Larissa

Hi Guys
I was just wondering how long it takes to get a passport for a new baby born in Australia, as we want to travel a few weeks after the baby is born.
Also, how soon after the birth is it advisable to travel long haul?
Thanks
Larissa

spiral tribe

Hi Larissa, I am not sure if you want a Brit or Aus passport but either will take more than a few weeks, it took us that long just to arrange for a birth certificate, we could of got it quicker but went through the normal channels.

We are now sorting out some baby photos for the passport, both Brit and Aus.

Good luck.

Larissa

Thanks for that, any reason why the birth cert took a while? We will probably plump for an Aus passport first as I reckon it will be quicker than arranging a Brit one, but I'm not sure yet

Clippy

Hi Larissa can't help with the passport, but I would imagine you have to wait 6 weeks til you can fly - I don't know if it's the same in Oz but in the UK you have a 6 week check at the doctors to make sure your body ok.

spiral tribe

We are in QLD and had to send off the completed forms with the fee to the Brisbane office. They processed it and returned it a few weeks later, I did read that if it was a priority you could arrive in person and pay extra for priority.

Good luck again.

Larissa

Thanks, I've flown short haul (parents overseas) with a 6 week old, I wasn't sure if it's the same for long haul - will check with the midwives next week.

JAJ

If the child is an Australian citizen, he or she needs an Australian passport.




Jeremy

Larissa

Thanks, I will try to find out what happens in WA

copa

My littlun went to the uk at around 1 month of age.

Check with the airlines first as some have age limits. Also.. the biggest hassle I had getting the (Australian) passport was getting the photograph. The photograph requirements have toughened up these last few years. Contact the passports office in Oz (do a google search) and ask them for further details.

BTW.. if your child looks ill on the day of departure the airline may refuse to take them.

Wave the Sails

I had some photos done at SJOG Hospital by their regular photographer when littlen was a few days old. The whole package was about $100 and it included passport photos, very professional looking. The birth certificate we sorted within a few days and the passport took about 6 weeks (the UK one even longer).

I don't think it's advisable to fly with a baby much less than three months due to their eustacian glands (in the ears) being underdeveloped. Short haul maybe, but not long. We flew with Littlen number 1 from UK to Oz and all around (and NZ), when he was 3 months old and there were no problems. But, if they have a cold it's a definite no-no - ears again.

HTH

Larissa

Thanks for the advice, BTW Where did you have to register the birth and how did you go about getting the passsport? I am hoping to book tickets soon and am a bit concerned it won't all come together :scared:

Wave the Sails

You get a form from the Hospital which allows you claim from CentreLink, which in turn gets the baby legally in the system.

We got the passport application online, filled it in then sent it registered post. I can't remember the costs but when it comes back they courier it so you have to be in! Any problems speak to Australia POst at Beaumaris, they are really helpful there.

Terrible my memory, and it was only 8 months ago

The UK one was easy enough, just go down to the British Consulate in St.Georges Terrace with the Birth Certificate (and some cash) and they will send your application to Canberra.

I have a feeling I wrote a thread on this in case it was of use to anyone - have a search, or I will later when children safely tucked up.

banjo

hey Jeremy....your standards are slipping! Can't believe you didn't advise Larissa about getting a certificate of citizenship for her new little one. Not like you!

Larissa..... 'usually' Jeremy advises people to get one of the above as proof of their Australian citizenship. The cost is about $55, but we did it and it was money well spent. Used it when applying for our little chaps passport - which came within about 10 days (maybe less).

here's the link: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/119.pdf for the certificate

Larissa

Thanks for the help guys, I think I get it all now Will get hubby to download the citizenship form as I can't open it now.