Yet more new passport rules

From May 4 applicants for their first UK passport – including people who have lost their passport – will need a full or ‘long’ birth certificate. The move is designed to combat fraud and identify theft. According to the UK Passport Office 75% of parents already get the full certificate, but for the 25% who do not the cost to get the full document will be between £7-£11.50 per certificate or £23-£27.50 for a priority application. According to Home Office minister Beverley Hughes the “small additional expense” is justifiable because it will improve “the security and accuracy of such an important document.” It follows the tightening of security measures regarding passports in the US. As previously reported by TravelMole there is an October 26 deadline when passengers with passports issued after that date must have a visa for travel to the US and apply for it in person at the US embassy in London. This will apply until the UK introduces passports capable of storing biometric data – expected to be in mid 2005.