The UK Home Office has launched a major market engagement exercise as it prepares to procure a new tender for the secure design, manufacture, and personalisation of UK passports and related travel documents. The new agreement is expected to replace the current contract, held by Thales, before its expiry in 2029, with a start date tentatively set for September 2027.
HMPO is inviting suppliers to register their interest in delivering a secure, end-to-end passport production service. The competitive contract is expected to be worth between £200 million and £400 million, with an estimated total value of £360 million including VAT.
The new supplier will be responsible for the scope of design, production, and personalisation of UK travel documents, including UK passports, diplomatic, emergency, and temporary passports, or biometric travel documents.
The contract will be awarded through a competitive process, with rounds of consultations which progress to delve into more specific requirements. The contract will also require suppliers to support future innovations, such as Passport Cards and Digital Travel Credentials, and ensure seamless integration with existing HMPO systems.
The deadline to submit an expression of interest is 25 July 2025. Find out other key dates of the contract procurement process here.
