The British passport is undergoing a rare and historic transformation. In late 2025, the UK will begin issuing a newly redesigned passport that will reflect the reign of His Majesty King Charles III, introduce new landmark-themed interior pages, and include some of the most advanced security features ever seen in a UK travel document.
This update is particularly significant because passport redesigns in the UK are extremely rare – they typically occur only when a major political or constitutional event requires them. The last major redesign happened under the government of Boris Johnson in 2020, making the 2025 changes only the second major update in more than a decade.
One of the most visible updates to the 2025 passport is the introduction of the King Charles III coat of arms. This replaces the previous royal insignia associated with Queen Elizabeth II, which has appeared on British passports for over 70 years.
The change is part of the UK’s gradual transition to updated royal symbols across official documents, government signage, currency and national emblems.
Importantly,passports issued before the change remain fully valid until their expiration date and only new applicants and renewals from late 2025 onward will receive the redesigned version.
This makes the new passport one of the first major constitutional documents to officially bear the new monarchs’ insignia.
A standard feature of the new design is the inclusion of scenic, watermark-style illustrations of iconic locations from all four nations: Ben Nevis (Scotland), The Lake District (England), Three Cliffs Bay (Wales) and Giant’s Causeway (Northern Ireland).
These updated pages blend artistry with high-security printing, showcasing Britains natural beauty while strengthening the passport’s anti-counterfeit technology.
Unlike currency or government branding, the British passport is not routinely refreshed. Redesigns typically occur only when: A new monarch is crowned, A major geopolitical shift takes place, or a significant security upgrade is required. This means most British citizens only experience one passport design in their lifetime, unless they renew during a major political transition.
The 2025 redesign Is therefore unusual- occurring just five years after the last major change.
Under Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the UK introduced a major passport redesign in 2020, directly tied to Brexit.
The key features of the 2020 update include: Return to the iconic blue cover, updated security features, symbolic post Brexit identity.
The upcoming update under King Charles III is more than a symbolic refresh. It includes:
- A new royal coat of arms
- Completely reimagined interior pages featuring UK landmarks
- Enhanced holograms and UV security layers
- Laser-engraved numbering on polycarbonate pages
- Updated materials that improve durability
The Home Office describes it as the most secure British passport ever produced, combining modern technology with cultural identity.
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.”
What does this mean for travellers?
- You do not need to renew early. Your existing passport stays valid until its printed expiration date.
- The new design will be issued automatically to new applicants and renewals starting this month
- Expect border agencies worldwide to quickly recognise the new design, as the Uk maintains one of the most trusted passports globally.
The 2025 passport represents a very rare convergence of:
- A new monarch
- A new national aesthetic
- A generational security upgrade
- A celebration of UK landscapes and identity
Only twice in recent years, 2020 under Boris Johnson, and now 2025 under King Charles III, has the British passport undergone such a significant transformation.