Australians take pride in their little blue travel companion that opens doors to the world. The passport is not just a document; it's a key to global exploration, a testament to identity, and a symbol of the freedom everyone enjoys.

But as it turns out, this freedom comes with a hefty price tag, one that's about to get even heftier.



Recent findings have placed the Australian passport as the second most expensive in the world.

More than that, the cost of obtaining this essential travel document is set to soar by 15 per cent in three months—pushing the price to nearly $400 for a ten-year passport, up from the current fee of $346.



Last January, the fee increased based on annual standard inflation price indexing—and it will increase again on July 1 to exactly $397.90.

And if you're in a rush and require priority processing, be prepared to add another $252 to your bill.

For those looking to renew, it's wise to do so before July to sidestep the additional $54 fee.



The revelation of the passport's costliness comes from a study by Compare the Market Australia, which evaluated passports based on price, validity period, and 'power'—a measure of how many countries can be visited visa-free.

Despite Australia's passport ranking highly on the Henley Index for its travel freedom, it surprisingly offers the second-lowest value per visa-free country.



The Australian passport is the most expensive on the list at almost $100 more than the second most expensive passport, which belongs to the USA at $252.72 AUD.

On the list of most expensive passports, the New Zealand passport is fifth and 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.



Adrian Taylor, Compare the Market’s Executive General Manager of General Insurance, emphasised the importance of safeguarding our travel documents.

‘Damage, loss or theft of your passport is an unfortunate risk many people face while overseas,’ he 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,’ he added.

The cost of replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged passport can be significant, not to mention the inconvenience and potential disruption to travel plans. Australians have faced being turned away at the airport due to minor damages to their passports, leading to last-minute scrambles and additional expenses for express replacements.

Such is the case of one traveller who paid $450 after discovering damage to her passport before her flight.



The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) justified the fee increase by pointing to the need to support priority initiatives.

‘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,’ he explained.

‘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,’ he continued.

But as we weigh the benefits against the costs, it's essential to consider the broader picture.

The upcoming fee increase is expected to raise $349 million over three years.

Compare the Market listed the cheapest and most expensive passports in the world here:


What do you think of this price increase, members? Also, how do you feel about Australia having the second most expensive passport? Share your thoughts in the comments below.