Dual nationality, Australian + British. Can I return to Australia if I only have UK passport and Australian citizenship form?
I have dual Australian/British nationality and have been living in the UK for the past 8 years. I currently only have a British passport but still have my Australian citizenship document. My sister booked my flight back to Australia without checking if I can return on the UK passport and show passport control and the airline my Australian citizenship form?
I'm extremely worried as I leave in 4 days but only found out about the potential problem just now.
Best Answer
Normally, Australian citizens are required to present an Australian passport when entering Australia. According to Travel documents for entry to Australia:
Australian citizens have an automatic right of entry to Australia, and do not require a visa. Australian citizens need only to present the following documents to officers in immigration clearance:
- a valid Australian passport or other acceptable travel document
- a completed and signed Incoming Passenger Card.
Australians who hold dual or multiple nationalities should hold an Australian passport and use it to enter or leave Australia, even when using a foreign passport overseas. The only exception is where they have been issued with an Australian Declaratory Visa.
The same page has this to say about the Australian Declaratory Visa:
The Australian Declaratory Visa (ADV) is an administrative document that resembles a visa. It is issued in limited circumstances to Australian citizens who hold dual nationality, only if the applicant either:
- is a dual national under the age of 18
- has an emergency or other situation preventing travel on an Australian passport.
The Australian Declaratory Visa is valid for five years from the date of issue, unless the holder ceases to be an Australian citizen, in which case the holder will need a normal visa to travel to Australia.
Charges apply for this service.
The question for you is whether they would consider your situation an "emergency or other situation" that qualifies you to get an ADV. I would call the Australian High Commission immediately and ask them what your best course of action is.
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Can I leave Australia on an Australian passport and enter UK on a British passport?
Entering and leaving Australia If you have a passport from another country for example; a British passport, you can use this for your return to the United Kingdom, but you will need your Australian passport for travel to Australia when departing the United Kingdom and entering Australia.Can I re enter Australia on a British passport?
Citizens of the UK need a passport to enter Australia. British passport holders must apply for a visa before departure; visas on arrival are not available. Fortunately, British citizens can obtain a visa for Australia online.Can I come back to Australia without Australian passport?
If you are an Australian citizen you have an automatic right of entry to Australia and need only present a current Australian passport on your arrival. Australian citizens who travel without an Australian passport might have their entry delayed until their identity and claim to Australian citizenship has been verified.Can I enter a country with one passport and exit with another?
Dual nationals may also be required by the foreign country to use its passport to enter and leave that country. Use of the foreign passport to travel to or from a country other than the United States is not inconsistent with U.S. law.𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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