Tag: Home Department

But the move has angered those applying for new passports who were hoping to hold on to an emblem of EU membership. Susan Hindle Barone, who was one of the first to receive the new-look passports, said: “I was shocked because we haven’t left the EU yet. I assumed we would get the same old passport. Picked up my new passport today - my old one expires in the next couple of months. “Burgundy passports that no longer include the words ‘European Union’ on the front cover will be introduced from 30 March 2019,” it said. 'The UK no longer feels like home’: the British Europhiles racing for EU passports Read more “Passports that include the words ‘European Union’ will continue to be issued for a short period after this date. “You will not be issued with a passport that includes the words ‘European Union’ after the UK has left the EU. “There will be no difference for British citizens whether they are using a passport that includes the words ‘European Union’ or a passport that does not include the words ‘European Union’. Both designs will be equally valid for travel.” The Home Office said the inclusion of the words “European Union” was part of the policy of the EU but was not legally binding, and consumers who receive the new-look passports in the coming months have nothing to worry about. The decision to revive the old blue British passport became an emblem of the government’s promise to “take back control” after the 2017 election despite the loss of Theresa May’s majority.