According to domestic aviation statistics provided by the Australian Government, in 2022 the number of passengers had an increase of over 40% compared to 2021. While there are far fewer travellers than in 2019, the general trend for 2022 seems to be catching up.
Contrary to what many people believe, a passport is not always required. What about domestic flights in Australia? Do you need a passport to fly domestic in Australia? In this article, we’ll go over which documents are required by the Transportation Security Administration for both an Australian citizen and a visitor. Keep reading for more information.
Do you need a passport for a domestic flight in Australia?
As a general rule, Australian citizens don’t need to have a passport to fly inside the country. Any of the following documents is considered an acceptable form of identification:
- drivers licence;
- original or certified copy of a birth certificate or a citizenship document;
- aviation or airport authority ID;
- student ID;
- valid passport.
In this case, if travelers completed the check-in before going to the airport, it’s also possible that port authorities will not ask for any photo ID.
The situation is slightly different if the flight leaves from an international terminal, where all passengers will be checked for international flights and domestic travel alike. In this scenario, Australian citizens need to have one of these documents:
- a driver’s licence issued by an Australian state or territory or the Commonwealth of Australia;
- a government-issued photo ID;
- aviation security card issued by the aircraft’s operator or an Australian airport operator;
- a valid passport.
Photo identification is mandatory for all adults, infants can travel with just a birth certificate.
Got the travel bug? Try reading these articles for more ideas:
- Do You Need a Passport to Go to New Zealand?
- Can You Book International Flights Without a Passport From Australia?
- Do You Need a Passport to Go To Norfolk Island?
- Renew Expired Australian Passport: A How-to Guide
- Visa-Free Countries for Australian Passport Holders in 2024
- Can You Use an Expired Passport as ID in Australia?
- How to Renew South African Passport in Australia: A Step-By-Step Guide
Do you need a passport to fly domestic as a visitor?
What happens if tourists who have already landed at an Australian airport want to fly somewhere else in the country? Do they need a passport for domestic flights in Australia?
When traveling within Australia departing from an international airport, all passengers need to go through customs and show a form of identification. In these circumstances, all non-Australian citizens need to have a valid passport and, if it applies, a visa.
When flying locally, technically, it’s still not necessary to have a passport. However, as a tourist, it’s advisable to ALWAYS have it on you, as Australian authorities might ask for it even outside of special circumstances.
Prepare to travel around Australia with Passport Photo Online
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All you need to do is take a picture and upload it to Passport Photo Online and we’ll do all the rest:
- The photo will be cropped to the required size and the background cut out seamlessly. You’ll be able to take passport and ID photos anywhere at any moment.
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- You can try as many times as you want. Aim for the perfect photo – with Passport Photo Online you only pay for the picture you choose in the end, no additional costs.
You can have the printouts delivered directly to you or download the file and have it ready for your next passport or visa application.
Do you need a passport to fly locally: FAQ
In this section, we’ll answer a few questions about needing a passport for domestic flights within Australia.
Why do you need a passport to fly within Australia?
As an Australian citizen, you don’t need a passport for domestic flights, only an official ID, such as a driver’s licence.
Do you need a passport to fly from Sydney to Perth?
No, you only need a photo ID for the check-in.
Do you need a passport to fly privately?
If the flight goes over international borders, inside the same country, you’ll only need an ID.
Do you need a passport to fly from Brisbane to Sydney?
No, Australian nationals don’t need a passport, only a valid ID.
Do you need a passport to fly from Sydney to Queensland?
No, for flights inside of Australia citizens don’t need to have a passport.
Do you need a passport to fly domestic in Australia? – conclusion
To fly interstate or locally in Australia, having a passport is not necessary. If you do the online check-in, you might not be asked for a document. To fly around Australia from an international airport, you will be asked for more specific forms of ID, but still, no passport is needed.
If you need to update your documents, trust Passport Photo Online for perfect photos, as over a million people have done before.
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Riccardo Ollmert is a multilingual writer and travel expert. He studied Languages, Literature and Publishing Industry at La Sapienza University of Rome. His passions include traveling and learning new skills.
