Applying for Passports in Australia

Do you know that the electronic version of the Australian passport, or Australian ePassport, has many lines made up of words? The last pages are actually filled with the words of the song “Waltzing Matilda”, the unofficial national anthem of the country.

The country’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issues Australian passports. The issuance of this travel document is limited to citizens of the country. The Governor General is also issued one, unlike the Queen, who does not need a passport to travel, as all Australian passports are issued in the majesty’s name.

Types Available

Depending on your purpose and position, there are three types of passports issued in Australia:

Standard Passport (with blue cover) - This type of passport is for ordinary travel such as business trips and vacations. For adults, it is valid for ten years, while children can use it for five years. Standard passports are further categorized into:

· Frequent Traveler Passport- This type is issued to frequent travelers such as business people. It costs a little bit more than the standard type.

· Senior’s Passport- Australian citizens who are 75 years old or more can get this type. It costs half of the standard, and is valid for five years.

· Senior’s Frequent Traveler Passport- Australian citizens who are 75 years old or older can have this type, which is half the cost of the Frequent Traveler Passport.

Diplomatic Passport (with red cover) - This type of passport is issued to Australian diplomats, diplomatic couriers, and high ranking government officials.

Official Passport (with gray asparagus cover) - This type of passport is for people who represent the Australian government on official business.

Requirements

Your Australian passport contains personal information like your name, nationality, sex, place of birth, and more. To complete the application process, you will need to provide some documents and undergo procedures.

To apply for an Australian passport, you have to follow three simple steps:

1. You have to secure the application form from government offices or online.

2. You have to prepare the required information and documents.

3. You have to make an appointment for an interview.

Non-Australian citizens are not allowed to apply for a passport, which means that one of the primary requirements is to prove your Australian citizenship. The documents of proof must be originals such as a full Australian birth certificate, Australian citizenship certificate, previous passport if any, as well as documents of name changes if any.

Also, don’t forget to bring two recent and identical photos of you, one of them signed by the person who provided your proof of identity. Along with these, you will need other documents indicating your address, your license number, credit cards, and bills.

Finally, provide the payment for the passport.

Additional Information

Before submitting your papers, you have to make sure that the information you have provided is complete. The officials will also determine if these papers are original, as stated in the requirements. In addition, you may need to furnish other supporting documents like marriage or divorce certificates, change of name documents, and others.

Aside from the documents, an appropriate guarantor must endorse you. Make sure his or her signature is not covered by any stamps on the papers. Remind your guarantor to be reachable and contactable within 24 hours. If you enjoy learning this article, you’ll surely be interested in reading The Guide to Australia Immigration.