Frequently Asked Questions: Passports

 

How do I lodge my passport application?

You will need to book an appointment at the Australian Embassy in Stockholm OR with one of our Honorary Consuls in Helsinki, Riga or Tallinn.

 

How long does it take to get a new passport?

Passport processing times (after your appointment and the application has been finalised) can be up to 6 weeks (not including transit or postage times). You should factor this into your travel plans. To minimise processing time, make sure your application includes everything we need and is submitted as early as possible.

 

I have just completed my passport application online. Did you receive it?

All passport applications must be printed and lodged in person or sent by mail. There is no way to lodge an Australian passport application electronically. 

 

Does the child have to attend the interview?

If lodging an application in person, children aged 16 and 17 years old must attend the interview with one parent.  Children aged 15 years and younger are not required to attend.

 

What are the photo requirements?

You need to bring two identical photographs, complying by following requirements: good quality colour prints on a glossy, heavy-weight paper, less than 6 months old and produced using dye sublimation, not from an inkjet printer. Photos must be 35mm to 40mm wide and 45mm to 50mm high. The size of the face from chin to crown can be up to a maximum of 36mm, with a minimum of 32mm.  See more information here.

 

Can you recommend any places that produce Australian-style photos?

We are unable to endorse individual businesses, however we do recommend that you find a local photographer and provide them with the Australian passport photo specifications. Each store is different so you will need to talk to your photographer to make sure he/she can take the type of photo you need. Do not use the photo booths as they are not set to Australian Standards.

 

What if I have to travel urgently?

We understand the importance of timely travel in urgent situations and that emergencies can arise. In these unexpected circumstances we may be able to assist with issuing an emergency passport, considered on a case-by-case basis. Approval depends on the nature of your situation and the documentation provided. An emergency passport can take up to three (3) working days to issue.

The emergency passport does not have an electronic chip and is only valid for 7 months, (up to 12 months in certain circumstances) and is not accepted in all countries. To discuss the available options please send an email to [email protected] or call us on +46 8 613 2900.

 

How do I renew my passport if I have changed my name?

You will need to apply for a new passport by completing the "Application for an Australian Passport Overseas" form (please note that you do not qualify for a renewal form in these circumstances). You will need to present extra documents about your name change. More information is available here.

 

Can I renew my passport before it expires?

Yes, you can renew your passport at any time. We encourage you to apply for a replacement passport well ahead of the expiry date and any proposed travel. This is particularly important closer to popular holiday seasons (Christmas, summer holidays) as there may be delays given increased demand.

 

Who is eligible for PC7 applications?

        Adults, 18 years and older, who has a passport that:

• was issued when the customer was aged 16 or older
• was issued on or after 1 January 2006
• had, when it was issued, at least two years’ validity
• has the customer’s current name, date of birth, place of birth and gender, and
• has not been reported lost, stolen, or cancelled.

 

Will my new passport have the same number as my old passport?

No, your new passport will be a new booklet and will have a new number.

 

Can someone at the Embassy be my guarantor?

No.

 

What if I cannot find an Australian citizen to be my guarantor?

You do NOT need an Australian citizen as a guarantor. You have two options:

• a non-Australian who is currently employed in one of the occupation groups (link above);
• OR a current Australian passport holder.

 

Does my guarantor need to be the same person that witnesses the parent’s signatures in Section 15 for child applications?

No, you can use a different person.

 

Can the Embassy witness the parents' consent in Section 15?

No. Please make sure your form is fully completed and witnessed before coming to the Embassy for your interview. We cannot witness your signature.

 

Do I need a guarantor if I am just renewing?

If you are using the one-page renewal form, called the Australian Passport Renewal Application (PC7), you do not need a guarantor. If you are using the "Application for an Australian Passport Overseas" (PC8) form, then you must provide a guarantor.

 

Can I have my children added to my Australian passport?

A child who is an Australian citizen must have their own Australian passport as it is not possible to include a child on a parent's passport.

 

What if all my original documents are in Australia or another country?

You have two options. You can either have them sent to you so that you present them at your interview, or you can have a friend/relative present the original documents on your behalf at another Australian Passport Office.

 

Should I sign my form in front of a Passport Officer?

No. Please make sure all sections of the form are signed before you attend your interview or mail in your application. We cannot witness your consent or act as your guarantor.

 

What happens to my old passport?

If you attend an interview, your old passport will be returned to you at the interview. Once your new passport is collected or sent to you, your old passport will no longer be valid for travel.

 

What if I may have lost my Australian citizenship?

All citizenship enquiries should be directed to the Department of Home Affairs in Australia on +61 2 6196 0196. You may be eligible to become an Australian citizen again if you lost your citizenship because of acquiring the citizenship of another country or renounced or gave up your Australian citizenship.

 

Do I have to enter Australia on an Australian passport?

Yes. You are not entitled to a visa, even if you are also a citizen of another country. There is more information about this on the Department of Home Affairs’ website or you can call the Department of Home Affairs in Australia on +61 2 6196 0196.

 

Can I travel on a passport in which the name is different from my ticket?

Generally, passengers travelling to/from Sweden, Finland or Latvia must have a passport that exactly matches the name on their airline ticket. If you are concerned, you should contact your airline to see if they will carry you and the immigration department of all countries to which you are travelling to ensure you will be able to fulfil their immigration/customs requirements.

 

Who can translate my documents to English?

All documents that are not in English must be accompanied with an English translation document. You must also provide the original foreign language document and an authorised translation from an Authorised Translator.

 

Swedish extract of population

Skatteverket's extract of population (personbevis) may be used to provide proof of residence, particularly for child applications to provide evidence of the mother and father's addresses. To order this, you must call Skatteverket at 0771-567 567. Please make sure to obtain the long version in English.