JAN.
UK Passport Fees 2023: How much will they increase by?
The Home Office
has announced this week that it is has put forward proposals to increase the
cost of passport renewals and applications for the first time in 5 years. The
change will come in on February 2nd so the advice is to apply sooner
rather than later if you had imminent plans to do so to avoid the extra costs.
The goal of this is for service to rely less on tax funding and
move towards it being financed by those who use it. It is reported that the
Government makes zero profit from the service. The additional revenue will
contribute towards processing the applications, consular support overseas, including
lost or stolen passports, and the cost of processing British citizens at UK
borders.
The new fees will include new UK passport applications and
also UK passport renewals.
How much are UK passport applications and renewals set to
increase by?
Online Applications
· Standard
fee for adult online applications will rise from £75.50 to £82.50
· Children’s
online applications will increase from £49 to £53.50
Postal Applications
· Standard
fee for an adult postal application sees an upsurge from £85 to £93
· A
child’s postal application fee will see the price rise from £58.50 to £64
According to Gov.uk, it is
advised that all priority fees are being aligned so that customers will pay the
same as previously stated.
Last year saw many passengers left frustrated by long delays
and lack of access to emergency appointments compared with pre-covid. The turnaround
time for applications prior to Covid, on average, was around 3 weeks but the
guidance now indicates that those needing a passport should allow at least 10
weeks to receive their new document. The Government reported that 95% of
passport applications met this target in 2022.
For more information on these changes or to apply for your passport/renew
your passport visit Gov.uk where you will be able to complete the process.
© Currency Online
Group
13th January 2023
SEP.
BEAT THE
WINTER BLUES
As we see
the temperature drop this week, we know that the winter months are only around
the corner! Here we look at some potential destinations to escape to where the
winter coats and jumpers are not needed!
Best
short haul option – THE
CANARY ISLANDS
With 7
different islands to choose from, this sun-drenched destination makes it the
perfect place to take a winter holiday. Its sub-tropical climate means you are
set to enjoy temperatures on average of above 20°c even in the months of
December, January and February.
The largest
of the Canary Islands, Tenerife offers something for all the family. It’s ever
popular waterparks and numerous beaches combined makes it a winning formula for
the perfect winter family holiday.
Recommended areas
to stay include Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Los Gigantes.
Gran Canaria
is the second most popular of the islands and is home to the famous sand dunes
of Maspalomas.
Head to the
south of the island for an even warmer climate and array of hotels and resorts
to pick from.
Fancy
staying somewhere a bit different? – why not try the luxury 5-star Lopesan
Baobab Resort in
Meloneras. This safari themed hotel will be an instant hit with those
travelling with children.
Famed for
its volcanic backdrop, Lanzarote has always been a popular holiday destination
for couples and families alike.
Costa
Teguise is a more peaceful option to the main resort of Puerto Del Carmen.
The more
upmarket option for families is Playa Blanca, on the Southern tip of the
island. Here you can visit the neighbouring island of Fuerteventura, less than
an hour away by ferry.
Order your
Euros HERE for your
winter sun break to The Canary Islands
Best Luxury
Option – DUBAI
If glitz and
glam teamed with plenty of sunshine is what you’re after, then Dubai is your
perfect winter destination.
With its
skyscrapers, malls and sprawling beaches, Dubai offers something for everyone.
Take a camel
ride along Jumeriah beach to take in the spectacular views of the city.
Travelling
with the kids and staying on the Palm, Atlantis
Aquaventure Water Park is a must during your visit. Alternatively, Wild Wadi Water Park offers
the same level of fun!
Fan of brunches?
Dubai offers a whole host of themed brunches including those where you can take
the children. Bread
Street Kitchen, Atlantis The Palm offers a family brunch with food courtesy
of Gordan Ramsey. The brunch offers a menu of children’s favourites and activities
including cookie decorating, play doh making and face painting meaning the
adults can kick back and relax while the kids are kept busy!
Dubai is
home to the World’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Standing at 828m high,
here you can experience the ultimate viewing experience on level 124. While on
level 122 you can enjoy a dinner at Atmosphere, the World’s tallest restaurant.
You will not
be short of amazing hotels to stay at in Dubai. With so many on offer you’re
sure to find a deal that will not break the bank. However, food, drink and
shopping can soon add up in this sleek city, so be warned!
Hotel recommendations:
With both
the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Atlantis, The Palm offering complimentary access
to both the attached waterparks to these hotels, these are the recommended
hotels to stay at if you are travelling as a family. Both also offer children’s
clubs and plenty of family activities during your stay.
Order your
UAE Dirhams HERE for your winter escape to Dubai.
Best
affordable long-haul option – MEXICO
If you don’t
mind travelling a few more hours in the air, then Mexico is well recommended
for that winter getaway.
Sun-soaked
beaches teamed with fun fiestas and vibrant nightlife, this location is sure to
provide you with that dream holiday you’ll never forget.
The average
temperature all year round sits at low to mid 20’s making it the perfect place
to feel some sun on your back!
Cancun,
popular with young couples offers plenty of all-inclusive hotels to enjoy and
if you want to venture out of your hotel head down to all the nightlife Cancun
provides! A visit to the world-famous Coco Bongos is a must if you have an
appetite for a fun filled night out
Riviera
Maya, set south of Cancun is fast becoming the place to visit in Mexico for
that relaxing winter break. Spread throughout the Yucatan coast, Riviera Maya
encompasses the most the most important historical and archaeological sites of
the ancient Mayas. It is also seen as one of the best destinations to head to
for snorkelling and diving.
Hotel
recommendations:
Grand
Riviera Princess hotel is designed for families and kids alike. The family club
here provides daily entertainment for the children, allowing the adults to
relax. This hotel is, one to consider for your winter family trip.
If it's an
adult only luxury trip you are in search of, the Platinum Yucatan Princess
hotel is proving a popular all-inclusive hotel to book.
Order your Mexican Peso HERE for your long-haul winter getaway.
© Currency Online Group
29th September 2022