Latest Updates

27th Sep 2016

Change to UK Passport

From 8th October 2016 HM Passport Office will start to introduce passports which no longer include the holder’s signature in digital format, instead customers will be required to sign their passport upon receipt.

The change is being introduced as an essential development for improving the online application service, by removing the need for customers to send signed paper forms and printed photographs in support of their application.

This will be introduced on a phased basis, with all passports being issued without a digital copy of the holder’s signature from mid-January 2017.  However, valid UK passports with the signature in digital format will continue to be in circulation up until 2027.

Travellers are reminded that a passport is not valid without the inclusion of a signature.  Passport holders should sign their passport immediately upon receipt.  However, it can be signed at any point before reaching airside.

See sign-after-receipt-leaflet