Passport application procedures changed in 2007 to increase the security of travel documents. As of November 19, 2007, all passport applicants at the Embassy of Sweden in Canberra must be digitally photographed on site at the time of the application. As a result of this, applications may no longer be submitted at the honorary consulates in Australia and New Zealand. Why Are New Procedures Being Introduced?
In today's world, it has become increasingly important that documents required to travel – passports and identity cards – are secure. As of October 1, 2005, Swedish travel documents are issued in compliance with the requirements laid down in the EU regulation regarding passport security and biometrics. These passports and identity cards have a computer chip which stores the holder's personal data and photograph.
The police in Sweden use digital photo stations to photograph everyone who applies for a passport or identity card. At a border checkpoint, a snapshot of the passport holder can be instantly compared to the photo on the chip. The aim is to ensure that the person using the passport and the person in the passport photo is one and the same.
For that same reason, photo stations have also been installed at Swedish missions abroad to photograph all passport applicants. These photos have come to replace those previously provided by the applicants themselves.
Further information about Swedish passports and identity cards is available on the website of the Swedish Police, www.polisen.se
Gradual Introduction at Embassies
Photo stations are being introduced gradually at Swedish missions abroad throughout 2007. The Embassy of Sweden in Canberra will introduce the new photo station on November 19, 2007. As a result, new rules for passport applicants apply.
Honorary Consulates Cease to be Passport Offices
As Swedish missions abroad begin to use photo stations, honorary consulates cease to act as passport offices. The honorary consulates in Australia and New Zealand can therefore no longer accept applications for regular passports or identity cards.
Applicants must apply in person at the Embassy of Sweden Canberra, or at most Swedish missions abroad.
Our opening hours for passport applicants areMondays and Tuesdays9 - 11 am and 2 - 4 pmYou need to call and make an appointment for applying for a new passport, 02-6270 2724.
For passport enquiries, please email:ambassaden.canberra-pass@foreign.ministry.se
Two Personal Visits
The new procedure for travel documents means that a person who is applying for a new, regular passport or national identity card must make two personal visits. The first visit is to apply in person and the second is to pick up the passport or identity card when it is ready.
Pick-Up of New Passports at Honorary ConsulatesThe fingerprints will be introduced within short. Until further notice new passports and identity cards may still be picked up at honorary consulates. The Embassy of Sweden in Canberra verifies the quality of the new passport or identity card and then forwards it to the honorary consulate, where the applicant's identity is verified when he or she picks up the document.
Electronic Handling and Shorter Wait Times
As the Swedish missions abroad begin using photo stations, they also receive new technical equipment to produce the basis for a passport or identity card. The application is sent electronically to Sweden for manufacturing, which means shorter wait times for applicants.
Different Alternatives for Swedes Abroad
Swedish nationals who are resident abroad and who need a new passport or identity card can apply in different ways:
- The quickest and cheapest way is to apply while visiting Sweden.You can contact any passport office (see www.polisen.se). Normally, you can pick up a new passport or identity card within a week. It is also possible to collect your new passport or identity card at an embassy or consulate, although this takes longer and costs more.
- You can also submit your application at most Swedish missions abroad. New documents for travel take between one to two weeks as they are produced in Sweden and sent by courier. The documents can be picked up at any passport office in Sweden or abroad.
Emergency Passports Are Issued As Previously
The handling and application procedure for emergency (provisional) passports will remain unchanged. They will be issued in the same way as previously. The documents affected by the new procedure are regular passports, extra passports and national identity cards.
Required Documents for All Applicants
All applicants for passports or national identity cards must provide proof of identity, as well as proof of Swedish citizenship. Applicants are advised to consult embassy or consulate staff in advance of submitting their application.
Swedish Passport Applications
Passport application procedures will change in 2007 to increase the security of travel documents. As of November 19, 2007, all passport applicants at the Embassy of Sweden in Canberra must be digitally photographed on site at the time of the application. As a result, applications may no longer be submitted at the honorary consulates in Australia and New Zealand. Different instructions and requirements apply for:
The application fee must be paid in cash or with a money order or certified bank check, payable to the Embassy of Sweden in Canberra.
The new passport may be picked up at any Swedish consulate in Australia and New Zealand. For pick-up of the new passport at a consular location other than the one at which the application was submitted, there is a shipping fee (payable at time of application) and an additional processing fee (payable at pick-up).
Renewal of Passport for Adults 18 or Older
Applicants 18 years or older who have previously had a Swedish passport should bring the following documents when applying for a new passport:
Do not bring passport photos. As part of the new procedures introduced in 2007, all applicants are digitally photographed on site at the time of the application.
The new passport is normally ready 1-3 weeks from the time of application. The passport must be picked up in person and will not be delivered by mail.
The new passport may be picked up at any Swedish mission or a consulate in Australia and Zew Zealand. For pick-up of the new passport at a consular location other than the one at which the application was submitted, there is a shipping fee (payable at time of application) and an additional processing fee (payable at pick-up).
Renewal of Passport for Children under 18
Child applicants under 18 who have previously held a Swedish passport must be accompanied by a legal guardian and bring the following when applying for a new passport:
The new passport is normally ready 1-3 weeks from the time of application. It may not be delivered by mail, and must be picked up in person by a legal guardian or by the applicant, if she or he is 18 or older.
First-time Passport Application for Child
Child applicants under 18 who have never previously had a Swedish passport must first apply for and obtain a coordination number. This application can be filed at all Swedish consulates in Australia and New Zealand.
Application instructions for coordination number
Once the coordination number has been obtained, the child applicant must be accompanied by a legal guardian and bring the following when applying for a new passport, personally at the Embassy of Sweden in Canberra:
The new passport may not be delivered by mail, and must be picked up in person by a legal guardian or by the applicant, if she or he is 18 or older.
Application for Coordination Number and Registration of Name
A child applicant who has never had a Swedish passport must first be added to the Swedish population register by applying for a coordination number.
The application is free of charge and can be filed at all Swedish consulates in Australia and New Zealand. The child must be accompanied by at least one legal guardian.
The following documents are required:
Lost or Missing Passports
If your passport is lost or missing, the following is required:
Broken Passports (manufacturing fault)
If a passport has a manufacturing fault, the passport holder is entitled to a new passport, with the same validity as the broken passport, but with a maximum validity of five years.
Replacement of a torn or damaged passport is free of charge. Application instructions are the same as for a normal passport.
Change of Name
An application for a legal change of name may not be submitted along with a passport application. Contact the Swedish Tax Authority to apply for a name change before applying for a new passport.
In order to legally change your name, you must complete and submit the name change registration form RSV 7630. Read and follow the directions carefully.
If married, submit a copy of your marriage certificate. Note that your spouse must co-sign the application.
Mail the application to the local tax office where you were most recently registered.
Application for National Identity Card
As of October 1, 2005, Swedish citizens may apply for national identity cards.
With the national identity card, Swedish citizens may travel to and stay in the following countries without carrying a passport: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland.
The national identity card may also be used as official proof of identity in Sweden.
Application procedures are the same as for passports.
Travelling With Several Passports
Citizens of both Sweden and Australia/New Zealand should bring both passports when travelling between the two countries.
The Australian law requires that all Australian citizens, including those who have dual citizenship, must be in possession of a valid Australian passport when leaving and entering Australia. New Zealanders can enter New Zealand on a passport other than New Zealand passport but to be acknowledged as a New Zealand citizen they must have an Indefinite Returning Residents visa in their foreign passport.
Likewise, Swedish citizens are expected to declare their nationality and to present a valid Swedish passport upon arrival in Sweden and/or the European Union.