What Britain's new 2025 King Charles UK passport looks like

Within the next few days, British citizens will begin receiving a newly redesigned passport, marking the start of what officials describe as a “new era” for UK travel documents.
First announced in October, the updated passports featuring King Charles III’s Coat of Arms will start being issued from December. This marks the first complete redesign of the UK passport since 2020, and the new version includes advanced security features aimed at preventing fraud.
According to His Majesty’s Passport Office, the redesigned passport is the most secure ever produced in the UK.
So what can people expect the new 2025 UK passport to look like?
The new design will feature King Charles III’s Coat of Arms on the front cover. Inside, the pages will include imagery representing the four nations of the UK, showcasing UNESCO-recognised landscapes such as Ben Nevis, the Lake District, Three Cliffs Bay and the Giant’s Causeway.
The passport incorporates new anti-forgery measures, including modern holographic elements and translucent security features. Officials say these updates will make the documents easier for authorities to verify and more difficult for criminals to alter or replicate.
The Home Office says these improvements will support efforts to prevent people without legal permission from entering the UK, forming part of the government’s wider border security strategy.
Passports that still feature Queen Elizabeth II’s Coat of Arms will remain valid until they reach their expiry dates.
Migration and Citizenship Minister Mike Tapp said last month that the introduction of the new royal arms, landscape imagery and improved security systems represents an important milestone for the British passport. He added that the new design reflects both national heritage and the government’s commitment to maintaining one of the world’s most trusted travel documents.
As for processing times, applicants can generally expect to receive a new passport within three weeks. However, the timeframe may be extended if further information is required or if an interview is necessary. Applicants will be informed within the three-week period if any additional steps are needed.