[Australia Or Bust]

My passport will expire in 18 months. I'm hoping we'll be in Australia by then. Is it easy to renew British passports in Australia? Has anyone done this? Should I renew the passport while I'm still in the UK or should I wait and renew it when I'm in Australia?

[quincy]

Personally, I would renew my passport in the UK. When you get your Australian visa it will be placed in your UK passport. If you need to replace/renew your UK passport before you leave the UK, you will then need to travel to Australia with two passports: your old one (with the valid visa) and your new one.

I would get a new UK passport now and avoid all the hassle.

Also, when you get a new photo it is countersigned by someone who has known you for a least two years - which may be tricky if you are new to Aus and have no contacts.

[PamInPerth]

Getting a new passport now would be best as it's also more expensive to renew in Australia than in the UK.

There is a new passport renewal system in place from June 2009 for those in Australia needing a UK passport. You need to apply through Australia Post and you are meant to book an appointment with them, online or by telephone.

Also it's become more expensive as the post office charge $50 to check the application - apparently compulsory- so the renewal fee is now an amazing $317!!

http://ukinaustralia.fco.gov.uk/en/passports/renewing-your-passport/renewing-in-australia

[scotty]

It's £77.50 to renew a passport in the UK - dear enough. :rolleyes:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Passports/howlongittakesandurgentappplications/DG_174109

[Thongs of Praise]

You'll save money by doing it before you come here. It's also a good policy to do everything you possibly can do BEFORE you get here. You'll have enough to do in your first year here anyway without putting things off.