- A new study by Compare the Market AU has revealed the countries with the some of the most expensive passports in the world
- The research also looked at the value-per-year and number of countries holders can travel to visa-free
- Powerful passports from Australia, the USA and Canada were near the bottom of the ranking due to higher fees
New research by Compare the Market AU has revealed some of the most (and least) expensive passports globally.
The travel insurance comparison experts compiled a list of passport fees around the world and compared them based on price, years valid and power – finding some nations’ passport power can come with a high price tag.
Despite having powerful passports, nations such as Australia, the USA and Canada consistently found themselves nearing the bottom of the list due to high passport fees relative to other countries.
On the contrary, nations such as the UAE, Hungary and Spain were similarly powerful while still costing much less than other nations in the study.
These were the five most expensive passports in the study:
| Rank | Nation | Cost of passport (USD) | Valid for (years) | Visa free countries | USD / year |
| 25 | New Zealand | $126.41 | 10 | 190 | $12.64 |
| 26 | Mexico (6 years) | $131.94 | 6 | 162 | $21.99 |
| 27 | USA | $165.00 | 10 | 189 | $16.50 |
| 28 | Australia | $225.78 | 10 | 190 | $22.58 |
| 29 | Mexico (10 years) | $231.05 | 10 | 162 | $23.11 |
And the five least expensive passports in the study:
| Rank | Nation | Cost of passport (USD) | Valid for (years) | Visa free countries | USD / year |
| 1 | UAE | $17.70 | 5 | 183 | $3.54 |
| 2 | India | $18.07 | 10 | 62 | $1.81 |
| 3 | Hungary | $20.75 | 5 | 188 | $4.15 |
| 4 | South Africa | $31.61 | 10 | 108 | $3.16 |
| 5 | Kenya | $32.16 | 10 | 76 | $3.22 |
Compare the Market’s Executive General Manager of General Insurance, Adrian Taylor, said the study revealed the importance of keeping your travel documents safe while overseas.
“Damage, loss or theft of your passport is an unfortunate risk many people face while overseas,” Mr Taylor said.
“It is important to stay vigilant and take care of these vital documents, as even minor damage can stop you from travelling in some instances.
“If your passport is lost, damaged or stolen while overseas, it is important to contact the relevant authorities as fast as possible, as in some cases you could be charged or fined if you cannot present appropriate and valid identification.”
To view the full tables and results, visit: https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/travel-insurance/features/cost-of-a-passport-2024/
INFO SUPPLIED.
