A new UK passport is about to drop
The Home Office is set to roll out a revamped UK passport design from Monday, December 1, marking the first entirely new redesign since 2020. While British passports typically receive visual updates every five years, officials say this refresh is intended to usher in a “new era” for UK travellers.
What Does the New UK Passport Look Like?
The most noticeable change is on the front cover, where the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Coat of Arms has been replaced with King Charles III’s royal Coat of Arms. This update reflects the new monarch’s reign and brings the document in line with other official state symbols.
Inside the passport, the familiar geometric background has been replaced with stunning imagery representing all four nations of the UK. Each visa page features UNESCO-recognised natural landscapes, including:
Ben Nevis (Scotland)
The Lake District (England)
Three Cliffs Bay (Wales)
The Giant’s Causeway (Northern Ireland)
These landscapes also hold personal connections to King Charles III, who has visited each site throughout his life—most notably trekking near Ben Nevis in 1987 and touring the Giant’s Causeway in 1996.
Enhanced Security Features
The Home Office has confirmed that the new passport is the most secure British passport ever produced. The redesign includes:
Advanced holographic elements
Translucent security features
Improved anti-forgery technology
More durable tamper-resistant components
According to Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp, the new features highlight the UK’s commitment to providing “secure, trusted, and world-leading passport services” while celebrating British heritage.
When Will the New Passports Be Issued?
The updated passports will be issued from December 1, and are expected to phase out all remaining burgundy passports by the end of the decade.
The UK originally switched from the burgundy design to the current dark blue cover in 2020 following Brexit.
Do UK Travellers Need to Replace Their Current Passport?
No — travellers can continue to use their existing passport until it expires. The design changes do not affect the validity or function of current passports.
When it’s time to renew, applicants will automatically receive the new version.
Current passport fees remain the same:
£94.50 to renew online
£107 when applying via paper form
Demand is high: over 3.8 million UK passports were issued in the first six months of 2025, with 99.7% of straightforward applications processed within three weeks.
How Post-Brexit Travel Rules Affect UK Passport Holders
Since the UK’s departure from the European Union, British travellers are classified as “third-country nationals.” This means your passport must meet strict EU entry rules when visiting Europe or the Schengen Zone.
To travel, your UK passport must:
Have been issued within the last 10 years on your date of entry
Be valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave
These rules apply to all EU member states (except Ireland), and Schengen countries such as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, and Monaco.
Travellers who do not meet these requirements must renew their passports through the HM Passport Office, either online or by post.
Source: Gov.Uk
Credit: Home Office
