Australians now pay $412 AUD for a standard 10-year adult passport — making it one of the most expensive passports in the world. This cost increased again in January 2025, yet no clear justification has been provided to the public.

By comparison, the cost of passports in other developed countries is significantly lower:

🇬🇧 United Kingdom: £88.50 ≈ $170 AUD
🇳🇿 New Zealand: NZ$206 ≈ $187 AUD
🇺🇸 United States: US$130 ≈ $195 AUD
🇨🇦 Canada: CA$160 ≈ $178 AUD
🇫🇷 France: €86 ≈ $140 AUD
🇩🇪 Germany: €70 ≈ $114 AUD

In many cases, Australians are paying over double what citizens in other developed nations pay — for a document that is functionally identical in security, design, and international recognition.

A passport is not a luxury — it is a fundamental identity and travel document. For families, students, and low-income Australians, the rising cost is becoming a barrier to mobility, opportunity, and basic citizenship rights.

We are calling on:

• Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs
• The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

To take the following action:

• Conduct a public, transparent review of Australia’s passport pricing structure
• Disclose a full cost breakdown and rationale for the $412 fee
• Reduce the cost to a more reasonable level that aligns with other developed nations

Australians deserve a passport system that is affordable, transparent, and accountable.