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.
Consular and Passport Office
Email: Jorge.andujar@austrade.gov.au
Tel: 415 644 3620
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