New 'R' series of passports
Dear Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,
Can you let me know when the new 'R' series of passports are due to be issued, and what difference there is with the current 'P' series. Thanks
Yours faithfully,
Simon Thomas
OFFICIAL
Dear Mr Thomas,
Thank you for your email to the FOI team at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (the department).
You have made an enquiry regarding passport series. Your enquiry has been provided to the relevant line area, who will provide a response to you in due course.
As your email did not make a formal request for access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (the FOI Act), the FOI team will not take further action in relation to your enquiry.
Kindest regards,
DFAT FOI Team
Freedom of Information and Privacy Law Section
Legal Division | Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
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OFFICIAL
Dear Mr Thomas
Thank you for your email requesting information on the new 'R' series passports. Your enquiry has been forwarded to this section for a response outside of the formal FOI process.
Due to the impact of COVID-19 the expected release of the next generation of Australian passport has been delayed by 12 to 18 months. The R series passport is now planned for release sometime in mid to late 2022.
The R series Australian Passport will use new types of material, construction techniques and personalisation equipment to provide greater security and durability than the P series passport. The R series will also feature a hard polycarbonate data page, that is sturdier and more secure than previous series, as well as being waterproof. The visa pages of the R series will display iconic Australian landscapes and places. Unfortunately we are unable to comment on any security features or specific artistic design as they are still being developed.
Yours sincerely
Passports Client Services
Passport Legislation and Reviews Section | Australian Passport Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Australian Passport Information Service 131 232
www.passports.gov.au
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