Damon Mcknight
If you're a frequent traveller who needs to be ready to jet off at a moment's notice, you might want to consider applying for a second Australian passport. This 'concurrent' passport can be handy if your main passport is tied up with visa applications or if you're travelling to a country that refuses entry to those who have visited certain other countries. Applying for a concurrent passport involves a different process to that of a standard passport, and there are a few extra requirements to keep in mind. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to apply for a concurrent Australian passport, ensuring you're equipped with the knowledge to navigate the application process smoothly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of passport | Concurrent Australian Passport |
| Who can apply | Regular international jetsetters |
| Validity | 6 months to 3 years |
| Application form | B15 Concurrent Passport form |
| Additional documents | A cover letter from the employer and Section B of the B15 form |
| Application fee | Non-refundable |
| Passport photo specifications | Strict requirements |
| Processing time | Minimum of 6 weeks |
| Passport renewal application form | Australian Passport Renewal Application form |
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What You'll Learn
Reasons for applying for a concurrent passport
A concurrent passport is a second passport that you can apply for in addition to your first Australian passport. Concurrent passports are usually only issued when you can prove to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) that you have a "demonstrated need" for one. Here are some reasons why you might need to apply for a concurrent passport:
Visa Processing Delays
If you are a frequent traveller who needs to take multiple international trips at short notice, a concurrent passport can be useful while you wait for your visa applications to be approved. With a second passport, you can continue travelling without having to delay your trips. This is especially beneficial if your first passport is at an Embassy or Consulate for visa processing.
Destination Country Restrictions
Some countries may deny entry to travellers who have visited specific nations, and this could be an issue if your passport contains stamps or visas from these places. Having a concurrent passport allows you to keep a "clean" passport for such trips, free from any markings that could cause issues. Conversely, if a country will not accept a passport without evidence of prior travel to a specific country, having two passports can help address this issue.
Validity and Cost Considerations
Concurrent passports are typically valid for a shorter duration, ranging from six months to a maximum of three years. If you are a business traveller with no defined end of travel, you may be granted a three-year concurrent passport. Additionally, consider the costs involved, as concurrent passports cost the same as standard ten-year passports, and the application fee is generally non-refundable if your request is denied.
Urgent Travel Needs
In cases of "compassionate and compelling reasons", such as the death or serious illness of an immediate family member, you may need to apply for a concurrent passport to facilitate urgent international travel. The Australian Passport Office offers faster processing services, including Priority (2-day processing) and Fast Track (5-day processing), for an additional fee.
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How to fill out the B15 form
To apply for a concurrent Australian passport, you will need to complete the B15 form. This form is available online as a free fillable PDF. It is a criminal offence under the Australian Passports Act 2005 to make false or misleading statements in relation to an Australian travel document application. Penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment or a fine of 1000 penalty units, or both, may be imposed for giving false or misleading information.
To fill out the B15 form, you will need to provide your full name and residential address. You may also be asked to provide additional information or documentation, such as a new photo or signature, if requested by the Australian Passport Office. If your proposed travel is business-related, your employer will need to complete Section B of the form and also provide a supporting letter.
The B15 form can be completed online or printed out and filled out by hand. If you fill out the form electronically, you will need to print it out and bring it to your appointment at the passport office. You can make an appointment online or by calling the Australian Passport Information Service on 131 232.
If you need additional information or have any questions about the B15 form, you can contact the Australian Passport Information Service or your nearest Australian diplomatic mission or consulate.
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Where to lodge your application
To apply for an Australian concurrent passport, you need to complete a B15 Concurrent passport form and lodge it with your passport application. If you are applying from outside Australia, you must lodge your application in person at the Australian Consulate-General in the country you are applying from. For example, if you are applying from Hong Kong, you need to lodge your application in person at the Australian Consulate-General in Hong Kong. Similarly, if you are applying from the Philippines, you need to lodge your application at the Australian Consulate-General in the Philippines. You need to make an appointment for the same.
The application process for a concurrent passport is similar to that of a regular passport. You will need to provide the completed and signed Australian Passport Renewal Application form, two passport photos, and the B15 form. The B15 form must be completed by you (Section A) and, if the travel is for business purposes, by your employer (Section B) along with a supporting letter. You will also need to provide a credit card or an EPS card to pay the fee.
Please note that the processing time for concurrent passport applications is a minimum of six weeks. Express options are not available for applications lodged outside of Australia. It is recommended that you do not make any travel plans until you have a valid passport.
Additionally, ensure that your passport photos meet the Australian passport photo specifications. Home-printed photos are usually not acceptable, and there are strict requirements that must be adhered to. Refer to the Passport photo guidelines for more information.
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Required supporting documents
To apply for an Australian concurrent passport, you will need to submit a number of supporting documents along with your application form. Here is a detailed list of the required documents:
Firstly, you must complete and submit the B15 Concurrent Passport form. This form includes sections to be filled out by you (Section A) and, if applicable, your employer (Section B). Section B is only required if your application is for business-related travel. Additionally, if your travel is business-related, you will need to include a cover letter from your employer. This letter should explain the purpose of your travel and any specific requirements or reasons for needing a concurrent passport.
Secondly, you will need to provide recent passport photos that adhere to the Australian passport photo specifications. These photos have strict requirements, including the "crown of the head" measurement, which is the imaginary top of your skull, not the start of your hairline. Please note that home-printed photos are usually not accepted, so be sure to check the guidelines carefully to avoid rejection.
Thirdly, you may need to submit additional supporting documents or information. This could include evidence of your travel plans, such as flight bookings or itineraries, visa applications, or any other relevant details that support your application. If there are any specific requirements for your application, you will be advised during the interview.
Finally, you will need to provide a valid form of payment for the application fee. This can be done using a credit card or an EPS card. It is important to note that the application fees for concurrent passports are generally non-refundable if your request is denied.
Please keep in mind that you will need to lodge your application in person, and it can take a minimum of six weeks for processing. Therefore, it is recommended to refrain from making any travel plans until you have received your valid concurrent passport.
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Processing times
The processing time for a concurrent Australian passport begins when your complete application is received by the Australian Passport Office. It usually takes up to 5 business days for your application to be received. The processing time for applications lodged in Australia under the routine processing service is a minimum of 6 weeks.
If you need your passport quicker, you can pay an additional fee for faster processing services. The Fast Track (5-day processing) service costs $104 in addition to the standard passport fee. The Priority (2-day processing) service costs $300 in addition to the standard passport fee.
If you are applying for a concurrent passport, you must satisfy the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) that you have a "`demonstrated need'" to hold one. This is usually the case for business travellers who need to avoid facing significant travel delays while waiting for other visas to be approved, particularly when regular overseas travel is required at short notice.
You can contact the Australian Passport Information Service on 131 232 to request an appointment at your nearest passport office and enquire about any other necessary paperwork.
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Frequently asked questions
A concurrent Australian passport is a second, valid Australian passport. This is useful for regular international travellers who need to travel while their main passport is being used for a visa application. It is also useful if a destination refuses entry based on travel to a specific country, which can be recorded in the main passport.
To apply for a concurrent Australian passport, you need to complete a B15 Concurrent passport form and lodge it with your passport application. If the application is for business-related travel, you will need to provide a cover letter from your employer, who must complete Section B of the B15 form. You will also need to provide two passport photos and pay the fee. Applications can be made online or in person at the Australian Consulate-General in Hong Kong.
A concurrent Australian passport is valid for a maximum of three years, whereas a standard adult passport is valid for ten years. If the concurrent passport is for a specific journey, it will be valid for the duration of that trip plus six months, up to a maximum of three years.
The processing time for a concurrent passport application is a minimum of six weeks. Express options are not available for applications lodged outside of Australia.
