Guernsey Announces Passport Fee Increase

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

23 July 2007

Following the recent revelation by the United Kingdom Identity and Passport Service that passport fees are to be increased with effect from October 4, 2007, it was announced last week that the new fees will also take effect in the Bailiwick of Guernsey from the same date.

From October 4, a standard 10 year adult passport will cost GBP72.00 (up from GBP66.00) and a child's passport, valid for 5 years, will cost GBP46.00 (up from GBP45.00).

The cost of a collective passport, for organised trips for schools and youth groups, remains at GBP39.00

The Premium Rate Service fee, which allows for a fast-track service in certain circumstances, will remain at GBP35.00. This rate is in addition to the GBP72.00 / GBP46.00 fee.

Rob Prow, Chief Officer of Customs and Immigration, explained that:

"The increase covers the cost of providing consular help to British nationals who find themselves in difficulty while overseas. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has recently implemented a number of significant improvements to their consular services, including the newly built Consular Crises Centre which responds to major incidents involving British nationals such as terrorist attacks and natural disasters. British nationals resident in the Bailiwick are able to take advantage of these services when travelling."

The States decided some years ago that it would pay the passport fees collected in the Bailiwick each year to Her Majesty's Government as part of the Bailiwick's contribution towards defence and overseas representation. This continues to be the case and the fees will, therefore, rise in line with those in the United Kingdom.

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