10 Most Expensive Passports In The World (2025 Update)

10 Most Expensive Passports in the World (2025 Guide)

If you’re a frequent traveler, then you must have noticed that some country’s passport is much more costlier than others even though the less expensive one may grant you access to travel to more countries of the world.

In this blog, we outline the 10 most expensive passports in the world, and also explained why some are more expensive than others even though the inexpensive ones might be stronger in terms of global mobility.

 

 

Why Are Some Passports So Expensive?

 

Before we jump into the list, you might wonder: why does Country A charge $20 while Country B charges $300?

Here are a few reasons:

Production costs: Security features like biometrics, holograms, and chips make some passports pricier to produce.

Government policy: Some countries subsidize passports, while others see it as a revenue source.

Validity period: A 5-year passport often costs less than a 10-year one.

Admin fees & taxes: Additional charges can push the price up.

 

Now that you know the why, let’s proceed to mentioning the 10 most expensive passports in the world(2025 update).

 

 

10 Most Expensive Passports in the World (2025)

Below are the 10 most expensive passports in the world:

 

1. Mexico

Mexico tops the chart with one of the highest passport costs globally.

Citizens pay about $231 for a standard passport valid for 10 years. Shorter-term ones (like 3 or 6 years) are slightly cheaper, but overall, it’s not wallet-friendly.

Validity: 3, 6, or 10 years

Extra note: Despite the high cost, Mexican citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries.

 

2. Australia

Australia’s passport fees are no joke. A standard adult passport costs nearly $230, and if you need an express service, expect to cough up even more.

Validity: 10 years (5 years for children)

Travel power: Australians can travel visa-free to over 180 destinations—which makes the high cost a little easier to swallow.

 

3. Switzerland

Switzerland charges around $182 for its passport. That may not surprise you—it’s a country where everything from coffee to healthcare is pricey.

Validity: 10 years

Interesting fact: The Swiss passport ranks among the most powerful in the world, offering access to over 190 countries.

 

4. United States

Getting a U.S. passport isn’t cheap either. The total comes to about $165, which includes the application fee and execution fee.

 

Validity: 10 years

Extra note: Renewals are a bit cheaper, but first-timers pay the full price.

 

5. Canada

Canada charges around $160 for a passport valid for 10 years. A 5-year one is slightly cheaper at about $120.

Travel perks: Canadian citizens enjoy strong global mobility, with visa-free access to over 185 countries.

 

6. New Zealand

New Zealanders pay roughly $155 for a 10-year passport. While that’s pricey, Kiwi travelers often say it’s worth it, thanks to the passport’s global recognition.

Bonus: Express processing can nearly double the price.

 

7. Liechtenstein

 

Liechtenstein, the tiny European country, charges about $150 for a passport. Considering the size of the country, that’s quite the investment.

 

Validity: 10 years

 

Fun fact: Citizens can travel freely across much of Europe and beyond, thanks to Schengen membership.

 

8. United Kingdom

A UK passport costs around £82.50 (roughly $140). However, prices can increase depending on how you apply (online vs. post) and whether you need express service.

Validity: 10 years

Post-Brexit note: Despite Brexit, the UK passport still provides visa-free access to over 180 destinations.

 

9. Germany

Germany charges about €140 for an adult passport. Like the UK, faster services or larger page passports come with higher fees.

Perk: German passports rank among the most powerful in the world, with citizens enjoying visa-free access to nearly 200 countries.

 

10. Italy

An Italian passport will set you back about €116 (roughly $130). While not the priciest, it still lands in the global top 10.

Validity: 10 years

Extra bonus: Italian citizenship also opens the door to EU mobility rights, allowing citizens to live and work anywhere in the EU.

 

Conclusion

At the end of the day, a passport is more than just paper and ink—it’s freedom. While some countries make you dig deep into your wallet, others keep it affordable. But in most cases, the value of global mobility far outweighs the price tag.

So if you’re from a country with a costly passport, think of it this way: every dollar you pay is a ticket to explore the world, open new opportunities, and experience life beyond borders.

 

 

FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions and answers concerning the 10 most expensive passports in the world.

Which country has the most expensive passport?

Currently, Mexico holds the top spot with a cost of about $231.

Why are some passports more expensive than others?

It comes down to production costs, government policies, security features, and administrative fees.

Do expensive passports give you more visa-free travel?

Not always. For example, Switzerland’s expensive passport is powerful, but Mexico’s is costly without being top-ranked globally.

 

Can I get a passport for free anywhere?

No—every country charges something, though some subsidize costs for low-income citizens.

Which passports are the most powerful?

As of 2025, Japan, Germany, and Singapore top the charts for global mobility.