An Australian traveler has shared his frustration over a recurring problem with the country’s "world’s most expensive passport." The issue? Persistent curling of the document in humid conditions, making it look more like a wilted leaf than a high-tech travel essential.
Posting on social media, the traveler described the R Series passport’s quality as "horrendous" despite its hefty $398 price tag. His accompanying photo showed the edges of the passport curling up without any exposure to water or extreme weather.
“This is just how it is,” he wrote. “I know Malaysia’s humidity is bad, but this is ridiculous.”
The traveler explained the problem started within weeks of getting the passport and worsened over time. Even after leaving it in an air-conditioned room at 18°C for hours, the document failed to flatten out completely.
The issue, he said, raises serious concerns about how the passport might be perceived during international travel. “Authorities gave it a second look and a pull when I arrived in Malaysia,” he said. “I’d hate for anyone to think it’s fake.”
A Shared Frustration
The traveler’s post struck a chord, with many Australians sharing similar experiences.
“Mine curls while sitting in the envelope it came in,” one person commented. Another joked about storing theirs under a heavy book to keep it flat.
Others worried about being stranded abroad if their passport’s condition raised suspicions. “It’s only a matter of time before someone’s document gets refused,” a commenter noted.
The issue isn’t unique to Australia, though. Passports from New Zealand and Canada have also been reported to react poorly to heat and humidity.
Official Response
The Australian Passport Office has addressed the curling issue, stating it’s nothing to worry about. “This occasionally occurs due to changes in humidity,” a statement on its website reads. “It’s not a manufacturing defect and doesn’t affect the validity of your passport.”
The office suggests storing passports securely in an envelope or holder to minimize curling.
Quality Concerns Persist
Some travelers have reported additional concerns, like loose pages, raising doubts about whether the passports can last their 10-year lifespan.
One person said their son’s unused passport already showed signs of wear, with pages “holding on by the merest thread.”
Packed with Features, But...
The R Series passport was launched with much fanfare, boasting advanced security features like laser-engraved photo pages and ultraviolet light enhancements that reveal hidden details. It’s even designed to showcase 17 iconic Australian landscapes.
However, the advice to avoid bending the cover, keeping it dry, and ensuring boarding passes don’t smudge the photo page has left some wondering if the design prioritizes aesthetics over durability.
For now, the advice is simple: keep your passport flat, dry, and secure — and maybe pack a heavy book for good measure.
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