. If you choose to buy your passport from a public office or government agency office, make sure that you find out if they offer any promotional rates.
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