British passports remain the property of the UK government and can be cancelled or withdrawn at any time, according to official guidance. The document is issued at the discretion of the Home Secretary under the royal prerogative, an executive power that does not require legislation.
Gov.uk states: "Passports belong to the government and can be cancelled or withdrawn at any time." Information published by the UK Parliament on December 18, 2025, explains that passports can be withdrawn or withheld using the same discretionary power under which they are issued.
Withdrawal Does Not Affect Citizenship
Having a passport withdrawn is not the same as losing citizenship. A person whose passport is withdrawn remains a British citizen, but their ability to travel overseas is restricted. Home Office policy says this power is used "sparingly," for example where someone intends to travel abroad to engage in terrorism.
There is no right of appeal against a passport withdrawal. However, the individual can request an internal review by the government or apply for judicial review by a judge.
Eligibility and Grounds for Refusal
To apply for or hold a British passport, you must be a British national. British nationality on its own does not automatically entitle you to a passport. A new passport may be refused, or an existing one taken away, in several circumstances.
These include being suspected of a serious crime with an arrest warrant issued, a court order restricting travel, being on bail with conditions that prevent leaving the UK, being repatriated at government expense without repaying the debt, or receiving a European Union or United Nations travel restriction. A child's passport can also be cancelled, or a renewal refused, if a court order stops them from leaving the UK. Eligibility and entitlement are checked when an application is made.
Applying for a Passport
Applications can be made online for £102, or by paper form for £115.50, with a different process for applicants overseas. A first adult passport is available to British nationals aged 16 or over, or those turning 16 within three weeks, who have never held 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.
