Australians have access to one of the most powerful passports in the world, according to the latest instalment of one of the most authoritative ranking systems, but getting your hands on one is no quick and easy feat.
In January, the Henley Passport Index updated its standings for 2023, placing Australia inside the top ten for the 18th consecutive year.
But ever since international borders reopened, the Australian Passport Office (APO) has seen unprecedented demand for the documents, causing wait times to blow out.
Last year's Optus data leak also forced people whose personal information had been compromised to apply for new passports, adding to the backlog.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) has also introduced a new R Series passport into circulation, which promises increased security features.
DFAT said the introduction of the new passport series would not increase wait times.
And the death of Queen Elizabeth II means King Charles III will now need to be featured on the Commonwealth document instead.
Here's everything we know about Australian passport rankings – including the countries you can travel to without a visa – as well as wait times, the new R series passport, and when King Charles III will feature on the document.
How powerful is an Australian passport?
According to the Henley Passport Index, Australia's is the eighth-most powerful passport in the world, a position it shares with Canada, Greece and Malta.
The rankings are slightly misleading, as there are actually 22 passports rated higher than ours. The index groups countries together in tiers when ranking them, so, for example, there are two second-best passports, three fourth-ranked ones, and six in seventh place.
The Henley Passport Index ranks nations with a simple points system, where a passport is given a single point for every country it allows travel to without requiring a visa or other government approval before departing.
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What is the most powerful passport in the world?
Coming in at number one in the Henley Passport Index is Japan, whose passport provides visa-free travel to 193 countries.
The Asian nation has held the top spot since 2018, and only once in 2016 has it been ranked outside the top five.
Singapore and South Korea are tied in second spot with 192 visa-free destinations, and Spain and Germany have the third-most powerful with 290.
At the bottom of the list is Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, whose citizens can only travel to 27 countries without a visa.
What countries does an Australian passport give you visa-free travel to?
Australia's passport allows visa-free travel to 185 destinations, according to the Henley Passport Index. You can see the full list over at their website.
What are the hardest countries to enter with an Australian passport?
There are 42 destinations for which Australians require a visa before departing.
The majority of them (23) are in Africa, although there are nine Asian nations, including popular tourist destinations like Japan and Vietnam.
You can see the full list at the Henley Passport Index website, and check with DFAT and the relevant consulate or embassy about the entry requirements for a country before travelling there.
How long are wait times for passports?
DFAT is encouraging anyone who is planning to travel in the next six months - including the upcoming summer holiday period - to apply or renew their passport now.
A minimum of six weeks should be allowed, even if you're planning to use the priority passport service.
How can I get a passport quickly?
You can pay the priority fee ($225) for faster service but you will need to visit a passport office (or call to book an appointment) to apply.
And you will need to provide "evidence of a compassionate or compelling need for immediate travel", according to DFAT.
"You should not book travel until you have a valid passport (your passport number will change when you renew it)."
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Why is there a new passport and how is it different?
DFAT has released Australia's next-generation passport, the R Series, which began rolling out in September 2022 and now makes up all newly issued passports.
DFAT said it's more secure than the P Series, which has been Australia's passport model since 2014.
"In an Australian first, the R Series has a high-security photo page made of layered plastic, making the passport harder to forge and less susceptible to damage," DFAT said.
"The visa pages show 17 iconic Australian landscapes in spectacular true colour."
The new passport is to "protect passport holders' identity and personal information to the highest possible standards".
It has more security features to prevent counterfeiting and identify theft.
Do I need to replace my old passport?
No, your passport will still be valid and highly secure until it expires.
However it is important to check the entry requirements of the country you are travelling to.
Many foreign governments require travellers to carry passports with at least six months' validity beyond their planned stay.
Why is it called the 'R series'?
It is the first letter in the document number (the passport number).
Does the R series passport cost more?
No. The fees are the same as the old passport.
For a standard adult passport with 10 years validity, it will cost $308.
Additional fees may apply for priority processing, overseas surcharges and other document identity services.
Will the R series passport mention King Charles III?
DFAT said it would not initially reference the new king on the governor-general's page.
"There are long lead times for making blank passports, and pages for more than one million R Series had already been printed before the death of Her Majesty the Queen," DFAT said.
"We will exhaust existing stock before issuing passports with revised text that reflects the accession of His Majesty King Charles III."
