How to obtain an Australian Passport in Switzerland

New passport application forms have been introduced on 1 July 2008. The new full passport application form requires the applicant to provide the original of either their full Australian birth certificate or Australian citizenship certificate in support of their application. With the exception of the renewal process, a previous Australian passport cannot be used as proof of citizenship with the new passport application forms.

The size and quality of your passport photograph is of critical importance. The size of your head in the photograph must comply with Australian passport requirements, which may differ from Swiss passport photograph standards. Familiarise yourself with these requirements and ensure you submit compliant photos. Your application may be rejected because of unsuitable photographs.

DO NOT attach your photographs to the application form. Leave them loose in the envelope. DO NOT fasten them in any way using clips, staples, sticky / sello tape or any other type of fasteners which damage photographs and render them useless.

The suggested procedure for preparing your application is as follows:

1. Find out what type of form that you need to use

2. Read the instruction sheet for:

PC7 Renewal Form Instruction Sheet

PC8 Application Form Instruction Sheet

3. Read the instruction sheet for photograph criteria

4. Read the notes for completing an Australian Passport application online

5. Access the online forms and complete the correct application form:

PC8 Application Form

Approved guarantor list for PC8 applications

PC7 Renewal Application

6. Print the completed application form

7. Check if you are required to attend an interview appointment. Many applicants are able to post their applications to the Passports Office.

8. Read the checklist for your form to ensure that you are supplying all the necessary items with your application and that you are submitting it correctly (via mail or in person):

PC8 Application Form (Adult)

PC8 Application Form (Children)

PC7 Renewal Form

Ensure that you pay the appropriate fee, which can change on a monthly basis.

Extra information to help you prepare your passport application for lodgment in Switzerland:

Guidance regarding Name Changes 

Reporting a Lost or Stolen Passport 

Processing Times and Urgent Applications

Passport Application Fees

Acceptable Guarantors list (applicable to PC8 forms only)

Citizenship for children of Australian citizens born in Switzerland or elsewhere overseas

Applicants born in Australia after 20 August 1986 have special requirements

FAQs

If you have any further questions you should refer your enquiry to the Australian Consulate-General, Geneva on 022 799 91 00.