In just a matter of days, British citizens will start receiving a newly designed passport (a first of its kind) as it marks a “new era” in the history of the UK passport.
As announced in October this year, the first British passports displaying His Majesty King Charles III’s Coat of Arms will be issued from December, as part of a revamped design.
The updated UK passport is the first wholly new design since 2020 and will also include the latest anti-forgery technology.
It’s also the "most secure" British passport ever produced, His Majesty’s Passport Office previously said.
From December 2025, British passports will start to feature His Majesty King Charles III’s Coat of Arms and new images of iconic UK landscapes.
The new design includes world-leading security features - making our passports more secure than ever.— Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) October 11, 2025
But what does the new 2025 UK passport look like ahead of its rollout within the next week? Let’s find out.
What does a new 2025 UK passport look like?
As well as His Majesty King Charles III’s Coat of Arms on the cover, the new UK passport launching in December will see the four nations represented inside, through images of four UNESCO-protected natural landscapes – Ben Nevis, the Lake District, Three Cliffs Bay, and the Giant’s Causeway.
Made with the latest anti-forgery technology, it will incorporate “cutting-edge” holographic and translucent features, making UK passports “easier” to verify and even “harder” to forge or tamper with, His Majesty’s Passport Office shares.
The Home Office adds this will help prevent illegal entry by people with “no right to be in the UK”, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change to secure Britain’s borders.
Brits should note passports issued with the Coat of Arms of Queen Elizabeth II remain valid until the expiry date.
UK Passport Fee Guide
Minister for Migration and Citizenship ,Mike Tapp, said last month: “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.”
Recommended reading:
- UK government set to introduce new ‘no permission, no travel’ rule from 2026
- New feature set to be added to UK passports to herald in a 'new era'
- Can you still use a red passport for travelling in 2025? The rules you must follow
What is the current waiting time for a new UK passport?
Currently, Brits can expect to receive a new UK passport within three weeks.
His Majesty’s Passport Office explains it may take longer than three weeks if more information is needed, or you need to be interviewed.
However, you will be notified about these extra steps within three weeks.
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