Leslie Massey
If you are an Australian citizen, you can apply for a passport online via the Online Passport Application Service (AusPassport). If you are not an Australian citizen, you can apply for a Convention Travel Document (CTD) or a Certificate of Identity (COI). To do this, you must call 131 232 to obtain an application form and then call again to make an appointment to lodge your application at a capital city passport office. If you are a US citizen, you will need a valid US passport and a visa or an approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia.
How to apply for a travel document in Australia
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can apply? | Australian citizens and non-citizens |
| Where to apply? | Australian diplomatic or consular office |
| Application process | Online Passport Application Service (AusPassport) |
| Documents required | Visa, proof of inability to get a travel document from the country of nationality, parental consent, etc. |
| Validity | Convention Travel Documents (CTDs) are valid for one or two years. Certificates of Identity (COIs) are valid for two years. |
| Fees | AUD20 service fee for the Australian ETA app |
| Health requirements | HIV status, tuberculosis, cancer, and other pre-existing medical conditions |
| Other requirements | Valid U.S. passport, ETA, or visa |
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What You'll Learn
Non-citizen travel documents
If you are not an Australian citizen, you can apply for a non-citizen travel document. These include a Convention Travel Document (CTD) or a Certificate of Identity (COI). These documents do not confer Australian citizenship, consular protection, or the right to re-enter or remain in Australia. They are simply to facilitate overseas travel for those who would otherwise have no travel document.
To apply for a CTD or COI, you must lodge a Change in Situation request with the Department of Home Affairs. You must wait for the outcome before lodging your CTD or COI application. Your name on the CTD or COI must be the same as your visa. You may also need to provide proof that you cannot get a travel document from your country of nationality. This could be a letter from your country's embassy or a completed B11 General Declaration form.
When your application is received, your situation will be assessed, and you will be informed of which document you are eligible to receive. CTDs are usually valid for one or two years, while COIs are valid for two years. If you are overseas, you must contact your nearest Australian diplomatic or consular office to discuss eligibility and replacement of existing CTDs or COIs.
To obtain an application form, you must call 131 232 and select option 0 to be connected with an operator. Once you have filled in the form and gathered the required documents, you must call the same number again to make an appointment to lodge your application at a capital city passport office.
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Online application service
The Australian Passport Office issues Australian passports, Convention Travel Documents (CTDs), and Certificates of Identity (COIs). COIs are issued to non-citizens to facilitate overseas travel for those who would otherwise have no travel document.
To apply for a travel document online, you can use the Online Passport Application Service (AusPassport). However, some customers may experience issues accessing the service. If you encounter any problems, try again later or contact the Australian Passport Office for help.
When applying for a CTD or COI, you will need to bring the following:
- A completed application form, which can be obtained by calling 131 232 and selecting option 0 to be connected with an operator.
- All the required supporting documents, after which you will need to call again to make an appointment to lodge your application at a capital city passport office.
- A signed letter confirming that you understand the terms of issue of the document, including any travel conditions of your visa and whether you will be able to re-enter Australia.
- Proof that you cannot get a travel document from your country of nationality, such as a letter from your country's embassy or a completed B11 General Declaration form if you cannot obtain the letter.
- Meet the requirements for parental consent, and if the child is under the guardianship of the Minister for Immigration, an additional form will need to be completed.
If you are overseas and need to replace an existing CTD or COI, contact your nearest Australian diplomatic or consular office to discuss your eligibility.
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Validity and replacement
The validity of travel documents varies depending on the type of document. Convention Travel Documents (CTDs) are usually valid for one or two years. Certificates of Identity (COIs) are typically valid for two years. However, if you return to your home country and become eligible for a travel document from that country, your COI becomes invalid immediately.
Limited Validity Passports (LVPs) are issued with a maximum validity of one year. They are intended for individuals who need to travel urgently and cannot meet the full application requirements, but their identity, citizenship, and entitlement can be established.
If your passport is damaged and has more than two years of validity remaining, you may be eligible for a lower-cost replacement passport with the same expiry date as the one being replaced. If your passport is found to be faulty, for example, if the chip is not working, it will be replaced without requiring a new application or fee. However, if the passport or chip has been damaged while in your possession, you will generally be responsible for the replacement unless exceptional circumstances exist.
If you are overseas and need to replace a CTD or COI, you should contact your nearest Australian diplomatic or consular office to discuss your eligibility. They can guide you through the replacement process and inform you about the travel conditions of your visa and whether you can re-enter Australia.
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Visa requirements
To enter Australia, you must have a valid visa or an approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). Most visa applications can be lodged online by creating an ImmiAccount. This is the Australian government's preferred method of visa lodgement, as it helps them process applications faster. The Department of Home Affairs website has the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on applying for visas and citizenship.
If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a valid U.S. passport and a visa or ETA to enter Australia. Most U.S. passport holders travelling to Australia for tourism or business purposes for less than 90 days can obtain an ETA. The ETA is an electronic, label-free visa and can be obtained at the ETA website for a small service fee. Airlines and travel agents can also apply for ETAs on behalf of travellers. If you are travelling on a valid U.S. ePassport and are 16 years of age or older, you can use Australia's automated border processing system, SmartGate, upon arrival.
If you are a woman, be aware that Australian federal law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. Australia grants temporary and permanent visas to same-sex partners of Australian citizens.
If you are in the application process and are found to be HIV positive, a decision on your application will be considered on the same grounds as any other pre-existing medical condition, with the focus on the cost to Australia's healthcare and community services.
If you are a current member of the U.S. military, contact the Defense Attaché Office (DAO) at the U.S. Embassy in Canberra for all military travel inquiries, including R&R. The ACS units at the U.S. Consulates cannot assist you. Always use your official email when corresponding with the DAO. Do not use personal emails, as these are regularly classified as junk email and will not be responded to. When applying for a visa/visa-waiver to Australia, use your current U.S. address. Do not use your APO/DPO address or your address where you are currently stationed. APACS clearances are processed based on the date of travel, not the date of application.
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Application process
The application process for travel documents in Australia depends on whether you are an Australian citizen or not. Here is an overview of the application process for both cases:
For Australian citizens, the process involves applying for an Australian passport. The Online Passport Application Service (AusPassport) can be used to apply for a passport. However, if you encounter issues with AusPassport, you can try again later or contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for assistance.
Non-Australian citizens may apply for specific travel documents, such as Convention Travel Documents (CTDs) or Certificates of Identity (COIs). Here's a step-by-step guide for non-citizens:
- Obtain the application form: Call 131 232 and select option 0 to be connected with an operator and request the application form.
- Fill out the form and gather required documents: Complete the form and gather all the necessary documents specified by the Australian Passport Office.
- Make an appointment: Once you have the completed form and documents, call 131 232 again to schedule an appointment to lodge your application at a capital city passport office.
- Lodge your application: During your appointment, submit your application and provide any additional information or signatures as required.
- Replacement of CTD or COI outside Australia: If you are outside Australia and need to replace your CTD or COI, contact the nearest Australian diplomatic or consular office. They will guide you through the eligibility and application process.
- Change in situation request: If there is a change in your circumstances, you must lodge a Change in Situation request with the Department of Home Affairs before submitting your CTD or COI application.
- Parental consent and additional forms: If you are applying on behalf of a child, ensure you meet the requirements for parental consent. If the child is under the guardianship of the Minister for Immigration, an additional form must be completed.
Please note that the requirements and processes may change, so it is recommended to refer to the official Australian government websites for the most up-to-date information.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian passports are only for Australian citizens. If you are a non-citizen, you can apply for a Convention Travel Document (CTD) or a Certificate of Identity (COI). To apply, you must call 131 232 to get an application form. Once you have filled in the form, call the same number to make an appointment to lodge your application at a capital city passport office.
CTDs are usually valid for one or two years. COIs are usually valid for two years.
Contact your nearest Australian diplomatic or consular office to discuss your eligibility to replace your CTD or COI.
Ask for documentation of the refusal as you may need it if you plan to apply for an Australian visa in the future.
US citizens need a valid US passport and a visa or an approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia.
