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Australian Passport Fees Set to Increase in 2024

Australian Passport Fees Set to Increase in 2024

Australia’s passport fees will rise again starting January 1, 2024. This increase follows a series of price hikes in recent years, making the Australian passport the most expensive in the world. The government has attributed the price increase to annual indexation, but critics argue that these hikes amount to an excessive tax grab. Australians will soon pay more for a range of passport services, from standard renewals to emergency documents.

Australian Passport Costs: New Rates

From January 1, 2024, the cost of a new 10-year adult Australian passport will increase by 3.5%. The new fee will be $412, up from the current cost of $398. Children’s passports will also see a price increase. A five-year passport for those under 16 will rise from $201 to $208.

In addition to the standard fee increases, the cost of replacing an Australian passport will rise from $250 to $259. The government has implemented this increase as part of its regular indexation process, which aligns with the Consumer Price Index.

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The Global Context: Australia’s Most Expensive Passport

With this increase, the cost of an Australian passport will remain the highest globally. In July 2023, a 15% increase made Australian passports more expensive than any other in the world. Before this hike, Mexico had the most expensive passports, with a price of $346. However, after the Australian increase, the price has soared, making it the most expensive travel document worldwide.

Simon Birmingham, the Coalition’s foreign affairs spokesperson, criticised the fee hikes, calling them “a backdoor tax grab.” He claimed the Albanese government was using Australian passport fees to boost revenue. “It’s unsurprising the Albanese government is ringing in the new year with another tax grab from Australians,” Birmingham said. “Labor are on track to be raking in nearly $1 billion annually from taxpayers just through their past three blatant price rises on Australian passports.”

Rationale for the Increase

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has defended the increase, pointing to the annual indexation process. A spokesperson for the department explained that the “cost of passports is indexed annually in line with the Consumer Price Index.” They also emphasised the high level of technological sophistication in Australian passports, backed by “rigorous anti-fraud measures” that ensure the integrity of the document.

Australian passports allow visa-free access to over 180 countries, a benefit supported by these technological advancements and security measures.

Public Outcry: The Rising Costs

Despite the department’s explanations, the ongoing increases in Australian passport fees have generated significant public backlash. Critics argue that these price hikes burden ordinary Australians, many of whom already face high costs for international travel.

Birmingham echoed this concern, saying, “Many Australians scrimp and save to afford a special holiday to Bali or Fiji, only to find the cost of a passport is similar to the cost of an airfare.” This sentiment resonates with many, as passport fees have steadily risen alongside other living costs.

The Albanese government’s move to continue hiking passport fees has drawn attention to the broader issue of rising costs of living. Many Australians feel that a passport, as a basic entitlement, should not be priced so steeply. Birmingham called the rise “over the top revenue raising on a government issued document.”

Additional Costs for Australians Overseas

For Australians residing abroad, the cost of obtaining or renewing an Australian passport will be even higher due to an overseas processing surcharge. For instance, in the United Kingdom, the surcharge will add $184 to the cost of a 10-year passport for those over 18, bringing the total cost to $596.

The increase in overseas processing fees will apply to all Australian passports, whether they are new or replacements. This additional cost can be a significant burden for Australians living overseas, who may already face higher living costs.

Political Debate: Labor vs. Coalition

The debate over Australian passport fees has become a point of contention between the Albanese government and the opposition. Assistant Foreign Minister Tim Watts pointed out that indexation had been in place “under successive governments over many years.” This statement reflects the government’s stance that price increases are part of a long-standing policy and are necessary to maintain the integrity and functionality of Australian passports.

However, the Coalition’s criticism continues. According to Birmingham, these hikes reflect a government struggling with out-of-control spending. He added, “Australians are paying record sums for the privilege of a passport that should be a basic entitlement not an expensive luxury.”

Passport Cost Comparison

As the cost of an Australian passport continues to climb, comparisons with other countries highlight just how steep the price is. While many countries offer passports at a fraction of the Australian price, the high cost of the Australian passport is justified by its technological advancements and security features.

For example, Canada and the United States offer passports that are priced lower than Australia’s, yet both countries face issues with passport security and fraud. The Australian passport’s sophisticated security features, including biometric data and anti-fraud measures, set it apart, making it one of the most trusted travel documents worldwide.

New Requirements for UK Travel

In addition to rising passport fees, Australians travelling to the United Kingdom will face new requirements starting January 8, 2024. The UK will introduce an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system for Australians entering the country. This authorisation will cost £10 (approximately AU$20) and must be obtained before travel.

The introduction of this new requirement will add another layer of cost for Australians travelling to the UK. However, the ETA is expected to streamline entry processes and improve security for both travellers and the UK government.

Conclusion: The Future of Australian Passport Fees

As Australian passport fees continue to rise, the debate over their affordability is likely to intensify. Critics argue that the government should reconsider these price hikes, especially as many Australians already face high costs for international travel. On the other hand, the government maintains that the fees are necessary to uphold the quality and security of the Australian passport.

Regardless of the ongoing political debate, the reality for Australian passport holders is clear: passport fees are set to increase again in 2024, making international travel more expensive for Australians.

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