New UK passport revealed with strengthened security features

Security measures will include making the chip with the holder's details no longer visible.

The new redesigned UK passport has been revealed, featuring strengthened security measures.

The new ten year passport will be issued from October and will feature well-known UK scenes on the pages, including the White Cliffs of Dover and Ben Nevis.

New security measures include moving the chip which stores the holder's details to the inside of the passport cover where it will no longer be visible, to give additional physical protection as well as making it much harder to replace the chip without damage to the passport cover being spotted.

Also, a secondary image of the holder printed onto the observations page, new designs now stretching across two pages and a new transparent covering which includes several holograms to protect the holder's personal details.

These security features will give UK citizens added protection from identity theft and fraud and ensure speedier travel across borders.

The new passport will replace the current UK ePassport, which was upgraded in 2006 with the addition of an electronic chip to hold the owner's details, and to comply with the US Visa Waiver Programme.

The personal details page of the passport will be moved to the second page in the passport booklet, in common with other passports in Europe and around the world, to help speed up travellers' passage through border controls.

Chief Executive of the Identity and Passport Service, Sarah Rapson said: "Through its combination of physical and electronic security features, the UK passport remains one of the most secure and trusted documents in the world, meeting rigorous international standards."

Further information:
Home Office