Expensive Passport Fees: A Global Perspective
Even budget-conscious travelers might be taken aback by the cost of replacing an expired passport, which can run into hundreds of dollars. Once the necessary documents are assembled and bureaucratic procedures are completed within their country, they can expect to receive their new passport within a few weeks or months, but at what expense?
Multitudes of passports worldwide incur various costs, including some of the most expensive ones. Here's a breakdown of some pricey passports, as well as standard prices (unless otherwise specified) for Reisepasse for adults with a 10-year validity. These figures are based on current exchange rates as of May 2022.
Average Costs
Numerous passports are priced at approximately 100 to 160 US dollars. However, more expensive products will soon hit the market.
Regardless of whether you are obtaining your first passport or plan to purchase one, Japanese residents should set aside 16,000 yen (approximately 125 USD).
New Zealanders will need to pay 191 NZ dollars (around 125 USD) for a new passport.
U.S. citizens will pay at least 165 USD for their first passport and 130 USD for renewals.
For British citizens planning a sunny getaway, the online renewal of a British passport costs 75.50 pounds (approximately 95 USD or 90 EUR). For most expats living abroad, the combined standard fee for renewal and delivery services amounts to approximately 106 pounds (around 135 USD or 125 EUR).
Swiss nationals enjoy a discount of approximately 145 CHF (around 150 USD or 140 EUR).
If the hefty prices haven't shocked you yet, consider the cost of some pricier passports for citizens planning to travel abroad:
Mexican Passport (3,505 MXN or around 170 USD)
Renewing a Mexican passport costs 3,505 MXN (approximately 170 USD).
Liechtenstein Pass (256 CHF or around 260 USD)
Liechtenstein, the fourth-smallest country in Europe and the sixth-smallest globally, lies between Switzerland and Austria. However, Liechtenstein's small size is not its only unique feature—its high passport fees certainly distinguish it. Including delivery costs, Liechtensteiners can expect to pay around 256 CHF (approximately 260 USD or 250 EUR) for a new passport.
Cuban Passport (10 years: 6500 CUP or around 270 USD)
The process of renewing a Cuban passport differs from that of other countries on this list.
While a new passport onsite costs 2,500 Cuban pesos (around 105 USD) and is valid for six years, Cuban regulations require passports to be renewed every two years to remain valid. Each renewal costs an additional 500 CUP up to the sixth year of the passport's validity, and the process for purchasing a new passport begins anew.
The total cost for owning a valid Cuban passport for 10 years amounts to approximately 6500 Cuban pesos (around 270 USD).
Australian Passport (308 AUD or around 220 USD)
Australian residents will pay 308 AUD (around 220 USD) to renew their passport.
Expatriates residing abroad will incur an additional service fee, totaling 336 USD in the United States.
Syrian Passport (10 years: 600 USD)
The Syrian passport is one of the least functional on the market and also one of the most expensive.
According to the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates' website, expats living abroad will pay 300 USD for a new passport, valid for six years.
The cost of owning a valid Syrian passport for 10 years amounts to at least 600 USD.
Lebanese Passport (LBP 1,200,000 or around 795 USD)
The Lebanese All-Security Directorate states that the renewal of a passport for those living in the Lebanon costs 1,200,000 Lebanese pounds (around 795 USD).
Expatriates renewing their passports at the Lebanese Consulate-General in New York or Los Angeles will pay 600 USD.
Lebanon is one of the few countries that demand higher renewal fees from its citizens than from expatriates residing abroad.
Click for a list of the world's most powerful passports.
Contributions by Patrick Oppmann, Ruba Alhenawi, and Junko Ogura.
