The UK has recently changed the colour of its passport since leaving the European Union but is it black or navy blue?
If you’re used to using a red passport, you might be wondering what colour your next passport will be or maybe you’re just unsure what colour the latest passports have changed to.
The UK saw another change to passports following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
For more than 70 years, the official travel documents were supplied in the name of “Her Majesty” during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.
The new UK passport is blue in colour (Image: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
The release of the new passports after the Queen’s death was the first time since 1952 (the end of the reign of the last male monarch, Charles’ grandfather King George VI) that they have been issued under the title “His Majesty”.
As Prince Charles became King, they were now issued under the title “His Majesty” again.
Is the new UK passport black or navy blue?
Although the UK’s new passport might look black to some, it was revived with traditional dark blue covers post-Brexit.
However, some British citizens will still have burgundy passports which are still fine to use as long as they are valid for travel.
What do blue passports mean?
As well as red and blue, you might also come across green and black passports but it seems there is actually a meaning behind the colours used for certain countries.
The Instagram account @weroad has shared an insight into the different colours, which countries use them and what the colours mean.
Passport Photo Rules
The travel company, which credits the Instagram account @flightbae.b as the source of information, explains that blue passports are usually associated with freedom and stability plus they have high mobility.
High mobility is the amount of visas that aren’t needed to access the countries with a blue passport.
Blue passports are issued by countries including the UK, USA, Canada and Brazil.
Recommended reading:
- Why are passports different colours and what does each colour mean?
- Can you still use a burgundy passport for travelling in 2024? Rules to follow
- This is the 5-minute passport check everyone should do before travelling
The Instagram account also explained who decides on the colours of passports.
The colour of passports is determined by the government of each country and the chosen colour can depend on a few factors.
These include historical precedents, national identity, regional agreements and practicality such as the durability and visibility of the passport.
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