People must now sign their passports after they are issued, Patricia Gordon-Pamplin has announced.

The “Sign After Receipt” system should eventually eliminate the need for passport customers to send their paper forms and printed photographs in support of their UK or British Overseas Territories Citizen passport applications, Ms Gordon-Pamplin told the House of Assembly.

The home affairs minister said: “A passport is not valid for travel without the inclusion of a signature. To this end, passport holders should sign their passport on page three, as soon as they receive it. While clear customer guidance will be uploaded on the government portal, passport applicants should know that the passport must be signed above the signature line using black ink.”

She said passport holders who were exempt from providing a signature, such as children aged 11 or under, or those with disabilities who are unable to sign, will be exempt. For BOTC passport application forms and for more information relating to SAR, visit www.gov.bm or visit the Bermuda Passport Office.

• For Ms Gordon-Pamplin’s statement in full, click on the PDF under “Related Media”.