Aussies expose massive flaw with new passports
Aussies who have received their new passport have called out a major flaw with the travel documents, that now cost $398.
As of July 1st, Australian travellers will have to fork out the hefty fee to renew their passports, with the cost jumping from $346.
Some Aussies have received their new passports, with many slamming the quality of the new R series passports, which have been issued since September 2022.
Many have taken to social media to share their fears that the new documents may not last the intended 10 years because the covers appear to bend before they have even been used.
Aussie woman Greta was one of many who shared her thoughts on TikTok, which has attracted more than 145,000 views.
She initially said she liked the "epic" new design which features images of iconic landmarks, but was later disappointed by how flimsy the document was.
"I recently got the new Australian passport. I was very excited but then, I had a few people tell me I had to put a paperweight on it because it bends," she said.
She showed her new "curving" passport in comparison to her old heavily used one side by side.
"You're not wrong... This passport is brand new. It has not seen a different country," she explained.
"Considering this is one of the world's most expensive passports, what happened?"
Many of Greta's TikTok viewers agreed, as travellers were concerned that the new passport's curvy nature could be problematic or stop them from travelling.
"Get a passport cover... utterly ridiculous that they do that,' a viewer commented."
Another added, "My new one is so bent Heathrow almost didn't accept it."
Despite the online comments, the Australian Passport Office assures travellers that general "normal wear and tear should not be a problem."
"You may notice a slight curling on the cover of your R Series passport. This occasionally occurs due to changes in humidity," the website states.
"It's not a manufacturing defect and doesn't affect the validity of your passport. Keeping your passport tightly secured will help prevent this curling."
Image credits: TikTok / Shutterstock