Essential information when travelling Australia
Some general tips to get you started or help you on your way.
On the right hand side you will see a list of headings click on
areas that interest you.
Passport - General / Lost/ Applications
General Information
All visitors must have visitor visas and current passports, which should be valid for three months longer than the
intended stay. The only exceptions are citizens of New Zealand, who require only valid New Zealand passports.
All visitors need valid passports to enter Australia and return home.
Australia does not allow entrance if the holder's passport expires in
under six months; returning home with an expired passport is illegal,
and may result in a fine.
Photocopies
It is a good idea to photocopy the page of your passport that contains
your photo, passport number, and other identifying information, as well
as other important documents such as visas, travel insurance policies,
airplane tickets, and traveller's cheque serial numbers, in case you
lose anything.
Carry one set of copies in a safe place apart from the originals and
leave another set at home.
Consulates also recommend that you carry an expired passport or an
official copy of your birth certificates in a part of your baggage
separate from other documents.
Lost Passports
If you lose your passport in Australia, immediately call 13 12 32.
To expedite its replacement, you will need to know all information previously recorded
and show identification and proof of citizenship.
In some cases,
a replacement may take weeks to process,
and it may be valid only for a limited time.
Any visas stamped in your old passport will be irretrievably lost.
In an emergency, ask for immediate temporary travelling papers that
will permit you to re-enter your home country.
Passport Applications
[Australia]
[United Kingdom]
[America]
[Canada]
[Ireland]
All applications for new passports or renewals should be filed
well in advance of your planned departure date - remember you are
relying on government agencies to complete these transactions.
Most passport offices offer rush services for extra charge.
Citizens residing abroad who need a passport or renewal should contact
their nearest embassy or consulate.
Australia:
Information: Toll free Tel. 13 12 32 or check out their website here.
Citizens must apply for a passport in person at a post office, or at an Australian diplomatic mission overseas.
Adult passport
Aus$126 (32 page passport) valid 10 years.
Aus$188 (64 page passport) valid 10 years.
Child passport
Aus$63 (32 page passport) valid 5 years
Aus$94 (64 page passport) valid 5 years
[Top]
United Kingdom:
Tel. (01870) 521 0410 or check out their website here.
Application forms are available at passport offices, main post offices and many travel agents.
Apply by mail or in person to one of the passport offices located in
London, Liverpool, Newport, Peterborough, Glasgow or Belfast.
The whole process takes about 4 weeks, but the London office offers a
5-day, walk-in rush service - arrive early.
Adult passport
UK£31 valid 10 years
Child passport
UK£11 valid 5 years (under 16)
[Top]
America:
24hr recorded Information line: Tel. (202) 647 0518
or check out their website here.
Citizens may apply for a passport at any federal or state courthouse or post office
authorized to accept passport applications, or at a US Passport
Agency - located in most major cities.
Processing takes 3-4 weeks.
Refer to the "US Government, State Department" section of the telephone
directory or the local post office for addresses.
Adult passport
US$60 valid 10 years
Under 18
US $40 valid 5 years
[Top]
Canada:
Information: Access their website here.
Canadian Passport Office, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade;
Ottawa: Tel. (613) 994 3500
Toronto: Tel. (416) 973 3251
Vancouver: Tel. (604) 586 2500
Montreal. Tel. (514) 283 2152
Application forms are at all passport offices,
Canadian missions and many travel agencies.
Adult passport
CDN$60 (plus CDN$25 consular fee) valid for 5 years
[Top]
Ireland:
Information: Access their website here.
Department of Foreign Affairs, Passport Office, Setanta Centre, Molesworth st, Dublin 2:
Tel. (01) 671 1633.
Fax (01) 671 1092
Tel. (021) 27 25 25
Obtain an application at a local Garda station or post office or from Passport Office.
Adult passport: IR£45 valid 10 years
Under 18: IR£10 valid 3 years
Over 65: IR£10 valid 3 years
[Top]
