Passport Services

COVID-19
Update on passport arrangements as at 5 January 2021

The Australian Consulate-General in Geneva is currently accepting only URGENT passport appointments, in support of host government protocols in place to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic, these arrangements are subject to change at short notice.  Updates to arrangements will published on this website and to our social media accounts.

- If your passport is expired and you do not have an urgent need for a new passport, we ask that you wait until we re-open appointment options, so we may prioritise urgent requests.

- If you have urgent and essential travel between now and 28 Feb 2021, please send an email to  [email protected]. 

Please include in your message:
• Your name
• Contact number
• Date of travel and reason for travel or need for a passport.

We regret the inconvenience this may cause, however your safety along with the safety of our staff is our utmost priority in this difficult time.

For updates on future appointment availability, please see our website and our Facebook page.

Please continue to monitor the Smartraveller Switzerland travel advice.

Visiting our offices during COVID-19

• You must have an appointment to visit our offices.
• Please arrive at the time of your appointment – to ensure social distancing there will be limited seating in our reception areas.
• Please do not bring any friends or family members to your appointment.  If you are applying for a child passport, both parents are welcome to attend, however, only one parent is required to lodge a child’s application if they are under 16. 
• Only the person(s) renewing their passport will be allowed to enter.
• Only the person(s) requiring the notarial service will be allowed to enter.
• Visitors must wear a mask – please bring your own mask.
• Your temperature will be taken using a non-contact device. 

Please contact us should you have any concerns or need to reschedule your appointment.

   Urgent Travel: If you need to travel urgently, please call the Consulate-General in Geneva (+41)22 799 91 00 during business          hours or send us an e-mail: [email protected]

Step by Step Instructions

Notes

1.  Complete and print your application form online at the global website

Login or create an AusPassport account. You will be automatically directed to the correct form by answering the questions. For information on passport application process please check the information sheets below and the Australian Passport Office website.

2.  Print, Sign and Date the application form 

Print: Once you have completed your application online, you can use A4 size paper to print it.  You may need to adjust your printer settings so that the top/bottom of the pages are not cut off (look for Shrink to Fit or Fit to Page settings). Chrome and Firefox users should pay particular attention to this, as it is common for pages to be printed incorrectly if you do not manually adjust your print settings. 

Signatures: When using the PC8 form insure all sections are signed (guarantor, parents, witness & child) before your interview.  Passport staff cannot witness signatures. The PC7 form can be signed at the interview.

Date: Signatures are valid for six months. An application signed more than six months ago cannot be accepted. 

Check there are no alterations to signatures and dates. Application forms containing overwritten dates or signatures cannot be accepted.  Please reprint and sign a new page.

3.  Obtain Two Passport Photos

Carefully check the photo specifications as poor quality photos are the most common reason an application cannot be accepted.

Check our list of Passport Photographers in Switzerland and the Passport Photo Guidelines.

4.  Prepare for your interview

Please carefully read the information sheets to ensure you attend the interview with the correct supporting documents. 

Review the required documents for your application and review the checklist to avoid common errors. Check the requirements for name change, translation of foreign documents and guarantors.

Supporting Documents: All documents must be original documents. We cannot accept certified copies. Please review the information sheets below for the required supporting documents:

Adult simplified renewal (Form PC7, 1 page)

Adult all other (Form PC8, 5 pages)

Child (Form PC8, 5 pages)

Name Change (Form PC8, 5 pages)

Replace a lost/stolen or emergency passport (Form PC8, 5 pages)

Guarantor/Referee (only required when using the PC8 form)

Original documents located in Australia or other Country

5.  Book an appointment to lodge your application. *

IMPORTANT BOOKING INFORMATION - Our online booking system only allows you to book 2 months in advance. Please continue to monitor the online booking system as more slots will become available each day. If your passport application is urgent please contact our office by email [email protected]. Please provide the reason for the urgency and any travel dates, etc.  

Since 1 July 2015, all passport applications must be lodged in person, including renewals. There are no exceptions to this rule, even if you have lodged by mail in the past or live far from our office.

For child applications, one parent must lodge the application in person. It does not matter whether the lodging parent is an Australian citizen.

• Children aged 16-17 years must attend the interview, together with one parent.
• Children aged 0-15 years are not required to attend the interview.

6.  Allow up to 3 weeks to receive your new passport

You can keep your current passport valid while your new one is being processed. Please advise the passports officer at the beginning of your appointment that you would like to retain your passport for travel. Otherwise, the passport will be cut/cancelled and returned to you at the time you lodge.

Mailed within Switzerland: The new passport will be sent to you by registered mail to a Swiss address only (home, work or friend).  A postage fee applies.

Collect in Geneva: You will be notified by email when the new passport is ready and to make an appointment to collect. 

7.  Further passport information

Passports FAQs

Passport Fees and payment methods

Report a lost or stolen passport

Passport care 

How to apply for Australian citizenship