Increases to the price of APD and UK passports in April add to growing Florida and Disney World travel costs

The prices of both Air Passenger Duty (APD) and passports is increasing in the UK. It’s a small price increase to both that comes into effect in April 2026 and will add to the mandatory costs involved in paying for a Florida holiday from the UK. This cost increase is not huge, and isn’t going to make the difference between whether you book a trip or not. It’s just one of those niggling increases you have to accept but need to know about when budgeting.

April price increases: how much more to budget

APD: a small expected increase

The UK government announced that APD, the tax charged on flights in the UK, and that also happens to be set at the highest rate in the world, would rise on 1st April 2026 in the Autumn 2024 budget. Flying to Florida puts APD costs in band B (2,001 to 5,500 miles).

This tax rise is small, but with rising Florida flight costs and a seemingly more limited array of options for direct flights, this affects budgeting for Disney World holidays. People booking package holidays are less likely to notice this increase, but people booking flights with points through systems like Avios and Virgin will notice the increase when they come to pay.

The cabin you choose to fly in does impact the price of APD and those flying in economy to Florida pay the lowest rate. The price rises mean that a couple flying in economy will pay £244 less in APD than a couple flying in Premium or Upper Class from 1st April 2026.

It’s a mandatory tax, and it is not avoidable when booking any flights from the UK. Direct Florida flights are classed in Band B, which is charged at a higher rate than Bands. APD is part of you flight cost, and only goes some of the way to explaining why Florida flights are so expensive when travelling from the UK.

Passport costs: an unexpected rise

A less expected rise is the increase in online passport application fees which come into place on 8th April 2026. The increase will push the cost of an online passport application over £100 for the first time.

This price increase is not again going to be the breaking budgeting decision for your trip, but it is something to be aware of when drawing up how much your Disney World holiday from the UK is going to cost if you need a new passport soon. The price increase affects all types of passports and you can get the full information on the UK government website: New fees for passport applications - GOV.UK

Passports and ESTAs: renew both if you have a trip planned

If you have a Disney World or Florida holiday planned for 2026, now is a smart time to check both your passport and your ESTA rather than leaving either until the last minute. With UK passport fees rising on 8th April 2026, renewing before that date could save you money as well as stress. The standard adult online application is increasing from £94.50 to £102 and the child application from £61.50 to £66.50.

It is also worth remembering that an ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, so if you renew your passport you will need a new ESTA linked to the new document. For Florida planners, with a trip booked or likely to be booked soon for April and May departures, check both now. It could save you paying more than necessary or dealing with avoidable admin close to departure that could have cost a little bit less.

Magic in a minute

Two price rises during the first week in April, one to APD and one to Passport prices, will impact the amount you need to budget for the essential paperwork you need to travel to Florida. Increases will not make or break your trip, but they are worth noting especially if travelling soon.