Government Fees vs. Swift Fees Explained

📍 Why Are Swift Fees and Government Fees Separate?

Swift fees are:

• The fees charged for our service and document handling

Government fees are:

• Fees charged directly by the U.S. government or foreign consulates

These are separate because:

• Swift does not control government pricing

• Government agencies require direct payment for passport or visa issuance

Some services require upfront government payment so Swift can pay the government on your behalf.

🧾 New, Lost, or Child Passport Applications

For new, lost, or child passport applications:

• The government fee is not included in your Swift order

This is because:

• You must visit a Passport Acceptance Agent and pay the government fees directly there. Acceptance Agents only accept check or money order.

Swift does not collect this fee for these application types.

🔄 Passport Renewal Applications

For passport renewals:

• The government fee is included in your order total

When you place your renewal order:

• You pay Swift the government fee

• Swift submits payment to the Passport Agency on your behalf

🌍 Visa Consulate Fees

Visa consulate fees are collected upfront because:

• The consulate requires payment before releasing the visa

• Swift pays the consulate during the submission or pickup process

Without payment, the visa cannot be issued.

⚠️ Important Notes

• Government and consulate fees may change without notice

• Swift cannot waive or reduce government fees

• Payment methods vary depending on service type

If you are unsure whether your government fee is included, review your order summary or contact Swift.