Australia already has the world’s most expensive passport, and the price is set to increase yet again on January 1.

The cost of a 10-year passport increased by 15 per cent, or $52, on July 1 to $398 as part of a one-off revenue-raising measure by the federal government.

That was in addition to the annual indexation which sees passport prices rise in line with inflation at the start of every year.

The government has not yet announced the new prices, but it will likely work out to around $11 more for a 10-year passport.

The price of a five-year passport for children under 16 and an optional five-year passport for over-75s currently stands at $201, so will likely increase by about $6.

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Meanwhile, those travelling to one of the most popular destinations for Aussies face a new hurdle from January 8.

The UK is introducing its new digital visa-waiver system, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which is similar to the US’ ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), and Australians must get in line just like everyone else.

Aussies who previously enjoyed visa-free travel to the motherland — like tourists and business travellers visiting for less than six months — will now be required to apply online for an ETA, which costs around $20 (£10).

There is also a chance that the paper incoming passenger declaration will be phased out for Aussie travellers in 2025. Trials of a new digital travel declaration began in 2024.

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This story originally appeared on escape.com.au and has been published here with permission.