Tammie
If you are a dual citizen at times it may seem prudent to use a passport that does not require you to apply for visas or offers a cheaper visa to certain countries, however this isn’t always the best way to proceed.
All Australians, including dual nationals, must depart and arrive in Australia using their Australian passport. If you hold a passport from another country—such as a British passport—you can use it for travel within that country or for your return journey. However, when leaving or entering Australia, your Australian passport is required.
Attempting to enter Australia as an Australian citizen without an Australian passport can lead to significant delays and complications. The Australian passport is the most definitive proof of Australian citizenship when travelling.
International airlines are required to ensure that passengers have the correct documentation before boarding flights to Australia. For Australian nationals, this means presenting an Australian passport. Foreign nationals require a visa to enter Australia, but Australian citizens do not qualify for a visa in a foreign passport. If an Australian citizen tries to board a flight to Australia without an Australian passport, airlines may struggle to verify their citizenship status at check-in and could refuse boarding.
Embassy Assistance When Overseas
If you require embassy assistance while overseas, you should generally seek help from the embassy or consulate of the country whose passport you are using in that location. For example, if you are living in the United Kingdom and travelling on a British passport, the British embassy would typically be your primary point of contact for consular services. However, if you are an Australian citizen, the Australian embassy may still be able to provide assistance, particularly in cases of emergency. It’s important to note that consular support for dual nationals in their country of second nationality may be limited, as local authorities may consider them a citizen of that country. Always check with the relevant embassy for guidance on the services available to you.
For further details on citizenship and travel requirements, visit the Australian Passport Office or Department of Home Affairs.
