Parents can now get their baby’s first passport “free”, according to a new initiative from easyJet.
Amid rising living costs and after spotting a 10% spike in infants travelling this year (compared to 2025), the travel provider said it will foot the bill for a newborn’s first UK passport – that’s £66.50 in total.
In a survey by the holiday company, three-quarters (75%) of parents noted the move would make a holiday with a baby feel more affordable.
The same poll found almost four in five parents (82%) considered a baby’s first holiday a “landmark family moment” – and over half (57%) called it one of their proudest parenting milestones.
easyJet Captain Kate West said: “We hope that covering the cost of a baby’s first passport goes a small way towards making that first family adventure a little easier and gives our youngest travellers a warm welcome to the world.”
David Parry/Assignments/the Press Association
What’s the catch?
Obviously this deal has to benefit easyJet in some way, so the holiday company wants parents to book their baby’s first holiday with them, and then they’ll stump up the cash for their first passport.
The offer is available for one child up to 18 months old, per booking, between 22 October and 26 November 2026. Parents will need to book via the easyJet website and they’ll be given the equivalent of the cost of their baby’s passport off their holiday.
Need inspiration for where to go? Check out this travel pro’s guide to the best holiday destinations to visit with kids and teens.
How to take baby’s passport picture
Everyone needs a passport to travel outside of the UK. But getting a passport shot of your little cherub can be tricky at the best of times.
Your best bet is to aim for a time when they’re not tired or hungry. easyJet’s survey found parents needed an average of four attempts to get an approved passport photo for their baby, with almost a quarter (24%) needing up to six tries.
You can get a photo in two ways. The first is at a photo booth or shop (this obviously costs money but is more likely to be approved for use in your child’s passport). The other option is to take one at home using a phone or digital camera.
I’ll be honest, I used the latter option with both of my children and the photos turned out fine. Simply lay your baby down on a white sheet, make sure there’s plenty of natural light in the room, and get someone on hand to wiggle their favourite noisy toy above their head so they look up.
According to the government’s passport guidance:
- Babies must not be holding toys or using dummies.
- Children under six do not have to be looking directly at the camera or have a plain expression.
- Children under one do not have to have their eyes open.
- Children under one should lie on a plain light-coloured sheet. Take the photo from above.
