The UK Government has warned that a British passport can be "cancelled" or "withdrawn" at any time, as officials confirm the travel document belongs to them. Gov.uk states: "Passports belong to the government and can be cancelled or withdrawn at any time."
Passport withdrawal rules explained
According to information published on December 18, 2025, the UK Parliament explains: "British passports are issued at the discretion of the Home Secretary under the royal prerogative (an executive power which does not require legislation). They can be withdrawn or withheld using the same discretionary power."
Withdrawal of a passport is not the same as withdrawing citizenship. A person whose passport is withdrawn remains a British citizen, but their overseas travel is restricted. Home Office policy states this will be done "sparingly", such as where the person intends to travel abroad to engage in terrorism.
There is no right of appeal against having a passport withdrawn, but the person can ask for an internal review by the government or apply for judicial review by a judge.
Eligibility for a British passport
Government officials explain that a person must have British nationality to apply for or hold a British passport. However, having British nationality does not guarantee a passport.
A new passport may not be issued, or an existing passport may be taken away, if the applicant is suspected of a serious crime and an arrest warrant has been issued, if a court order stops them having a UK passport or restricts their travel, if they are on bail with conditions that prevent them leaving the UK, if they have been brought back to the UK before at the government's expense and have not repaid what they owe, or if they have received a European Union or United Nations order restricting their travel.
A child's passport may also be cancelled or refused for renewal if a court order is in place preventing them from leaving the UK. Eligibility and entitlement to a British passport will be assessed when an application is made.
How to apply for a passport
Applicants in the UK can apply for a passport online, which costs £102. Applying with a paper form costs £115.50. There is a different application process for those overseas.
A first adult passport can be applied for if the applicant is a British national, is aged 16 or over (or will be within three weeks), and has never had a UK passport before. An application is also required if the last UK passport was issued before January 1, 1994. A child passport can be used until it expires, even if the holder is over 18. An adult passport is valid for 10 years.
