No, you generally cannot travel on your old Australian passport while renewing because it gets cancelled once your new one is issued, meaning you risk being stranded overseas with a void passport; you should wait until you have the new passport in hand, as processing takes about 6 weeks, and book travel only after receiving it. Keep your old passport separate, update travel bookings with the new number, and check country entry requirements for visas linked to your old document.
Yes -- you can travel to Australia with a visa issued in an old passport, provided you carry both passports (the old passport containing the visa plus the new valid passport for travel).
Yes. As long as it has not been invalidated and it isn't expired, that's the passport you should use.
You can definitely use your old passports while you are waiting for the new ones because they don't invalidate the old ones until you pick up the new ones. They remain valid right up until that moment. We used our permanent US address on the form since we aren't officially Chinese residents.
In the US, your old passport is returned (separately from the new one) when renewing, and the official advice is to keep your old passport, as it is legal proof of citizenship (and perhaps has other uses) even though it's not valid for travel.
Send your previous passport with the visa attached to it with your application. Your previous passport will be returned to you. You'll be able to use the visa if you carry both passports.
For re-issue of passport, an applicant is required to submit old Passport in original with self-attested photocopy of its first two and last two pages, including ECR/Non-ECR page (previously ECNR) and the page of observation (if any), made by Passport Issuing Authority and validity extension page, if any, in respect of ...
Get what you need before you start
We will cancel, or invalidate, the passport you are renewing after you submit your application. You cannot use it for international travel.
You won't be able to travel until you receive your new passport. That's why it's so important to check your passport's expiry date and renew it, if needed, ahead of time.
Renew Your Passport Fast
Yes. You can book a flight even if your passport is still in the process of renewal. However, make sure the new passport is ready before your date of travel.
Understanding the Six-Month Passport Validity Rule
The six-month passport validity rule requires visitors traveling to the United States to possess passports that are valid for at least six months beyond their intended period of stay.
Customers who opt for this service will have their passports handed back to them once the application is submitted and biometrics enrolled.
You should allow at least 6 weeks for an Australian passport renewal as the standard processing time, but you can pay extra for priority services like 2-day or 5-day processing if you have urgent travel needs. Processing times can vary, and providing all necessary documentation is crucial to avoid delays, with faster options available for eligible applications within Australia.
Because it can take up to three months to process your application, it is important to renew your passport before it expires. Check with the Department of State to find out the current processing times for passport renewals.
Does my passport need 6 months validity to travel to Australia? To enter Australia, your Australian passport must be valid (not expired) on the day you arrive in Australia. Therefore, your Australian passport does not need 6 months validity if you are travelling directly from the US to Australia.
Allow at least 6 weeks from lodging your application to get your renewed passport. During this time, avoid travelling outside of Australia, otherwise you may get stranded overseas with a cancelled passport. When you receive your passport: keep your new passport separate from your old passport.
But...don't try to travel on your current passport while waiting for your new one. Your current passport is automatically cancelled while processing your renewal.
If your old passport has a valid visa, you can still use the valid visa. You must travel with both your new and old passport in this case. The number on your new passport will be different from the number on your previous passport.
You'll usually get your passport within 3 weeks.
You can sometimes travel with less than six months on your passport, but it depends entirely on your destination's entry rules and your airline, as many countries require at least six months of validity beyond your departure date, meaning you risk being denied boarding or entry, even for transit, so it's highly recommended to renew if your passport has less than six months left to avoid getting stranded.
If your passport hasn't arrived on time, you have two options:
This includes the passport you're planning to renew. You'll need to bring these with you when you lodge your passport application. You don't need a referee or guarantor to renew your passport.
3 to 4 business days (excluding VFS's processing time), if the Police Verification Report (PVR) is clear and all documents submitted are in order. If the Police Verification Report (PVR) is not clear or pending, the processing time will be approximately 30 days or more (excluding VFS's processing time).
Requirements for New / Renewal of PH Passport