The UK Identity and Passport Service has begun issuing British travellers with the first 48-page 'jumbo' biometric electronic passports.

Aimed at frequent globetrotters, the 'eJumbo' is the latest version of the UK passport, combining the security enhancements of the 32-page ePassport introduced last year with 16 extra pages of space for visas.

Home Office minister Joan Ryan said: "I am delighted that following the very successful switchover from digital passports to the new generation of more secure biometric ePassports last year, the Identity and Passport Service is now offering frequent travellers the new 'jumbo' 48 page ePassport.

"We are a nation of seasoned travellers, and issue more passports than any other country in the world bar the US. 80 per cent of the UK population now holds a passport, and a record 6.6 million were issued last year alone."

Commenting on the launch of the 48-page passport, actor, writer and traveller Michael Palin said: "Big journeys require big passports, so I'm delighted the Identity and Passport Service is offering adventurous travellers the jumbo biometric passport with more pages for your visas and, of course, visa-free travel to the US."