Australian travellers expose major flaw with new $398 passports
Australians who recently received a new passport have discovered a major problem with the $398 document.
Travelers have criticized the quality of the new R-series passports, which have been issued since 2004. September 2022.
They fear that the new documents will not last the intended ten years, as the covers appear to have become bent before they were even used.
Australian woman Greta recently shared her thoughts in a TikTok video, which has been viewed more than 145,000 times.
She initially said she liked the “epic” new design, which featured images of iconic landmarks, but was later disappointed with how fragile the document was.
“I recently got the new Australian passport. I was really excited but then a few people said I should put a paperweight on it because it bends,” she said.
She showed her new, ‘bent’ passport next to her old, heavily used passport.
“You’re right… This passport is brand new. It’s never been to another country,” she explained.
“What happened, considering this is one of the most expensive passports in the world?”
Many of Greta’s TikTok viewers agreed.
Many were concerned that the curved design of the new passport could be problematic or prevent them from traveling.
“Get a passport cover… it’s absolutely ridiculous that they’re doing that,” one viewer commented.
Another added: ‘My new one is so crooked Heathrow nearly wouldn’t accept it.’
A third wrote: ‘Literally thought it was just our kids’. Took it back to the passport office and was told ‘no, that’s normal’.’
Concerns have also been raised about the new New Zealand passports, which are made of similar material.
Australians may notice a slight curl on the cover of your R-series passport due to changes in humidity
Australian traveller Greta disappointed with the quality of the new Australian passport
The Australian Passport Office assures travellers that ‘normal wear and tear should not be a problem’.
“You may notice a slight curl on the cover of your R Series Passport. This sometimes happens due to changes in humidity,” the website says.
“It is not a manufacturing defect and does not affect the validity of your passport. By securing your passport properly, you prevent it from curling.”
Australians are urged to keep their passports intact and undamaged.
“This new passport is a little different to previous Australian passports. When you first open your passport, you will now see a polycarbonate photo page. This is a tough, high-security, laminated plastic,” the website says.
‘Be careful not to fold the passport too far, otherwise you will damage the stitching that holds the passport together.’
Earlier this month, the price of an adult Australian passport rose from $346 to $398, making it the “world’s most expensive passport” after Mexico and the US.
It was the second price increase for a passport since December, when it cost $325.
