The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has released Australia's next-generation passport, the 'R Series'.
The new passport is even more secure than the trusted 'P Series' passport, which has been issued to Australian travellers since 2014.
In an Australian first, the R Series has a high security photo page made of layered plastic, making the passport harder to forge and less susceptible to damage.
The visa pages show 17 iconic Australian landscapes in spectacular true colour.
DFAT is rolling out the R Series in stages from September 2022.
Until the end of 2022, some customers will continue to receive a P Series passport. From early 2023, all customers will receive an R Series passport. Both passports are highly secure documents, and work in the same way at airport SmartGates.
Passport fees will remain the same.
DFAT encourages Australians to plan well ahead of their intended travel dates, including checking their passport's expiry. If you're likely to travel in the next six months - for example, during the upcoming summer holiday period - you should apply or renew now.
Customers should continue to allow a minimum of six weeks to get a new passport or renew one.
