As
a holder of a British passport, there are some interesting facts and trivia that you may not know about this important travel document. Read on for a closer look at some of the lesser-known aspects of the iconic British passport.
1. The British passport is blue for a reason Since 1988, all new British passports have been blue. This color was not chosen simply because it looks nice or because it represents the British flag. Instead, the blue passport was introduced as a way to standardize British travel documents with those of other European Union countries. The EU recommended a standard color for passports, and blue was chosen as the color that best represented the European Union.
2. British passports are not actually issued by the UK government Although British passports may bear the name of Her Majesty's Government, they are not actually issued by the government. In fact, the responsibility of issuing British passports lies with the Passport Office, which is an agency of the Home Office. This includes issuing passports to people who are not UK citizens but are entitled to British nationality, such as those who were born in a British overseas territory.
3. UK citizens have visa-free access to most countries British passport holders enjoy some of the most extensive visa-free travel privileges in the world. UK citizens are able to travel without a visa to more than 170 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe. In addition, holders of a British passport can obtain a visa on arrival in many other countries, making it one of the most valuable travel documents to have.
4. British passports have an interesting feature to prevent tampering British passports are designed with a number of high-tech features to prevent counterfeiting and tampering, but one of the most interesting is the use of variable font size. The font size on the passport holder's name changes throughout the document, starting out large on the first page and gradually getting smaller as the document goes on. This helps to prevent someone from tampering with the passport by copying and pasting a new name onto an existing document.
5. The cost of a British passport has increased significantly in recent years The cost of applying for a British passport has risen significantly in recent years. In 2014, the cost of a standard adult passport was £7
2.50. By 2019, this had risen to £85, with an additional £22 if applying by paper rather than online. For those needing to renew their passport urgently, the cost can be as high as £14
2.50 for a same-day service. In conclusion, while many people may take their British passport for granted, this important travel document holds many interesting and sometimes surprising facts. From its unique color to its advanced anti-tamper technology, the British passport reflects the history and values of the UK, while also representing the freedom and opportunities that come with being part of a global community.