New UK passports will be rolled out from next week – featuring a new design.
The first British passports with King Charles III’s coat of arms will be issued from December.
It comes just five years after the latest passport redesign, where the dark blue cover was reinstated.
The four nations of the UK will be represented through images of four UNESCO-protected natural landscapes – Ben Nevis, the Lake District, Three Cliffs Bay, and the Giant’s Causeway, according to the GOV.UK website.
The most significant change will be the new cover, with the new coat of arms replacing the design associated with Queen Elizabeth II.
As a result of the redesign, the last burgundy passports should be out of circulation by the 2030s.
The new passport has had updates to its security features, too.
GOV.UK’s website said: ‘Incorporating the latest anti-forgery technology, it is also the most secure British passport ever produced.
The first British passports with King Charles III’s coat of arms will be issued from December
The four nations of the UK will be represented through images of four UNESCO-protected natural landscapes
‘This includes cutting-edge holographic and translucent features, making passports easier to verify and even harder to forge or tamper with.
‘This helps prevent illegal entry by people with no right to be in the UK, delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change to secure Britain’s borders.’
Minister for migration and citizenship Mike Tapp said: ‘The introduction of His Majesty’s Arms, iconic landscapes, and enhanced security features marks a new era in the history of the British passport.
‘It also demonstrates our commitment to outstanding public service – celebrating British heritage while ensuring our passports remain among the most secure and trusted in the world for years to come.’
The updated passport is the first fully new design since 2020.
It is not necessary to wait for your current passport to run out to order a new one.
People are advised to check their passport’s validity and apply in good time ahead of any planned travel.
Passports issued with the coat of arms of Queen Elizabeth II remain valid until the expiry date.
The new passport has had updates to its security features, too
People are advised to check their passport’s validity and apply in good time ahead of any planned travel
The first modern-style British passport was introduced in 1915.
The first security feature, a watermark, was added in 1972.
Since then, HM Passport Office has added dozens of further security measures to ensure British passports stay ahead of criminals.
For example, this includes complex patterns that are hard to replicate and features only visible under UV light.
This week, the Passport Office shared a reminder for winter travellers.
They wrote: ‘Christmas is just 5 weeks away! If ‘Yule’ be travelling, check your passport is valid for travel today.
‘Don’t let your sleigh be delayed.’
Holidaymakers have been urged to check their passports are in date, or if they might need a new one due to it being damaged or lost.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the Passport Office shared a reminder for winter travellers
Those who apply for a new passport online will be charged £94.50.
Meanwhile, the cost for those who request a new document via a paper form will have to cough up £107.
Holidaymakers are urged on the Gov.UK website: ‘Do not book travel until you have a valid passport – your new passport will not have the same number as your old one.’
What’s more, travellers should give themselves plenty of time for the new passport to be processed and issued. Usually, applicants will receive their new travel document within three weeks but there can be delays.
‘It may take longer than three weeks if we need more information, or we need to interview you. We’ll tell you this within three weeks,’ the website explains.
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