UK Seeks New Biometric Passport Contract

Published Date : 7/29/2025 

The British Home Office is seeking suppliers for the end-to-end manufacturing and personalization of UK passports, with a focus on integrating Digital Travel Credentials (DTCs) and other advanced technologies. The new contract is set to commence in September 2027. 

The British Home Office is on the hunt for suppliers to deliver the next generation of UK passports, encompassing end-to-end manufacturing and personalization. This tender reflects the growing integration of biometrics and digital credentials in the travel sector, aligning with the government's vision for the future of travel.

The tender includes the secure design artwork, manufacturing, and personalization of UK passports and related travel documents, with a specific focus on Digital Travel Credentials (DTCs). HM Passport Office (HMPO) currently issues around seven million passports annually, serving British nationals worldwide.

The current contract is held by Thales and is set to expire in 2029. The Home Office aims to replace this deal with a new agreement that will commence in September 2027. Thales' current contract covers a wide range of Biometric Travel Documents (BTDs) for UK visas and immigration, including those issued to refugees and stateless individuals. It also includes UK passports and variants for Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories, as well as official, diplomatic, emergency, and temporary passports.

The future contract may include additional services such as the personalization of travel documents with biometric and visual data, integration with HMPO systems, disaster recovery, and business continuity provisions. Two particularly intriguing potential requirements are the production of non-variant travel documents and “potential future products,” such as Passport Cards and Digital Travel Credentials.

The current contract, awarded to Thales in 2018, was a point of contention at the time, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, then shadow Brexit secretary, advocating for a British company to supply the country’s passports. The tender emphasizes that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are particularly suited for this contract, which is estimated to be worth between £200 million and £400 million ($267–$533.8 million) over a 10-year period from 1 September 2027 to 1 September 2037.

The Home Office is committed to ensuring continuity of service, compliance with international passport standards, and support for future innovations. Interested participants must register on the Home Office’s eSourcing portal, JAGGAER, to express their interest. The primary delivery location for the contract is the United Kingdom, with certain elements potentially delivered from offshore facilities, subject to security and regulatory standards.

For more information on the tender, interested parties can visit the official tender notice page. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the primary focus of the new UK passport tender?

A: The primary focus of the new UK passport tender is the end-to-end manufacturing and personalization of UK passports, with a particular emphasis on integrating Digital Travel Credentials (DTCs) and other advanced technologies.

Q: When is the current passport contract with Thales set to expire?

A: The current passport contract with Thales is set to expire in 2029.

Q: What is the estimated value of the new passport contract?

A: The estimated value of the new passport contract is between £200 million and £400 million ($267–$533.8 million).

Q: Who is particularly suited for this contract according to the Home Office?

A: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are particularly suited for this contract according to the Home Office.

Q: Where can interested parties find more information about the tender?

A: Interested parties can find more information about the tender on the official tender notice page. 

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