Passport validity - Australia

[HighFlyer]

Went to book an Aeroplan ticket to SYD, when the agent asked for my passport details to apply for the electronic visa. At the time of travel, there will only be 2 months validity left on my passport. I will be back well before passport expiry, but the agent mentioned that it should be valid for more than 6 months. I phoned the Australian embassy, who said that it doesn't have to be, just as long as it is valid when I leave the country.

Who is correct in this case? I'm sure it's the Australian embassy, but I wouldn't want to run into an AC agent on the day of departure that doesn't know the rules, and in turn will deny boarding.

[vacitah]

i think the only reason they require that is just in case u decide to stay or for any other unseen things

basicly it will just reduce hassle in case of an extended period of stay

[NoahVail]

I've found the requirement to be inconsistent. You're going to need to get an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) visa anyway, so why don't you call AC and acquire the ETA over the phone with them (no charge) and that should generate any problem you might have with expiry dates.

I find the gate agents only check the name with boarding pass anyway.

Cheers.

NV

[HighFlyer]

Thanks. My ETA got approved, so I suppose I can point to this if they give any problems on check-in.

[NoahVail]

Nothing's guaranteed, but I think that it would have hic-upped at the ETA if there was a problem.

NV

(have a great trip, I just got back, 35 degrees and sunny!!!!)

[eelfliw]

The airline isn't there to enforce rules. It's just there to protect itself from unforseen problems. Ultimately, the embassy is right. But doesn't mean the airline is forced to sell ticket to you.

[HighFlyer]

Airlines want to be sure you can be admitted into the country. If customs & immigration turn away a passenger as a result of invalid documentation, the airline is subject to big fines and is responsible for returning you to your point of origin at their expense.