A single-use, one-way travel document for Indian nationals who have no valid Indian passport and must go to India urgently, including people being deported by Australian authorities. It is issued only after Indian nationality is confirmed, and the holder must obtain a new passport in India before returning.
Where to apply in Australia
High Commission in Canberra and Consulates-General in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, each for its own jurisdiction (handled by the posts themselves, not VFS). Deportation cases are routed through the Australian Border Force.
Sydney: in person only at the Consulate counter, limited appointment slots 9:30-15:30, applicants select 'Re-Issue Passport' on the passport portal and need 6 photos and two Personal Verification Forms. High Commission page: 3 photos. ACT: after-hours emergencies via the High Commission emergency line (SMS first). Melbourne: no emergency passport service (Emergency Certificate is via the posts' common procedure).
Contact details for every office are on the page of the embassy and consulates of India.
How to apply
Fill in the passport-portal online form to obtain an appointment | print it, complete and sign the indicated pages | attend the post's counter on the appointment date with originals and copies
Documents you need
- Signed EC application form (both parents sign for a minor)
- Original Indian passport, or copies plus police report/event number if lost
- Copy of current Australian visa
- 2x2 inch photographs (3 per High Commission page; 6 per Sydney page)
- Ticket or itinerary
- Evidence of the emergency
- Letter to the mission explaining the circumstances
- Affidavit attested by a JP or notary
- Personal Verification Form x2 (Sydney)
- Self-addressed envelope
Fees and processing time
- Official fee: AUD 23.00
- Other charges: ICWF AUD 4.00 (total AUD 27.00, non-refundable)
Processing time: No fixed time; depends on nationality verification with India.
Good to know
Sydney's own page states AUD 27 plus AUD 4 ICWF, which conflicts with the High Commission total of AUD 27. High Commission fee schedule page shows 'last updated 21-10-2026'. Sydney EC page shows no date.
Official sources
- hcicanberra.gov.in/page/consular-services-offered-by-high-commissio…
- hcicanberra.gov.in/page/modes-of-payment-and-fee-schedule
- cgisydney.gov.in/pages/MzAw
- hcicanberra.gov.in/page/emergency-visa-services
- cgiperth.gov.in/pdf/short-validity-passport.pdf
- cgiperth.gov.in/misc
Check before you apply
This page summarises information published by India's official channels, last checked on 24 octubre 2026. Fees and requirements can change at short notice, so confirm with the office that will handle your case.
Spotted a change? Let us know.
More services of India in Australia
- Affidavit of a parent for a child's passport issued in India
- Attestation of documents
- Certificate/NOC for transporting mortal remains or ashes to India
- Consular registration of Indian nationals and students
- Conversion of PIO card to OCI card
- Death certificate (registration of death)
- e-Visa for India
- Emergency visa (urgent family emergency)
- Endorsement of new passport details on PIO card
- Life certificate and pension papers
- Lost or damaged passport replacement
- Marriage certificate
- NOC for transporting remains of a foreign national of Indian origin
- OCI card - new registration
- OCI miscellaneous services / card re-issue
- OCI passport/particulars update (online)
- Passport for a minor / first passport for a child
- Passport re-issue (expiry or change of particulars)
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Protected Area Permit / Restricted Area Permit
- Registration of birth abroad
- Regular (paper) visa
- Renunciation of OCI
- Surrender of Indian passport / renunciation of Indian citizenship