If your passport is creeping towards its expiry date, consider this your gentle nudge to act sooner rather than later.

From January 1 2026, the cost of a 10-year adult Australian passport is expected to rise again, increasing by around $5 to $10 and bringing the total to as much as $422.

That might not sound huge on its own, but zoom out and it stings a little more. 

Between 2023 and 2026, the price of an Australian passport will have jumped by $97 – and that’s before you add any extras like express processing and postage (we’ve all been stung with that added cost!)

The result? Australia officially holds the not-so-coveted title of the world’s most expensive passport. Yep, ours costs more than those issued in the US, New Zealand and much of Europe.

Related story: 10 countries that are still affordable to visit

What are the world’s most expensive passports?

1. Australia
   The Aussie passport takes the top spot, with a 10-year adult passport set to cost up to $422 from January 1, 2026.
2. Mexico
   Mexico comes in second, with its most expensive passport option priced at $335.95.
3. United States
   In the US, a 10-year adult passport costs $251.21, making it significantly cheaper than Australia’s despite similar global access.
4. New Zealand
   Across the ditch, New Zealanders pay $225.62 for a 10-year adult passport.
5. Italy
   Rounding out the list, Italy’s passport costs $198.99, proving European travel perks don’t have to come with a luxury price tag.

Related story: It’s official: it’s going to cost you $35 to enter Europe in 2026