British passports are set for a big overhaul before 2025 draws to a close, with the first official travel documents featuring King Charles III’s Coat of Arms rolling out in December.
The four home nations will be showcased through imagery of four UNESCO-protected natural wonders – Ben Nevis, the Lake District, Three Cliffs Bay, and the Giant’s Causeway – as part of the refreshed design.
What has been described as the most secure British passport ever created will also feature state-of-the-art anti-forgery measures.
These include holographic and see-through elements designed to make passports simpler to authenticate and harder to counterfeit or alter.
Ministers say the updates will combat unlawful entry by individuals with no entitlement to remain in the UK, fulfilling the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change to safeguard Britain’s borders.
Migration and Citizenship Minister 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 revamped passport represents the first completely new design since 2020 and arrives as His Majesty’s (HM) Passport Office continues to deliver exceptional service to British citizens. In the first half of this year, over 3.8 million passports were issued, with a whopping 99.7% of applications that required no additional information being processed within three weeks, surpassing the target of 98.5%.
The public is urged to verify their passport’s validity and apply well in advance of any scheduled travel. Passports bearing Queen Elizabeth II’s Coat of Arms remain valid until the stated expiry date.
HM Passport Office continues to remind people of how they can get a new or replacement passport more cheaply.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the office said: “It’s cheaper and easier to apply online! Whether it’s your first passport or a renewal, applying online is simple and secure.”
It’s £12.50 cheaper to apply for a passport online than by post. You can find out more, or apply, here