Some British nationals can get a passport for free – but you have to be born on or before a certain date. With the Easter break beginning at the end of March, many Britons will be eyeing up a well-deserved break to the continent to enjoy some sun and sand.
Rules Britain became subject to after it left the European Union mean UK nationals travelling to the many nations in the EU must ensure that passports aren’t older than 10 years on the day they travel. The travel document must also be valid for three months after the planned departure date from that nation. Renewing your passport doesn’t come cheap: starting at £61.50 for children’s passports with an online application, and up to £222 for the 1 Day Premium option (for those who need a passport quickly).
But people born in certain years aren’t subject to renewal fees. In fact, they don’t face charge for getting a passport at all.
People born on or before September 2, 1929, are eligible for what’s known as a Concessionary Passport for which they aren’t charged.
The waver was announced by the British Government back in May 2004, as part of a series of measures to recognise the contribution of British nationals to the war effort.
This included a concessionary passport for people who were old enough to have taken part in World Wars 1 and 2. They began being offered in October of that year.
To be eligible, you must meet the date of birth criteria and hold any British nationality at the time of their application.
Individuals can qualify whether they’re naturalised or registered as British nationals.
The waver applies for standard 32-page passports, with applicants also not charged secure delivery fees to return the new passport or supporting documents to an address in the UK or overseas.
However, customers still have to pay for any additional services, like the standard fee for a frequent traveller passport or the service level element of Premium and Fast track services.
But in these cases, the cost will be the difference between the base rate a non-eligible adult applicant would pay for a passport (£94.50) and the additional cost associated with the urgent service, not the full amount.
Eligible applicants also don’t have to not pay the Post Office Check and Send fee for using these services. Additionally, if eligible customers pay the Check and Send fee in error, they can get a refund from the Post Office.
You can find out more on the Government website.
