A new British passport, featuring King Charles's coat of arms on the front cover and described as the 'most secure ever', has entered circulation. The Home Office confirmed on Wednesday that 300 of the new documents are already in use.
Inside, the passport pages depict beauty spots from all four UK nations: Ben Nevis in Scotland, the Lake District in England, the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, and Three Cliffs Bay in Wales. This design replaces the previous version, which had the coat of arms of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The new passport incorporates advanced anti-forgery features, including holographs and translucent pages, making it easier to verify but harder to forge. Migration and Citizenship Minister Mike Tapp stated: 'I'm proud to see our new British passports in circulation. Featuring His Majesty's coat of arms and landscapes from all four nations, they celebrate our heritage while delivering enhanced security.'
The UK passport last changed its appearance in 2020, switching from burgundy to dark blue after Brexit. Passports have been issued in the king's name since 2023, but the coat of arms on the cover had remained unchanged until now. Existing passports with the late queen's coat of arms remain valid until their expiry date.
