NEW AUSTRALIAN PASSPORT SECURITY MEASURES
The Australian Government has introduced new measures to strengthen the integrity of Australia’s passport system. In a time of heightened concern about terrorism and identity fraud, these arrangements will help to ensure that Australian passports are only issued to those entitled to them.
New Australian passport applications have been introduced for people in the United States applying for an Australian passport which includes new identification, name change and photographic requirements. From July 2005, a new series of Australian passports feature the latest in passport security including an embedded microchip. Australian passports for all the Americas and the Caribbean are processed by the regional production facility at the Australian Embassy in Washington DC.
From December 2003, passport applications are received at all diplomatic and consular posts, which only when required, can also interview passport applicants. However, full validity passports will no longer be issued across the counter at diplomatic and consular posts in the Americas and the Caribbean. Passports will be delivered by mail or courier to the applicant’s residential address, or can be collected from an Australian diplomatic or consular post, within ten working days which is the same service standard provided to passport applicants in Australia. (* Passport applicants should plan ahead to ensure they apply for their new or replacement passport in plenty of time for their travel needs.)
Australians with urgent, unforseen travel needs will be able to obtain an Emergency passport at Australian posts in the Americas. An Emergency passport will attract a priority processing fee along with proof of urgent need requirements.
Australia’s passport issuing system ranks among the world’s best in delivering an innovative, efficient and courteous service to its many customers. The new measures will help to maintain the high standards of physical security of Australian passports and the integrity of its passport system.
[For more information on obtaining your Australian passport in the United States, see the Passports Australia website at www.passports.gov.au or the Australian Embassy, Washington DC at www.austemb.org/consular.
Linda Heller
linda.heller(at)austrade.gov.au
Consular & Passports Services
Tel: 415 243-2060
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