Last Updated on November 6, 2024 by Tracey Roberts
Topic: Blue British Passport
As most people know, the United Kingdom left the European Union at the end of January 2020. It was then followed by an 11-month transition period, during which the UK made final preparations and negotiated a Brexit deal.
Brexit has resulted in a number of changes for British citizens, one of the most notable of these being changes in travel.
Since the UK is no longer a part of the EU, free travel for UK citizens within Europe is no longer possible.
British nationals may now stay in a European country for up to 90 days (if traveling there on holiday), and will now be required to apply for business or study visas should they be traveling for these reasons.
Need to apply for or renew a new British Passport from abroad? Click here.
British Passport Colour
In addition to new rules governing European travel, the old, burgundy-colored British passport has now been replaced by a new, British blue passport.
Anyone who has applied for a new UK passport since the middle of 2020, will now have the newer passport design. However, if you still have the old, burgundy-colored passport, you don’t need to worry as it will still be valid for travel, as long as you have enough validity on it.
Need to renew your British passport from Australia? Click here.
Why has the new, blue British passport caused so much controversy?
While many people have welcomed the change to the way British passports now look, some have criticised the government, stating that the new, blue British passports are not, in fact, blue but black in colour.
Although the passports are dark blue in colour, when viewed in a certain light, they actually do appear to be almost black and this has raised a lot of backlash.
Priti Patel, the Home Secretary has received numerous complaints about the new look British passports.
The most common complaint is the color and the fact that it looks darker than the public was lead to believe. Another complaint is that these new passports are not made in Britain, but rather in Poland, which many state defeats the purpose of leaving the EU.
Many new blue passport holders have complained that the new passports are poor in quality and have been badly designed.
It has been said that the new passports have an unattractive dark blue (and almost black) appearance and simply look cheaply made, with a flimsy cover, garish embossing, thin paper and some passports are already peeling around the edges.
One UK citizen raised a valid concern since if the new passports are already peeling and fraying, they will look dreadful after 10 years (if they haven’t fallen apart by then).
Others believe that not a lot of thought seems to have gone into the new design as it looks plain, bland and uninspiring. Definitely not something that a country (which has just left the EU) should be proud of!
HM Passport Office has also received countless complaints that the new passports are actually downgrades, and definitely not an improvement to the old ones.
As an increasing number of people begin to renew their old passports, only time will tell if the general, public consensus will be positive or not.
What colour is the new British Passport?
Is the new British passport blue or black? This is the million dollar question!
Official statements from HM Passport Office reveal that the new passports are definitely blue (albeit a darker blue than the public initially believed) with gold embossing.
Britons have been used to the old, burgundy passports for many years”, a spokesperson for the passport office said. “The burgundy passports were first introduced back in the late 80s and we believe it will take a while for Brits to accept that their passports are now blue”.
Prior to the late 80s, British passports were blue in color, as they are now. However, since the blue passport inception in 1921, there have been a number of interesting variations on the blue color, but the British passport has never been black.
Must I replace my passport if it is still in the old, burgundy color?
A common question among Brits is if they can still travel on the old version, UK passports.
As long as your passport has 6 months of validity left on it, it is not older than ten years and you have at least two open pages, you can use your passport with confidence.
The authorities will not require you to replace your passport simply because the design has changed. When you need to renew your UK passport, you will obviously be issued with the new, blue passport.
Need to apply for or renew a new British Passport from abroad? Click here.
So glad I chose to renew my passport through U.K.ABROAD. Great communication, and very thorough with what is required to apply. Passport was applied for, and all required paperwork sent to the UK within a week from starting process, and new passport received super fast. Would highly recommend. – Sarah Dance via Google Reviews. Click here to read more reviews.
Final thoughts.
Do you like the new look to UK passports? Or do you prefer the old version better?
If you are one of the many people who believe that the passports appear to be black, let us know as we would love to hear your thoughts!
Contact U.K.ABROAD
U.K.ABROAD specialises in easy, online British Passport renewals and applications from abroad. Our mission is to make the British Passport renewal, application or replacement process simple, safe & fast. Saving you time & money along the way.
Operating since 2008, we have helped countless British citizens living abroad with their British Passport applications and renewals.
Contact U.K.ABROAD for fast & easy British passport applications, renewals or replacements.
Related : Blue British Passport FAQs
When can I get a blue British passport?
If you apply for or renew your British passport, you will receive a new blue passport. Click here to complete our quick & easy online application form.
When did the UK stop using blue passports?
Blue passports were introduced in 1921 and phased out after 1988 when members of the then European Economic Community agreed to harmonise designs.
New British Passport Inside: Is it different?
We know that the British Passport cover is different, but has the inside of the passport changed since Brexit? The answer is yes. There have been significant improvements to the inside of the British Passport. Click here for more information.
If you would like to find out more about the current British Passport requirements, please click here.
