A red British passport refers to the burgundy-coloured travel document issued by the United Kingdom for several decades, distinctively linked to its membership in the European Union (EU) and its predecessor, the European Community (EC).
History and Features
These passports were a common sight for British travellers, signifying the UK's participation in the European bloc. When they were first introduced in August 1988, the cover of these passports prominently featured the words "European Community." Over time, as the political landscape evolved, this text was updated to "European Union" in 1997, reflecting the changing nomenclature of the organization.
The design and colour of these passports aligned with a common format adopted by most EU member states, fostering a sense of shared identity and facilitating travel within the union.
Timeline of Issuance
The journey of the red British passport spans several key milestones:
| Year/Date | Event | Cover Text |
|---|---|---|
| August 1988 | First issued as the standard UK travel document. | European Community |
| 1997 | The text on the passport cover was updated. | European Union |
| March 2020 | Issuance ceased, making way for the new blue British passports. | N/A |
The End of an Era
The era of the red British passport officially concluded in March 2020. Following the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union (Brexit), the UK government reintroduced the traditional blue passport, marking a symbolic shift in the nation's identity and its relationship with the EU. The cessation of red passport issuance signified a return to a pre-EU passport design, distinguishing the UK's travel documents from those of its former European partners.
