Change of https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/observations-in-passports

Change description : 2026-01-12 12:32:00: Updated the observations in passports caseworker guidance. A full list of changes can be found in the guide. [Guidance and regulation]

Showing diff : 2025-05-21 11:58:50.579298848 +00:00..2026-01-12 12:32:20.784731181 +00:00

Guidance

Observations in passports: caseworker guidance

Tells HM Passport Office staff how to add observations to passports.

From:
HM Passport Office
Published
7 February 2012
Last updated
2112 MayJanuary 20252026 — See all updates

Documents

Observations in passports (accessible)

HTML

Observations in passports

PDF, 225265 KB, 2218 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@homeoffice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

This guidance tells HM Passport Office staff about passport observations, including:

  • what they are
  • when they are used
  • how to add them to a passport

Updates to this page

Published 7 February 2012
Last updated 2112 MayJanuary 20252026 + show all updates

  2. Updates detailed in 'changes from last version of this guidance'.

Sign up for emails or print this page

Update history

2026-01-12 12:32
Updated the observations in passports caseworker guidance. A full list of changes can be found in the guide.

2025-05-21 12:58
Updates detailed in ‘changes from last version of this guidance’.

2024-08-01 11:12
Guidance updated to remove the instruction to add the APC (Application Processing Centre) office in the restricted validity observation (OBTU).

2022-12-01 16:23
This version of the guidance has been updated to reflect the change in our sovereign from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to His Majesty King Charles III. Also the observations needed for standard passports issued to diplomatic staff and their families have changed and Kings Messenger service passports have changed and a new one has been added.

2022-10-06 11:01
Accessible version added.