The Australian Passport grants its holders visa-free access to about one hundred and eighty-five (185) countries. Hence, the Guide Consultants Passport Ranking Index ranks it the ninth most powerful Passport.
This article contains essential information about the Australian Passport. Let’s dive in!
How to Apply for an Australian Passport
Applying for Australian Passports can be done online and at physical offices. To apply for an Australian passport, consider the following steps;
Prepare the Required Documents
The following documents will be required for a new Australian passport application;
- Proof that you are an Australian citizen.
- A document that confirms your place of birth and gender.
- Copies of identification showing your photo, signature, and present address of residence.
- Documents that prove any change of name or change of gender.
- Two passport-sized images that comply with the Australian passport requirements.
Get a Referee or Guarantor
You must have a referee or guarantor to apply for an Australian passport. Your referee or guarantor must;
- Be an adult citizen of Australia.
- Know you for at least a year.
- Not be related to you in any way.
- Not be living with you.
Your referee or guarantor must provide his name, passport details, telephone number, and residential address.
Fill in the Application Form
Application forms are available online and also at participating Australia Post outlets. The application forms will indicate the provided documents and require you to complete your details.
Lodge Your Application and Pay Your Passport Fee
To lodge your application, you must do this using a participating Australia Post outlet. You are to schedule an appointment with them.
You must bring your printed application form, passport photos, and the original documents required for your passport application.
Wait to Receive Your Passport
After a successful passport application, you must wait for an SMS or email to notify you of your passport processing progress. If you choose to receive it by post, it will be conveyed to you about three weeks after the email or SMS. If you still need to pick up your Passport from your chosen passport office.
Australian Passport Application Fee
The Australian Passport application fee increases every year. The fees as of January 2021 are explained below;
- A 10-year validity passport for people aged 16 and over costs $301.
- A 5-year validity passport for people aged under 16 or 75 and over charges $152
- Emergency and replacement passports cost $189
- The priority processing fee costs $220
- The overseas surcharge for adult applicants costs $135
- The overseas tax for child applicants costs $66.
Australian Passport Processing Time
The processing time for an Australian passport is at least six weeks. Apply your Passport early enough in case it takes more than six weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a non-Australian citizen get an Australian passport?
A non-Australian citizen cannot apply for and receive an Australian passport. However, other travel documents could be issued to Australian foreigners.
The pages on my Passport are almost filled out. What should I do?
You are to apply for a renewal of your Passport.
Conclusion
It is necessary to have an Australian passport as a citizen of Australia. It is an essential travel document that identifies every Australian on international travel.
