Applications for Isle of Man variant British passports will soon be available online, with the new service expected to launch in winter 2026/27.

The move will make applying for a passport £13.50 cheaper, with online applications costing £102 compared with the current £115.50 fee, which includes postal costs.

The Isle of Man Government said the change is aimed at making the application process ‘more convenient’, with online applications becoming the standard way to apply.

The launch date has yet to be confirmed.

Applicants will access the new service through the Government’s passports webpage, which will link to an established online system operated by His Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO).

A dedicated section of the system will be used specifically for Isle of Man variant British passports.

The service will allow applicants to enter their details, upload or provide a digital photograph and submit their application electronically.

The change will also complete the rollout of online passport applications across the Crown Dependencies, with Jersey and Guernsey expected to introduce the system at the same time.

HMPO is the UK Government organisation responsible for issuing British passports and handles around seven million applications each year.

The Isle of Man Passport Office said the move was part of efforts to modernise government services and provide a ‘more streamlined’ application process.

However, paper applications will remain available for people who cannot access the government website.

Assistance will also be offered at dedicated public workspaces within the Isle of Man Passport Office in Douglas once the online service launches.

Officials said detailed guidance and an overview of the changes would be published in the coming months to help people prepare.

Those whose passports are not approaching expiry do not need to take any action yet.

However, anyone needing to renew their passport is being advised to plan ahead, as the five-day Express service will be withdrawn when the online system goes live.

The Passport Office can also be contacted by email at [email protected] or by telephone on 01624 685208, Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 12.30pm.