Already started shopping for your Euro summer wardrobe? Planning an out-of-winter escape plot and the Insta shoot to accompany it?

You’ll want to get your passport sorted before you nab those sale flights and swimmers, with a record number of Aussies applying for the coveted blue book in recent weeks sending processing times soaring between 8–10 weeks. That almost takes us to the end of winter – sigh. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told The Australian that over 1.1 million passports had already been issued this financial year, which is almost double the total number issued last year.

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Two years of border closure-induced cabin fever has also ballooned queues at the passport office, with one delicious. staffer recently reporting a day-destroying 4-hour wait at the Sydney branch. 

Lines are so long that some time-poor hopefuls have resorted to outsourcing the queueing up on Airtasker in exchange for cash. While you’ve got to admire the resourcefulness, it’s also clearly a case of ‘desperate times call for desperate measures.’ 

If the thought of waiting up to 12 weeks for your passport leaves you anxiety-ridden and your travel plans in a mess, fear not wanderluster – there are a few steps you can take to expedite things and ensure you make it through those international gates.

Firstly, stop whatever else it is you’re doing and start the process now – you can do it all online. If you’re after a new passport (not a renewal), you’ll need to collate all your supporting documents, IDs, and referees.

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Be sure to opt for priority processing (it’s a bit steeper, at an extra $225), but means your passport will, in theory, be ready for mailing or collection within two business days if you apply by midday on a business day (with the current backlogs, these times could vary, so the sooner you jump on it, the better). 

If you lodge your application for priority processing at a selected Australia Post location and ask for ‘Passport RAPID service’, they’ll receive your documents even faster (more on that here).

Try to fill out your application form as thoroughly as possible, and provide all the documentation requested – if there’s anything missing or incorrect, it will only trigger another setback.

Finally, if you’ve opted out of the Airtasker route and are braving the queues for yourself, get there as early as possible (remember – lodge before midday for a two-day turnaround) and pack a magazine or book, and snacks – a mix of salty and sweet should do it.

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