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New UK Passports With King Charles III’s Arms Begin Rolling Out in December

Existing passports stay valid until expiry under the Home Office’s switch to the new design.

Overview

  • Issuance starts from December 2025, with applicants from that point expected to receive the updated passport.
  • The cover features King Charles III’s Coat of Arms, while inside pages depict Ben Nevis, the Lake District, Three Cliffs Bay and the Giant’s Causeway.
  • Officials describe the document as the most secure yet, adding new holographic and translucent elements to strengthen anti‑forgery protections.
  • Holders who receive a new passport must reapply for visa waivers linked to the old document, including the US ESTA, and re‑register for the EU Entry‑Exit System.
  • Current fees are listed at £94.50 for an adult online application and £61.50 for a child, with higher charges for postal and premium one‑day services.