Huge changes to British passports are now in effect, featuring a new cover, updated internal images, and a range of security enhancements aimed at thwarting criminals and counterfeiters.
The new design showcases the coat of arms of King Charles III for the first time, with the initial batch of 300 passports already in circulation. Inside, the latest version displays images of four UNESCO-protected natural landscapes – Ben Nevis, the Lake District, Three Cliffs Bay, and the Giant’s Causeway – representing the diverse regions of the UK.
This redesign marks the first complete overhaul of the UK Passport since 2020, incorporating advanced anti-forgery technology, making it the most secure passport ever issued, according to the Home Office.
Mike Tapp, the Minister for Migration and Citizenship, expressed pride in the new British passports, highlighting their inclusion of His Majesty’s Coat of Arms and landscapes from all four nations. He emphasized that these passports not only celebrate heritage but also enhance security, making them crucial in protecting borders and providing exceptional public service.
The HM Passport Office (HMPO) has implemented numerous security measures over the years, starting with the addition of a watermark in 1972. The latest passports feature intricate patterns that are challenging to replicate, along with features visible only under UV light, staying ahead of criminal activities.
Moreover, the Home Office recently completed a four-year project to transfer over a billion UK passport records, including personal details and facial images, to a secure cloud-based platform. This new system has significantly improved passport processing efficiency, with over 350 million successful queries handled swiftly, resulting in 4 million passports being issued more seamlessly.
This migration initiative has not only enhanced operational efficiency but also contributed to an 88% reduction in carbon emissions, equivalent to saving the emissions from driving 57,000 miles in an average petrol car annually, as reported by the Home Office.
In the first nine months of 2025, 5.1 million passports were issued on time, with the government stating that 99.7% of simple applications were processed within three weeks, demonstrating a commitment to timely and efficient service delivery for passport applicants.