dual passport exiting australia to USA

[iskyfly]

Hello,

I am an Australian by birth but reside in the US (for 20+ years). I travel to Australia once a year for xmas holiday and (am currently in Perth.) I have an Australian and USA passport. I accidentally left my Australian passport in my pocket and put it in the wash machine. The page with my photo and info is intact but everything else is ruined. I went to the passport office and they said that I need a new one. However, they couldn't advise me if I need one to exit Australia (SYD). I looked at the passport application form and they require among other things;

-Australian drivers license
-Australian bank statement
-Australian bank card

I do not have any of these items as I do not reside in Australia.

As I entered Australia with my Australian passport and since I also have a USA passport, will I be allowed to exit Australia to LAX in SYD with only my USA passport? (i'll then sort out my Australian passport problems at the embassy in Washington DC).

I did go to the immigration office in Perth and the person at the counter wasn't sure so she called over her supervisor who said it shouldn't be a problem to exit with my USA passport. I just don't feel certain about her answer so I am looking for other people's thoughts on the matter.


Thank you,
Giles

 

[moa999]

Think general rule is you should exit a country on what you came in.

Do you have US documents that would suffice - it is just for the 100point requirement I assume.

 

[drron]

First from the US Embassy-

Q: My children and/or I have both U.S. and Australian passports. Can we travel to the United States with only our Australian passports and enter on the Visa Waiver Program?
A: No. The U.S. regulations require all U.S. citizens to enter and depart the United States at all times on their valid U.S. passports, regardless of their ages or how many foreign passports one may have. There is no guarantee of entry to the United States without a valid U.S. passport. Please refer to Dual Nationality for further information. (For travel to other countries please contact the relevant foreign embassy or consulate.)

Then from the Australian dept of Immigration-

Australians who hold dual or multiple nationalities should hold an Australian passport and use it to enter or leave Australia, even when using a foreign passport overseas. The only exception is where they have been issued with an Australian Declaratory Visa.
See: Australian Declaratory Visa (ADV)

So it would seem you need to use your aussie passport to leave.
So tomorrow ring APIS-

Australian Passport Information Service (APIS) provides a telephone information service to callers in Australia seven days a week. When you call your questions are answered by trained and experienced staff. APIS is not a passport office. You can contact APIS on 131 232 for the cost of a local call from anywhere in Australia. Hours of operation are (AEST) 8am to 8pm weekdays and 8.30am to 5pm weekends and most public holidays. APIS is closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday.

 

[ric_melb]

My understanding is that if you are renewing an Aussie passport you only need to present the old passport and some new photos.
I would have hoped the Passport Office would have told you this, or maybe your old passport is too damaged.

 

[Austman]

I also have two passports.

Generally, as per the rule, you should use your Australian passport to enter and leave Australia.

Recently, my Australian passport was unavailable (it was away getting a visa stamp) but I still managed to exit Australia using the other one. It just took longer and I had to give the reason for not using the Australian one. I was escorted over to an office for a few minutes. But all was well in the end.

 

[iskyfly]

Then from the Australian dept of Immigration-


So it would seem you need to use your aussie passport to leave.
So tomorrow ring APIS-

Thank you for the information. (tomorrow- Monday the 2nd is a holiday)

When I went to the passport office in Perth they said they couldnt advise on immigration issues and that I should contact the immigration office. They said they are only there for passport applications / renewals... Etc....

 

[skywalkerLAX]

Take your busted Aussie PP to the Airport and of course you carry the US one anyway.

You *should* not experience a problem. If Australian Immigration insists on checking up on your entry I'm sure they can track you by the passport number on your legible data page or through the transponder/chip.

When you are back in the US get a new PP at your consulate or embassy.

 

[drron]

Thank you for the information. (tomorrow- Monday the 2nd is a holiday)

When I went to the passport office in Perth they said they couldnt advise on immigration issues and that I should contact the immigration office. They said they are only there for passport applications / renewals... Etc....

The APIS phone line is open tomorrow-0830-1700-I presume AEDST.

 

[Austman]

If Australian Immigration insists on checking up on your entry .

Entry? It's departure.

I've done it. And recently. By all means call, but you should be OK! And please report back!

 

[iskyfly]

The APIS phone line is open tomorrow-0830-1700-I presume AEDST.

Thanks. I don't know what else they could tell me that the people at the passport office that I went to in Perth have already told me (we can't advise on immigration issues, check with immigration).

 

[Austman]

What happened to me was this:

You check-in at the airline with your non-Australian passport. They are happy and give you the boarding pass.

At passport control you present your non-Australian passport and it might cause an issue. I was asked "do you have you another travel document?". I explained the situation, was taken to an office for one or two more questions and was on my way in a few minutes. They were all very nice - it wasn't a big problem - they just wanted to match ID.

Anyway, do what you feel comfortable with. I thought I might have an issue too. But it all worked out OK.

 

[iskyfly]

Thank you Austman and everybody else who replied.

BTW- I did call APIS and they said to call immigration.

 

[Simo]

So can we get an update tomorrow.

I have a friend who did 3 months working overseas on an official passport(Military) and then finished the course and did a 6 week contiki trip.

Was advised to use the official passport the entire trip because it could cause issues otherwise/using a different passport half way through a trip.

He did have documentation on what he was doing and the explanation for passport usage.

He did get taken into a office here and there and asked a few questions but no probs at the end of the day.

I would send an e mail to immigration department to explain the situation.

 

[acoolbreeze]

Giles, its not a problem.
As mentioned, here's what will happen.
You will check in using your US passport (so the airline know you are valid to fly and stay in the US).
Ordinarily you will clear immigration using your Aus passport. Why? You need to do this because if you present the US passport the immigration system will search your name against the US passport and will find no valid Australian visa for you and/or no record of entry.
Just tell the Customs officer (I'm one) that you don't have the Aus passport. The system will automatically generate a referral for immigration who will confirm your details and you will be good to go in less than 5 minutes (they are basically granting you a border visa to allow you to depart on the US passport).
This happens quite often, like a dozen times a day.
Of course, you will be required to get a new passport before you return.

 

[iskyfly]

Thank you acoolbreeze.

I did call INS and the person said it wouldnt be a problem but to expect a few minutes delay while they check things.


Thank you again to EVERYbody who replied to this. I appreciate it very much.

 

[Simo]

Giles, its not a problem.
As mentioned, here's what will happen.
You will check in using your US passport (so the airline know you are valid to fly and stay in the US).
Ordinarily you will clear immigration using your Aus passport. Why? You need to do this because if you present the US passport the immigration system will search your name against the US passport and will find no valid Australian visa for you and/or no record of entry.
Just tell the Customs officer (I'm one) that you don't have the Aus passport. The system will automatically generate a referral for immigration who will confirm your details and you will be good to go in less than 5 minutes (they are basically granting you a border visa to allow you to depart on the US passport).
This happens quite often, like a dozen times a day.
Of course, you will be required to get a new passport before you return.

your are a great asset to our forum of your knowledge of immigration/visa/passport issues.

 

[iskyfly]

Back in the US.

Showed my passport to the passport officer and she remarked "wow havent seen one this damaged before". I explained the situation and she called over somebody from the desk that was behind her. They asked me to go over to that desk and they made some copies and asked to see my US passport. She called up somebody on the phone and said that she was from "DFAC" or something like that and confirmed that they would have to hold on the passport and was good to go catch my flight. They were all very nice and even offered to photo copy the bio data page in case I need it to reapply.

So back in the US I have called the passport office in Washington DC and they said I will have to reapply using form PC8.

Thank you acoolbreeze and everybody else who replied!

-Giles

 

[Deleted member]

I was lamenting the changes to passports from lovely old cardboard with nice windows and lots of interesting stamps and visas on the pages. But is story only highlights how great the e passport really is. I am not sure how wash proof the e page is but looking forward to one day having a card in the slot ( at every airport) vs the long processing queues . Smart gate at BNE and AKL was a breeze. Not sure what other ports are like yet.

 

[serfty]

At HKG if you visit enough you can register for a fastrack where your index finger prints are linked to a barcode stuck on to your PP.

Scan PP and a fingertip and off you go.

Posted on a wing & a prayer