New coat of arms. Same Move Up holding SA’s hand.
A new UK passport is officially rolling out — here’s what it means for SA travellers and dual nationals.
The UK is launching a fully redesigned passport for 2025, with the first documents being issued from next week. It’s the first major update since 2020 — and South Africans with British nationality or UK travel plans are already asking whether they need to renew early, what it costs, and whether their current passport is still valid.
Move Up is hosting the South African Launch Party to break down the essentials in plain English.
Why has the UK redesigned its passport?
The UK typically refreshes its passport design every few years. These updates serve two purposes:
Introduce the coat of arms of the current monarch (King Charles III)
Strengthen anti-forgery and border security features
The last major redesign happened in 2020 with the post-Brexit blue passport. Smaller updates have occurred since — including the text change to “His Britannic Majesty” following the coronation.
What’s new in the 2025 passport?
1. King Charles III’s coat of arms
The biggest visual change appears right on the cover. It replaces the late Queen’s insignia and marks a formal shift into the new royal era.
2. Upgraded anti-forgery tech
The UK is calling this its “most secure passport ever,” thanks to:
stronger holograms
enhanced translucent layers
multiple-angle visual markers
a tougher polycarbonate photo page
These features make the document significantly harder to duplicate or tamper with — a direct step in the UK’s border security strategy.
3. New inside artwork
The inner pages now feature iconic natural landscapes representing the four nations:
Ben Nevis (Scotland)
Lake Windermere (England)
Three Cliffs Bay (Wales)
Giant’s Causeway (Northern Ireland)
The dark blue cover stays exactly the same, so the change won’t be jarring at a glance.
When do the new passports start rolling out?
From December 2025.
Anyone applying from next week onward will likely receive the new design.
You do not need to wait for your current passport to expire — but if you renew early, remember that the UK no longer carries over unused validity.
How much does the new passport cost?
Current UK passport fees (2025):
Adults: £94.50
Children: £61.50
Postal applications: slightly more
1-day premium service: £222 (adult)
Overseas applications: additional fees apply
Fees have risen three times in the last three years — so budgeting for future increases is wise.
Will my current passport remain valid?
Yes — 100%.
Any UK passport already issued remains valid until its printed expiry date, even if it carries the old coat of arms.
There’s no requirement to switch early unless:
your passport expires soon;
you need to update your name or details;
you’re changing visa-linked travel documents (e.g., ESTA or future EU EES registrations).
What South Africans should know
If you’re in South Africa and hold — or are eligible for — a British passport, this rollout affects:
dual nationals
SA families with British-born parents/grandparents
children applying for their first UK passport
travellers needing renewals for 2025/2026 trips
South Africans with UK ancestry pursuing first-time nationality confirmations
Once you receive a new passport, you’ll also need to reapply for any linked travel waivers (e.g., ESTA), as they are tied to your previous passport number.
Move Up’s take: Calm, clear, helpful
Whenever the UK updates its systems, South Africans feel the ripple effect. Processing times, fees, documentation — it all gets confusing.
“New coat of arms. Same Move Up holding SA’s hand.”
We guide you through renewals, replacements, first-time child applications, and nationality confirmations — start to finish.