New British passport featuring King Charles III’s Coat of Arms to be issued from December

The new British passport bearing His Majesty King Charles III’s Coat of Arms

The first British passports to bear His Majesty King Charles III’s Coat of Arms will be issued from December 2025, marking the start of a new era in the document’s history.

The updated design showcases the four nations of the United Kingdom through images of four UNESCO-protected natural landscapes: Ben Nevis in Scotland, the Lake District in England, Three Cliffs Bay in Wales, and the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.

The newly designed passport is also being described as the most secure British passport ever produced, incorporating the latest anti-forgery technology.

Among the innovations are cutting-edge holographic and translucent features that make passports easier to verify while increasing resistance to forgery and tampering.

The enhanced design forms part of the government’s Plan for Change, aimed at securing Britain’s borders and preventing illegal entry by those without the right to remain in the UK.

“A new era in the history of the British passport”

Commenting on the announcement, 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.”

Continuing tradition and innovation

The new edition represents the first wholly new design since 2020, reflecting both technological advancement and the transition to the reign of King Charles III.

According to HM Passport Office, the organisation continues to deliver exceptional service to British citizens.

During the first six months of 2025, over 3.8 million passports were issued, with 99.7% of applications — where no further information was needed — processed within three weeks, exceeding the official target of 98.5%.

Travellers are being reminded to check the validity of their passports and to apply in good time before any planned trips. Passports issued with the Coat of Arms of Queen Elizabeth II will remain valid until their expiry date.

A legacy of innovation

Since the first modern-style British passport was introduced in 1915, the document has continually evolved to stay ahead of criminals.

The first security feature, a watermark, was added in 1972, and today’s passports feature complex patterns, microprinting, and ultraviolet (UV) light elements — measures designed to protect the integrity of British travel documentation.

With the latest updates, His Majesty’s Passport Office continues to blend British heritage and cutting-edge technology, reinforcing the passport’s reputation as one of the most secure and trusted travel documents in the world.