Australian Embassy
Brazil

Passports

 We provide passport services to Australians in Brazil from our Offices located in Brasilia, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro by appointment only.

How to obtain a passport in Brazil

While we understand some of our customers prefer to speak to a person to have their questions answered, in most cases our website will have the information you require.  The majority of the queries we get can be easily resolved by going to our general advice on passport applications, which provides answers to the most common questions raised. 

 

Steps to apply for an adult passport:

Steps to apply for a child passport:

* To find out if you are eligible to send a mailed-in passport application, check the information below in our FAQs.
 

Passport Care

 

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get a passport?

You should allow a minimum of six weeks to get a new passport, no matter when you apply. Priority processing services are not available in Brazil. You should plan any travel accordingly and lodge your application early to ensure you receive your passport in good time. Please read all instructions carefully as incorrectly completed applications will cause delays.

The Australian Passport Office provides data on the percentage of applications processed within 10 business days, in the previous week. This information should be used as a guide only.

 

I applied for my new passport over six weeks ago. Why is it taking so long to get it?

Due to unprecedented demand, some applications may take longer. Child applications have extra security checks and can take longer to process. To minimise processing time, make sure your application includes everything we need.

We strongly recommend you don’t book your travel until you get your passport.

 

Why do I have to lodge in person?

Australian passports have a well-deserved reputation for security. This contributes to the visa-free access that Australian travellers enjoy in many overseas destinations.

We maintain this security by verifying the identity of every passport applicant to the highest standard. To minimise any risk of identity fraud, lodgement for most applications must be in person.

 

Can I send my application by mail?

Some clients may be eligible to send in a mailed-in application to renew their passports. Adults can renew their passports by mail if they are applying for a renewal, and children up to the age of 15 who previously held an Australian passport can also renew by mail.  

For mailed-in applications to the Australian Embassy in Brasilia, payment can only be made in AUD, through international credit card. To apply by mail for an adult passport renewal, you should complete the Adult Renewal Checklist and Credit Card Authorisation Form, and to apply for a child passport renewal you should complete the Child Renewal Checklist and Credit Card Authorisation Form. 

All first-time applicants, applicants aged between 16-17 and those who wish to pay through alternative methods must still lodge in person at the nearest mission. 

Non-eligible or incomplete applications received by mail will not be processed and will be returned by mail. Do not send your passport or original documents with your application. Original documents will be immediately returned.  When sending the application, please address your envelope to the Passport Section. 

If you wish to send your application for the Australian Consulate-General in São Paulo, please contact [email protected] for payment details. 

 

I am a dual national, can I return to Australia on my foreign (Brazilian or other) passport rather than my Australian one?

You should contact the Department of Home Affairs for advice by calling +61 2 6196 0196. Australians have reported experiencing issues returning to Australia on a foreign passport. For example, airlines may not allow you to board a plane without a valid Australian passport.

 

My documents are in Portuguese. Do I require an English translation?

Yes, you will need to get them translated by an approved translation service.

 

I still have questions. Who can I contact? 

For any passport enquiries, please contact [email protected] 

 

I’m dissatisfied with the service I have received. How can I complain?

We work hard to improve our service and we welcome your input about how we can make it even better. Please submit compliments, complaints or comments to us online.

 

 

Last update: 3 September 2024