Australian passport costs rise as global ranking slips

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Australia’s passport has slipped slightly in global rankings, while its price has climbed to a new high.

The Henley Passport Index 2026 places Australia equal seventh for passport strength, down one spot from last year. There are now 29 countries ranked ahead of us, led by Singapore, Japan and South Korea. Several European nations also sit higher, along with New Zealand in equal sixth place.

The index measures how many countries citizens can enter without a visa, or with visa on arrival. Australia still offers access to just under 190 destinations, keeping it among the world’s strongest passports.

But it now comes at a premium price.

From January 1, 2026, a standard 10-year adult Australian passport costs $422. A five-year child passport, or an optional senior passport, costs $213. Extra charges apply for urgent or overseas applications. The increase took effect quietly over the holiday period.

This makes Australia’s passport the most expensive in the world, costing more than those issued by the UK, US or New Zealand.

The government sets passport fees on a full cost-recovery model. Applicants pay for production, security, staff, overseas services and technology. There is no subsidy, so higher costs flow directly into higher fees.

For families, the impact is immediate. Renewing four passports can add more than $1,600 to travel costs before a trip even begins. For travellers who renew late, the penalties are higher again.

Australia still travels well globally. But it now pays top dollar for access that, while strong, no longer ranks among the very best.

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