Australian Government Defines Emergency Passport Eligibility

The Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has published guidance regarding emergency passports, specifying that only Australian citizens currently outside Australia are eligible to apply. This emergency passport is intended for those with urgent travel needs who cannot wait for a standard passport.

The emergency passport, known as an EY or P series document, features a dark grey cover and contains only six visa pages. Unlike standard passports, it does not include a passport chip, making it a non-biometric travel document.

Consequently, some countries may not accept it for entry, exit, or transit, placing the onus on the passport holder to verify acceptance with each destination. The emergency passport is valid for a maximum of one year, although it may be issued for a shorter period based on the applicant's immediate travel needs.

Applicants can also submit a full-validity passport application simultaneously, incurring fees for both documents.