Last Updated on October 17, 2024 by Michelle Krause
The new British passport is the first major redesign in over 30 years and it has a lot of exciting features. On 10 March 2020, the new Series C blue British passport officially began to be issued by the home office (HM Passport Office).
When applying for your British Passport you may be wondering what the new features are.
It’s not only the color that has changed, there more great features added to this powerful document. The front cover is now navy blue, which symbolizes Britain’s long history as an island nation.
It also includes an iconic red half-siren design on the inside to represent British identity and culture.
British Passport New Technology and Sophistication.
The UK passport has always been a trustworthy identification document. It is one of the strongest identification documents in the world, allowing free travel to over 170 countries.
The UK passport allows travelers to demonstrate who they are and travel throughout the world.
The new UK passport is one of the most technically sophisticated in the world. The blue passport is made by Gemalto, owned by French firm Thales, providing robust protection against even highly skilled forgery and counterfeiting.
The holder’s data is duplicated on an electronic microprocessor embedded in the document, which features a secure operating system (OS) that has been developed in-house by Thales.
It is fully compliant with relevant ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards.
British Passport New Design
The New Blue Colour
This is not the first time that the UK Passport has been issued in blue – Blue passports were introduced in 1921 and phased out after 1988 when members of the then European Economic Community agreed to harmonize designs.
The decision to restore the iconic blue passport was met with enthusiasm by Brexit supporters.
The government announced this in December 2017, and people were already excited about getting their old passports back!
The color of the new UK passport is one of the most apparent modifications. The front cover is now navy blue, rather than burgundy.
While many UK passport holders have welcomed the change to the way British passports now look, some have criticized the government, stating that the new, blue British passports are not, in fact, blue but black in color.
This hotly debated topic was eventually put to bed by Official statements from HM Passport Office revealing that the new passports are definitely blue (albeit a darker blue than the public initially believed) with gold embossing.
British Passport New Symbolic Design
The colour is not the only change, however.
In a first for the British passport, the back cover will also carry its own symbolic design – the floral emblems of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales embossed.
These floral emblems represent the national flowers, the Tudor rose being the national flower of England.
Another new and exciting addition to the British passport design is the red half-siren which has been added to the inside cover. This iconic image is intended to represent British identity and culture.
Environmentally Conscious
The blue passport will also be the most environmentally-friendly British passport ever.
HM Passport Office states that through initiatives such as tree planting, the carbon footprint generated throughout production will be reduced to net zero.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said:
“Leaving the European Union gave us a unique opportunity to restore our national identity and forge a new path in the world.
By returning to the iconic blue and gold design, the British passport will once again be entwined with our national identity and I cannot wait to travel on one.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the new British passports available yet?
Yes, if you apply for a new British passport now you will receive a blue passport. You can get your online application started by clicking on 'Apply now' in the top right hand corner of this screen.
What is the current wait time for a UK passport?
The current processing time of a British passport from abroad is around 3-4 weeks or sooner, when using the services of MyBritishPassport. This is subject to change in accordance with HM Passport Office processing times.
Must I replace my passport if it is still in the old, burgundy color?
No, if you are happy with your current UK passport there is no need to replace it. It is valid for ten years from its issue date.
Time for a new British passport? About MyBritishPassport
MyBritishPassport has assisted countless British citizens with British passport applications and renewals from abroad, and within the United Kingdom.
We are a team of dedicated customer care professionals who want to make the British Passport renewal, application, or replacement procedure as easy and painless as possible.
Is it time to apply for a new UK passport? Click here to get your quick and easy online application started.
Conclusion: British Passport New Features
The British passport is one of the most technically sophisticated in the world.
The British government put a lot of thought into every aspect of this document, from security to design and sustainability.
If you’re looking for an easy way to renew your UK passport or apply for a British passport online, don’t hesitate.
Our team at MyBritishPassport are ready and waiting to assist you with your UK passport renewal.
