Austria is set to introduce its new passport on December 1, 2023, with the aim of making it one of the most modern and secure passports globally. Austrian citizens can apply for the new passport at almost 900 municipalities and district administrations across the country.
The redesigned passport places a strong emphasis on identity protection and anti-forgery measures, with the collaboration of the Austrian State Printing Office, experts from the Federal Criminal Police Office, and state criminal investigation offices in Burgenland and Lower Austria.
The new passport features a completely changed design and includes a polycarbonate (plastic) data page with a QR code, similar to the one used in the country’s identity card. The QR code enables easy electronic control and can be verified using the Ministry of the Interior’s free “CHECK-AT” app.
Notably, there will be no additional fees for citizens applying for the new passport. The current passport fee in Austria is €75.90 for adults, €30 for children up to twelve years, and free for children up to two years. Existing passports remain valid until their expiration date.
The Austrian government initiated the development of the new passport in 2020, with collaboration among experts from the Ministry of the Interior, the Federal Criminal Police Office, and state police departments of Lower Austria and Burgenland.
The new passport follows the introduction of the new ID card in August 2021 and an emergency pass in April 2022. On average, around 750,000 passports are issued each year, and the number is estimated to reach 950,000 in 2027.
In terms of global passport rankings, the Austrian passport is currently ranked 17th in the VisaGuide.World Passport Index. Austrian citizens enjoy visa-free entry to 104 countries, passport-free entry to 40 countries, visa on arrival (VOA) in 30 countries, eVisa requirements in 20 countries, and regular visa requirements in 21 countries.
