Australia has retained its position as the country with the most expensive passport in the world, with a ten-year document now costing $412. This price is significantly higher than other nations, including Mexico, the United States, and New Zealand. Despite the high cost, the Australian passport ranks only equal-seventh in terms of global travel power, offering visa-free access to 185 countries, a drop from last year.

The cost of the passport has risen due to inflation and a substantial one-off increase last year, with government officials citing advanced technology and anti-fraud measures as justification. Critics argue that the price hike is excessive and could impact everyday Australians, especially as the passport is seen as a basic entitlement. While Australia leads in cost, it lags behind countries like Singapore, which offers greater visa-free access at a much lower price.