The world's most expensive passport.

At $422 for a 10-year passport, Australia still holds the title of the country with the most expensive passport fees in the world.

Jack (in the blue shirt, an Australian tourist) strolls through Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City, in early 2024. Photo: Linh Huynh .

From January 1st, the fee for a 10-year ordinary Australian passport increased to AUD 422 (approximately VND 7.4 million), higher than the previous AUD 412. This fee further solidifies Australia's position as the world's most expensive passport, surpassing New Zealand AUD 195, the UK AUD 177, and the US AUD 208.

Meanwhile, a five-year passport for children or senior citizens costs 213 AUD. Additional services such as expedited processing can add up to 308 AUD, and applications submitted from overseas may incur additional fees of up to 189 AUD.

Australia's passport system operates on a full cost recovery principle, meaning applicants pay for the issuance of the document, anti-fraud technology, personnel, and consular services overseas.

This disparity has led many to believe that Australians are paying "unusually high" fees for a basic travel document. However, the Australian government maintains that the fee increase is consistent with the cost of many other important identification documents, according to The Australian.

A group of Australian tourists enjoy drinks at a specialty tea brand in Ho Chi Minh City in 2024. Photo: Linh Huynh .

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated that passport application fees are mandated by law and are adjusted annually in accordance with fluctuations in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This adjustment mechanism has been in place since 2011 to ensure consistency and transparency in updating fee levels.

According to the representative, Australian passports are highly regarded worldwide due to their advanced technology and anti-fraud measures aimed at protecting the integrity of the document.

Australia's electronic passport, which incorporates biometric data, remains one of the most secure travel documents in the world. This is also considered one of the reasons why Australian citizens can enter over 180 countries visa-free.

According to the Passport Index 2026 update, the Australian passport ranks 7th in the world for visa-free travel. This allows Australian citizens easy access to the vast majority of countries worldwide (85%), including Europe, the Americas, and many countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Source: https://znews.vn/cuon-ho-chieu-dat-nhat-the-gioi-post1633851.html