The cost of obtaining a new or replacement passport has risen again, with some people facing charges of up to £239.50 for the essential travel document. A passport is required for all UK residents travelling abroad.

According to Gov.uk, British passports can be applied for by British citizens, British overseas territories citizens, British overseas citizens, British subjects, British nationals (overseas), or British protected persons. HM Passport Office is responsible for issuing these documents, which typically arrive within three weeks or less in most cases.

However, government officials caution it can occasionally take longer "if we need more information, or we need to interview you". If this applies to you, you'll be notified within the three-week period.

The majority of people will be required to pay a fee when renewing an existing passport or applying for a new one, including children's passports.

Previously, a standard adult passport for those aged 16 and over cost £94.50 for online applications, or £107 via the paper form. However, these charges have risen to £102 and £115.50, respectively.

Further price increases taking effect from April 8 include standard child passport fees rising from £61.50 to £66.50, or from £74 to £80 for postal applications. Premium Service (one day) application fees have also climbed from £222 to £239.50.

For individuals applying for a UK passport from abroad, costs have increased by £8.50, from £108 to £116.50, for adults. They have risen by £5.50, from £70 to £75.50, for children's passports.

Overseas standard paper application prices have also jumped up from £120.50 to £130 for adults and £82.50 to £89 for children.

While most people are required to pay for their passports, certain individuals are eligible to receive one completely free of charge. If you were born on or before September 2, 1929, you can apply for a new British passport or renew your current one without paying a penny.

You are also entitled to use the Post Office Check and Send service at no cost, along with free secure delivery.

However, the government has made clear that fees remain payable should you need a passport urgently, or if you wish to obtain a frequent traveller passport - one that contains more pages than the standard version.