Australians who recently received a new passport have exposed a major problem with the $398 document.
Travelers have criticized the quality of the new R-series passports, which have been issued since then. September 2022.
They fear that the new documents will not last the expected 10 years because the covers seem to bend even before they are used.
Australian Greta recently shared her thoughts in a TikTok video, which has attracted more than 145,000 views.
She initially said she liked the new “epic” design featuring images of iconic landmarks, but was later disappointed by how flimsy the document was.
“I recently received my new Australian passport. I was really excited, but then some people told me I needed to put a paperweight on it because it bends,” she said.
He showed his new “curved” passport in comparison to his old, well-used passport, side by side.
“You’re not wrong… This passport is new. It hasn’t been in any other country,” he explained.
“Considering this is one of the most expensive passports in the world, what happened?”
Many of Greta’s TikTok viewers agreed.
Many were concerned that the curves in the new passport could be problematic or prevent them from travelling.
“Get a passport holder… it’s totally ridiculous that they do that,” one viewer commented.
Another added: “My new plane is so bent Heathrow almost wouldn’t accept it.”
A third wrote: “I literally thought it was just our kids’. I took them to the passport office and they said ‘no, that’s normal’.”
Concerns have also been raised about New Zealand’s new passports, which are made from similar material.
Australians may notice a slight ripple in the cover of their R-Series Passport due to changes in humidity.
Australian traveller Greta was disappointed with the quality of the new Australian passport
The Australian Passport Office assures travelers that general “normal wear and tear” should not be a problem.
“You may notice a slight ripple in the cover of your R-Series Passport. This occasionally occurs due to changes in humidity,” the website states.
“This is not a manufacturing defect and does not affect the validity of your passport. Keeping it secured will help prevent it from bending.”
Australians are urged to keep their passports intact and free from damage.
“This new passport is a little different to previous Australian passports. When you open your passport for the first time, you’ll see a polycarbonate page with a photo on it. This is a strong, highly secure, multi-layered plastic,” the website states.
‘Be careful not to bend the passport back too much because you could damage the seams holding it together.’
Earlier this month, the price of an Australian adult passport rose from $346 to $398, making it the “most expensive passport in the world,” ahead of those of Mexico and the United States.
It was the second increase in the price of the passport since December, when it cost $325.
(tags to translate)dailymail