Passport Cost: Most Expensive Passport in the World and the Lowest Cost

December 21, 2024 | 08:19 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The pace of international travel has increased dramatically in recent years, returning to pre-pandemic levels. As a result, even more citizens around the world are now applying for required international documents. 

While the cost of passports varies, understanding which country has the most expensive passport in the world remains an intriguing topic among seasoned travelers. 

In this article, we will explore the cost of passports in various countries around the world, using data from Visual Capitalist, Compare the Market, and Jagran Josh. 

What is a passport? 

A passport is a formal booklet issued by a national government that identifies the holder. This certification allows individuals to travel abroad and safely cross the borders of foreign countries, according to Britannica. 

In concept, similar documents or endorsed travel letters have existed for centuries. However, the widespread development of passport identification did not occur until the 19th and 20th centuries. 

Britannica notes that the adoption of passports was stemmed as a security measure to prevent fraud across nations. That's why many countries use digital watermarks, embedded microchips, and holograms that store biometric data.

Most Expensive Passports in the World 

According to data analyzed by Compare the Market, Mexico, Australia, and the United States have the most expensive passports in the world, with years of validation varying from country to country. 

In Mexico in particular, citizens can apply for passport variations that range from 10-year passports, 6-year passports, and 3-year passports. 

Here’s a look at the list of the most expensive passports in the world (in USD): 

1. Mexico (10-years) - $320.05
2. Australia - $215.63
3. USA $157.49
4. Mexico (6 years) - $125.95
5. New Zealand - $120.73
6. Italy - $119.25
7. Canada - $113.05
8. UK - $99.11
9. Mexico (3-years) - $92.64
10. Fiji - $89.04

The second most expensive passport in the world, the Australian passport allows its holder to travel to 140 destinations without a visa, with a length of stay ranging from 30 to 360 days.

On the other hand, the U.S. passport, despite its lower price, allows Americans to visit 142 countries without a visa. 

The value of these most expensive passports in the world can change drastically if we take into account their travel autonomy, each of which has different mobility. However, it's also important to note that initial application fees may differ from renewal fees. 

Cheapest Passports in the World 

Some of the cheapest passports in the world are issued by the governments of the United Arab Emirates, India, Hungary, and South Africa, with validity periods ranging from five to ten years. 

Below are the cheapest passports in the world as highlighted by Compare the Market (in USD): 

1. UAE - $16.91
2. India - $17.26
3. Hungary (5-year) - $19.81
4. South Africa - $31.49 
5. Kenya - $30.71
6. Spain (for over 30 years old) - $30.84
7. Spain (for under 30 years old) - $30.84
8. Poland - $33.27
9. Brazil - $34.64
10. Sweden - $36.69 

While Spain ranks sixth as the world's cheapest passport, its citizens enjoy visa-free access to 194 countries, making it one of the most valuable travel books. 

As international travel continues to gain momentum, the cost of passports remains an important consideration for global citizens. While some nations issue the most expensive passport in the world, others provide affordable options with impressive mobility benefits. If you have an Australian passport in hand, you might want to know the list of visa-free countries you can travel to. 

Visual Capitalist | Compare the Market | Jagran Josh | Britannica

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