Passport and Visa advice

Passport and visa applications

If you are traveling overseas you will need a passport and in some countries a visa.

Many countries require travelers to have at least six months validity remaining on their passports.

Immigration authorities may refuse entry if you arrive with less than this.

It is your sole responsibility to obtain a passport and visa (if needed) before traveling.

Applying for a passport

Get a passport application form from your post office.

Fill it in and then book an interview at the post office.

Bring to your passport interview

* If you have a valid or expired passport it must be presented at interview for cancellation

* Bring 2 identical color photos to your interview ensuring your Guarantor has correctly endorsed one of them - see page 3 of the Passport application.

* Bring along any other original documents that confirm your identity - see page 2 of the passport application.

* Your Birth Certificate must be a full original and not an extract or commemorative certificate.

* If you were born on or after 20/8/1986 you must also bring documents that prove one of your parents was an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia at the time of your birth. OR bring your passport if it was issued after 1/1/2000.

* Bring the original and a photocopy of all documents.

Some important reminders

* Photographs must comply with the standards identified on the application form. If they don't they will be rejected at the interview. (I have mine taken at Big W photo section or Rabbit photo, also Australia Post do them)

* Complete the application form using BLANK INK only.

* Ensure your Guarantor has shown the number of years and months they have personally known you.

* Your current Marriage Certificate must be issued by Register of Births, Deaths and Marriages (not by churches, ministers, parishes etc)

* For Child applications, details for both parents must be completed, signed and witnessed.

* Be aware that the normal time for issuing a passport is 10 business days, plus mail transit times. For speedier issue you can elect to pay a Priority Processing fee.

Visa applications

You may be denied boarding an international flight if you do not have a visa or the correct type of visa. When you obtain your visa you need to double check the dates and applicability because mistakes have been known to happen.Even if the country issuing it has made the error you may still be refused.

You must ensure you have a valid passport and visa as this is your sole responsibility.

Expiry dates on visas are strictly observed.

Carry a photo copy of your passport and visa just in case of loss.

If you have any criminal or court-related incidents then you need to list them. eg Canada and USA may well prohibit entry to someone with a single marijuana-related conviction.

A valid, current visa does not guarantee entry to some countries. It is the prerogative of any country to turn you away-even if your visas are apparently in order. Even if you are on a cruise. Some countries demand multiple visas. Hence you need to make sure you have obtained the correct visa for your trip.

Make sure you have travel insurance, which may cover you int the event of a failed entry attempt.

To obtain a visa,

*contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the country you intend to visit, well in advance of travel.

*Make sure you obtain all appropriate visas, including transit visas where required

*Provide all required information when applying for visas. In most cases you will have to provide evidence of a return ticket and/or sufficient funds to cover your trip.

*They will send you an application form. Some embassies have them online.

*Send your application with your passport and photos (the application will tell you how many) to the address on the forms.

*If you haven't heard anything from them for several weeks then call them to find out where your visa is at. They will not chase you (talking from experience). It takes a couple of weeks to process.

Remember your passport and visa must be valid.

The Australian government is unable to intervene in any cases in which an Australian has been refused a visa or denied entry.

Remember that if there is a problem with your visa, deportation is at your expense.

"For advice on lost or stolen passports click here"

Due to the constant changes in circumstances in various countries of the world it is highly recommended that before you consider traveling overseas, check out www.smartraveller.gov.au for more detailed information. check out www.smartraveller.gov.au for more detailed information