How to get duplicate passports?

[shearsense]

As far as I am aware, it is not possible to hold two Australian passports (except if one is an official or diplomatic one), but I have recently heard that it may be possible to get two UK passports at the same time. As a frequent traveller who is often waiting for a passport to come back from visa processing before starting an unrelated trip, this may be a solution to my problems. I already hold one UK passport, but can't find any info on how to get a duplicate. The UK passport help line is constantly busy and has a cost associated with it. Anybody have any experience in obtaining a second UK passport in Australia while the other is still valid?

 

[simongr]

I do know that it is possible as my old boss' boss has three in fact - he does multiple consecutive trips to countries that need visas so has one "in the shop" whilst others are being used. The third is because he can't have a Saudi and China visa in the same passport.

 

[dot]

As far as I am aware, it is not possible to hold two Australian passports (except if one is an official or dimplomatic one)

It is possible to have two Australian passports - When I was getting my ABTC renewed, I asked the Dept of Immigration about it with relation to the ABTC, they told me that you can have a second passport but the ABTC can only be linked to one passport.

 

[shearsense]

I do know that it is possible as my old boss' boss has three.

It is possible to have two Australian passports .

Thanks. Although I would prefer duplicate UK passports (as they are more useful for my work), I would happily make do with two Australian ones. So how do I actually apply for such an Australian duplicate?

 

[Demon62]

It is possible to have two Australian passports - When I was getting my ABTC renewed, I asked the Dept of Immigration about it with relation to the ABTC, they told me that you can have a second passport but the ABTC can only be linked to one passport.

You are able to apply for a concurrent passport with specific backing documents. These are only issued in exceptional and on an as required basis. I had to supply backing documentation to an employee who required a concurrent passport. It was expensive and only issued for a one year period. Apporval was based on freuqent trips to Israel and certain Guld states not accepting visitors with Israeli stamps in passport. As I said, exceptional cases, not the rule.

 

[shearsense]

ok - it seems getting two Aussie passports is not easy (and of only limited validity anyway), so anybody have any experience specifically with UK passports?

 

[Mr_Gimlet]

ok - it seems getting two Aussie passports is not easy (and of only limited validity anyway), so anybody have any experience specifically with UK passports?

shearsense, do you currently hold a UK and Australian passport - do you have two and want a third?

 

[thewinchester]

Australia

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Passport manual states the following information on holding a concurrent Australian passport. This page also outlines the rules for application, including the form letter that needs to be completed to support the application.

Circumstances for approval: concurrent passport

The Australian Passports Act 2005, Section 17(2), provides that a second concurrent passport may be issued to a person in circumstances specified in the Australian Passports Determination 2005, Section 4.1. Granting of a concurrent passport is to be very tightly controlled and only approved where all other options have been exhausted.

A concurrent passport may only be approved by an Authorised Officer provided that they are satisfied there is no alternative and the travel cannot be deferred for the following categories:

• to avoid significant delays in travel that would otherwise be caused by waiting for a visa to be issued;
• where a country will not accept travel documents showing evidence of travel to certain other countries (refer to ‘ Issuing concurrent passport when countries do not accept passports showing travel to specific countries ’); or
• other exceptional circumstances approved by the delegate.

In respect of how to apply, you would need to call 131 232 and arrange the appointment and interview for your nearest Passports Australia office. A list of their offices can be found on their website.

United Kingdom

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office states the following on duplicate passports for UK nationals:

In certain circumstances frequent travellers may be eligible for a second passport. If you feel that you need a second passport you must submit your existing passport with an application for an additional new passport. Your application must be accompanied by an official letter from your employer (or on company headed paper if self employed) setting out why you need a second passport. You should also make a note under "other information" on the application form that you are applying for a second passport and do not wish your current passport to be cancelled. Second passports will only be issued where there is an ongoing and compelling need for frequent travel and it is likely that visas will need to be applied for whilst other travel is undertaken.

If you already have a second passport and are renewing one of them you only need to submit the passport you wish to replace with your application. You will still need an official letter confirming your ongoing need for one. Please also highlight under "other information" on the form that this is a second passport application and only the full or expiring passport you have submitted should be cancelled.

Countries where holding two passports are prohibited

There are some countries where the possession of two passports is illegal, and you may be liable to have one of these confiscated.

One of these countries is Saudi Arabia, and Smart Traveller states the following:

It is illegal to hold two passports in Saudi Arabia – second passports will be confiscated by the immigration authorities if they are discovered.

If you are travelling, ensure you check Smart Traveller to ensure that carrying or possessing a second passport won't see you fall foul of local authorities.

 

[simongr]

There are some countries where the possession of two passports is illegal, and you may be liable to have one of these confiscated.
One of these countries is Saudi Arabia, and Smart Traveller states the following:
If you are travelling, ensure you check Smart Traveller to ensure that carrying or possessing a second passport won't see you fall foul of local authorities.

Wow - I was not aware of this - thanks for the heads up - I always carry both passports (UK and Oz) "just in case" with all my work visas going in my Oz passport as it has many more empty pages

I might also flag this to the person I referenced above...

 

[thewinchester]

Wow - I was not aware of this - thanks for the heads up - I always carry both passports (UK and Oz) "just in case" with all my work visas going in my Oz passport as it has many more empty pages

I actually didn't know it myself until searching for the info on Australian concurrent passports. In the search query which lead me to the DFAT passport entry, there was a search result from Smart Traveller which caught my eye leading me to that important nugget of information.

 

[shearsense]

shearsense, do you currently hold a UK and Australian passport - do you have two and want a third?

that is correct. I use the UK one for all EU travel and Aussie for most other stuff. Despite having these two, I still have occasions where I have to pay "urgent" visa processing fees in order to get a passport back for the next trip.

 

[Happy Trails]

One of these countries is Saudi Arabia,

Is there anything which isn't illegal in Saudi Arabia?

 

[shearsense]

Australia

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Passport manual states ...........

United Kingdom

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office states the following on duplicate passports for UK nationals:



Countries where holding two passports are prohibited

There are some countries where the possession of two passports is illegal, and you may be liable to have one of these confiscated.

.

Excellent! Thanks very much - that was exactly what I was chasing (and I have no idea why I couldn't find it myself). Interesting that letter is needed from employer. So tourists or self employed would face some additional difficulties, I see.

I also did not know about the Saudi issue - I will have to modify my habits on that one. Another learning experience for me from AFF

 

[Ewok]

I have two Australian Passports. It was a very simple process (I travel to Saudi and Israel). The second is valid for 3 years.

 

[Cynicor]

Is there anything which isn't illegal in Saudi Arabia?

I don't think fun is explicitly illegal, but it is frowned upon.