Holidaymakers and business travellers are being urged to cut the cost of getting a UK passport by switching to an online application - which is not only cheaper but usually faster too. His Majesty's Passport Office says applying online costs £12.50 less than filling in a paper form and posting it off, while most people using the standard online service will receive their passport within three weeks.

In a message posted on X, the Passport Office said: "It's cheaper and easier to apply for your passport online! You'll usually get your passport within 3 weeks using our standard service. Our processing time starts from when we receive your documents."

An adult passport costs £94.50 online versus £107 by post: a saving of £12.50. The online service can be used to apply for, renew, replace or update a passport, with payments made by debit or credit card. Applications can be made here.

Importantly for those still holding older documents, passports that are burgundy or carry the words 'European Union' on the cover remain valid until their expiry date. Applicants are warned not to book travel until they have a valid passport in hand, as any new passport issued will have a different number from the old one.

For those in a hurry, faster - and more expensive - options are available, including the Online Premium service and the one-week Fast Track. However the Passport Office advises checking processing times before applying.

Anyone who is less confident online can still get help at a Post Office through the digital Check and Send service, where staff can take a digital photo and assist with completing the application. This service costs extra.

Paper applications are still available from Post Offices, but they take longer to process and require applicants to provide their own photos. A separate paper Check and Send service is also offered for an additional fee.

Standard Passport Fees (UK applications)

Online (standard service): adult - £94.50; child - £61.50

Postal (paper form): adult- £107.00; child- £74.00

Premium (same-day service): - adult - £222.00*; child - £189.00

Fast Track (1-week): adult - £178.00*; child - £145.00

*Not available for first-time adult applications

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