Let’s cut the fluff: it’s because they can. A passport is a monopoly product. You can’t shop around for a cheaper one. It’s the government’s way of saying, “Need to travel? Pay up.”
And every time there’s a scandal about wait times (like the 2026 debacle where processing took 13 weeks), the answer is always the same: more fees, more delays. A vicious cycle.
So the next time you see that fee increase notice, just sigh, open your wallet, and remember: you’re paying for the privilege of being a global citizen. And that privilege… has a price.
Now go check your passport expiration date. I’ll wait. Seriously, do it.
