UK Citizens Feel Blue About Passport Redesign After Brexit

The traditional blue passport will gradually return to the UK after it leaves the European Union. According to the Home Office, documents issued after the exit date (March 29, 2019) will continue to have burgundy covers, introduced in 1988 under EU requirements. However, they will no longer feature any EU-related markings. The dark-blue version with gold lettering will come into production by October 2019, when the passport is set for redesign. This happens every five years.

"Leaving the EU gives us a unique opportunity to restore our national identity and forge a new path for ourselves in the world," said Brandon Lewis, the UK's Minister of State for Immigration. "That is why I am delighted to announce that the British passport will be returning to the iconic blue and gold design after we have left the European Union in 2019."

READ MORE: Isn't It Ironic? Post Brexit British Passport Could Be Made in France

Mr. Lewis also noted that the new document will have "a raft of new security measures to protect against fraud and forgery." The paper-based page with the holder's photograph and personal details will be replaced with a new "super-strength plastic polycarbonate material that will be more difficult to alter."

Demands for a return of the traditional navy-blue colored passport were a major part of the Brexit debate in June 2016. However, it doesn't look like people are happy with the changes.