The Australian passport is one of the most powerful in the world, allowing visa-free entry to more than 180 countries. But it also holds an unenviable record – for its high price.
Aussie adults now need to fork out a whopping $412 for a new passport, which is more than any other country in the world.
The price rise for the 10-year document grew by up to 3.5 per cent on 1 January 2025, with the previous cost for an adult passport being $398.
A new child’s passport (valid for five years) has also risen to $208 (from $201), while a replacement passport has increased to $259 (from $250). Valid for five years, a seniors passport grew to $208 (from $201).
According to a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) spokesperson, passport fees are indexed annually on 1 January, aligning with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
“The Australian passport is respected internationally as a high-quality travel document. It has a high level of technological sophistication, backed by rigorous anti-fraud measures, which ensures its integrity,” they said.
“This is a key reason why Australian passport holders receive visa-free access to over 180 countries.”
A 10-year passport now costs about the same as a driver’s licence in several Australian states and territories, with a 10-year licence fetching $410 in NSW and $423.50 in the ACT, for instance. In Queensland, a five-year licence goes for $198.35.
The latest price rise comes after the government increased the cost of obtaining an Australian passport by 15 per cent on 1 July 2024 – considerably more than a CPI increase.
At that time, the government predicted the measure would raise $349 million over three years, with the extra funds to be redirected to other priorities within the DFAT portfolio.
In July 2024, in better news for travellers, the government introduced a new fee that gives travellers access to fast-tracked passport applications.
