Pretty pictures

The use of these images, recreated through special printing techniques, is just one of a number of enhanced security features contained in the passport, which will give UK citizens added protection from identity theft and fraud and ensure speedier travel across borders.

New Security

New security measures include:

• moving the chip which stores the holder's details to the inside of the passport cover where it will no longer be visible. This gives additional physical protection as well as making it much harder to replace the chip without damage to the passport cover being spotted; 
  
•  a secondary image of the holder printed onto the observations page; 
  
•  new designs now stretching across two pages; and 
  
•  a new transparent covering which includes several holograms to protect the holder's personal details. 
   
  

  Pretty tight security

Chief Executive - Sarah Rapson

Chief Executive of the Identity and Passport Service Sarah Rapson said:
 
"The new passport features a host of scenes from across the UK.
 
"Through its combination of physical and electronic security features, the UK passport remains one of the most secure and trusted documents in the world, meeting rigorous international standards.
 
"The new design is part of our strategy to stay ahead of criminals who look to fraudulently alter or copy passports."
 
The new passport will replace the current UK ePassport, which was upgraded in 2006 with the addition of an electronic chip to hold the owner's details, and to comply with the US Visa Waiver Programme.
 
The personal details page of the passport will be moved to the second page in the passport booklet, in common with other passports in Europe and around the world, to help speed up travellers' passage through border controls.

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