Aussie travellers expose massive flaw with new $398 passports

Aussies who recently received a new passport have exposed a major problem with the $398 document. 

Travellers have slammed the quality of the new R series passports, which have been issued since September 2022.

They fear fearing the new documents may not last the intended 10 years because the covers appear to bend before they have even used. 

Aussie woman Greta recently shared her thoughts in a TikTok video, which has attracted more than 145,000 views. 

She initially said she liked the 'epic' new design which features images of iconic landmarks, but was later disappointed by how flimsy the document was.

'I recently got the new Australian passport. I was very excited but then, I had a few people tell me I had to put a paperweight on it because it bends,' she said.

She showed her new 'curving' passport in comparison to her old heavily used one side by side. 

'You're not wrong... This passport is brand new. It has not seen a different country,' she explained. 

'Considering this is one of the world's most expensive passports, what happened?'  

Many of Greta's TikTok viewers agreed.

Many were concerned that the new passport's curvy nature could be problematic or stop them from travelling. 

'Get a passport cover... utterly ridiculous that they do that,' a viewer commented.  

Another added: 'My new one is so bent Heathrow almost didn't accept it.'

A third wrote: 'Literally thought it was just our kids' ones. Took them back to the passport office to be told 'no, that's normal'.' 

Concerns have also been made about the new New Zealand passports, which made from similar material.

The Australian Passport Office assures travellers that general 'normal wear and tear should not be a problem'. 

'You may notice a slight curling on the cover of your R Series passport. This occasionally occurs due to changes in humidity,' the website states.  

'It's not a manufacturing defect and doesn't affect the validity of your passport. Keeping your passport tightly secured will help prevent this curling.'

Aussies are urged to keep passports intact and free from damage. 

'This new passport is a little different to previous Australian passports. When you first open your passport, you will now see a polycarbonate photo page. This is a tough, high-security, layered plastic,' the website states.

'Be careful to not bend the passport too far back or you could damage the stitching that holds the passport together.'

Earlier this month, the price of an adult Australian passport jumped from $346 to $398, making it the 'world's most expensive passport' ahead of Mexico and the US.

It was the second passport price hike since December, when it cost $325.