Aussies already lay claim to having one of the most powerful passports in the world — and according to new research, the second most expensive.
In three months, the cost of the Australian passport is set to increase by 15 per cent, meaning those who plan on purchasing the ten-year travel document will have to pay almost $400, up from $346.
In January, the fee increased per standard inflation price indexing that occurs each year – and will jump up again on July 1 to exactly $397.90 as the federal government puts up fees.
If you require priority processing, it’s another $252. So, if you’re planning on renewing your passport, it’s best to do so before July to avoid paying the extra $54 fee.
Compare the Market Australia revealed the Aussie travel document is the second most expensive passport in the world, based on price, years valid and power — and surprisingly, it has the second-lowest value per visa-free country – despite its relatively high ranking in the Henley Index.
According to Compare the Market Australia’s latest research, Mexico ranked first at $353.90 for its 10-year passport, while the six-year and three-year passports were fourth and ninth most expensive respectively.
The data found Australia’s passport is almost $100 more expensive than the next-most expensive passport on the list (belonging to the USA at $252.72).
For comparison, the New Zealand passport (the fifth most expensive on the list) costs $193.72.
Meanwhile, passports for the United Arab Emirates, India, and Hungary were the three cheapest on the list at $27.13, $27.70 and $31.78, respectively.
Compare the Market’s executive general manager of General Insurance, Adrian Taylor, said the study revealed the importance of keeping your travel documents safe while overseas. “Damage, loss or theft of your passport is an unfortunate risk many people face while overseas,” Mr Taylor said.
“It is important to stay vigilant and take care of these vital documents, as even minor damage can stop you from travelling in some instances.”
And he’s not wrong. Several Aussies have been knocked back from visiting places like Bali.
One woman was turned away from her flight to Denpasar last month just hours prior to boarding after revealing she has a small tear in the spine of the document.
Another woman bound for Bali discovered water damage on the document, which ultimately led to her having to fork out hundreds of dollars more for an express replacement.
Mr Taylor warned if your passport is lost, damaged or stolen while overseas, it is important to contact the relevant authorities as fast as possible.
“[As] in some cases you could be charged or fined if you cannot present appropriate and valid identification.”
Meanwhile, with the Aussie passport fee set to increase, which works out to be just $33 over a 10-year period, a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) spokesperson said it comes with good reason.
“The increase to passport fees will support priority initiatives within the Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio, including the government’s efforts to modernise Australia’s passport systems and services,” the spokesperson said.
“It has a high level of technological sophistication, backed by rigorous anti-fraud measures, which ensures its integrity. This is a key reason why Australian passport holders currently receive visa-free access to over 100 countries.”
The one-off July 1 fee increase is set to raise $349 million over a three-year period.