The Home Office has unveiled a redesigned British passport, with His Majesty’s coat of arms appearing on the front from December. The design also changes the interior pages to feature landscapes from across the four nations, including Ben Nevis, the Lake District, Three Cliffs Bay and the Giant’s Causeway. Officials describe the update as the first wholly new passport design in five years and as the most secure passport yet, with new anti-forgery features such as holographic and translucent elements.

Migration and citizenship minister Mike Tapp said: “The introduction of His Majesty’s arms, iconic landscapes, and enhanced security features marks a new era in the history of the British passport. It also demonstrates our commitment to outstanding public service – celebrating British heritage while ensuring our passports remain among the most secure and trusted in the world for years to come.”

The Home Office stressed that passports bearing Queen Elizabeth II’s coat of arms remain valid until their expiry date listed inside. It urged holders to check the passport’s validity and apply well in advance of travel. The first modern-style British passport was issued in 1915, and the first security feature, a watermark, was introduced in 1972, with dozens of further security measures added since.