Withdrawal of passports is not the same as withdrawing citizenship, officials reassure
Do not book travel until you have a valid passport – your new passport will not have the same number as your old one, GOV.UK warns(Image: Getty/Kypros 2023 all rights reserved)
People applying for a British passport have been told that they could have it “cancelled” or “withdrawn” at any time. UK Government officials state that this legal travel document belongs to them.
Gov.uk explains: “Passports belong to the government and can be cancelled or withdrawn at any time.” According to information published on December 18, 2025, the UK Parliament states: “British passports are issued at the discretion of the Home Secretary under the royal prerogative (an executive power which does not require legislation). They can be withdrawn or withheld using the same discretionary power.
“Withdrawal of passports is not the same as withdrawing citizenship. Someone whose passport is withdrawn remains a British citizen, but their overseas travel is restricted. Home Office policy states this will be done ‘sparingly’, such as where the person intends to travel abroad to engage in terrorism.
“There is no right of appeal against having a passport withdrawn, but the person can ask for an internal review by the government or apply for judicial review by a judge.”
What is the eligibility for a British passport?
Government officials explain that a person must have British nationality to apply for or hold a British passport. However, having British nationality does not guarantee you a passport.
For example, you may not get a new passport – or your existing passport may be taken from you – if:
- You’re suspected of a serious crime, and an arrest warrant has been issued
- A court order stops you having a UK passport or restricts your travel
- You’re on bail and bail conditions mean you cannot leave the UK
- You’ve been brought back to the UK before at the government’s expense and have not repaid what you owe
- You’ve received a European Union or United Nations order which restricts your travel
A child’s passport may also be cancelled or refused for renewal if a court order is in place preventing them from leaving the UK. When you apply, your eligibility and entitlement to a British passport will be assessed.
How can I apply for a passport?
If you’re in the UK, you can apply for a passport online. This costs £102. You can also apply for a passport with a paper form – this costs £115.50. There’s a different way to apply for a passport if you’re overseas.
You can apply for a first adult passport if all of the following apply:
- You’re a British national
- You’re aged 16 or over (or will be in three weeks)
- You’ve never had a UK passport before
You must also apply if your last UK passport was issued before January 1, 1994. You can use your child passport until it expires, even if you’re over 18. An adult passport is valid for 10 years.