British or Australian Passport?

[louiseanne]

Hi guys.

I'm doing a bit of research for my mum in obtaining a passport to go overseas to Chili in 1-2 years time. She was born in England in 1959, came over to Australia in 1966 (10 pound pom). She has lived in Australia ever since, never left the country. She has not obtained Australian citizenship (also never married, nor does she have any visas or anything). So my question is, is it better/easier for her to get a British Passport, or become an Australian Citizen and get an Australian Passport? Will she be able to get back into the country on a British Passport?


My apologies if this sounds really dumb, but finding specific information on the net has been quite difficult. And i'm curious if anyone has been in the same position and has some insight
Thank you in advance for any help

 

[mella2007]

I would recommend an Australian passport first and foremost and she is also eligible for the UK one too, as she was born in the UK. Be good for her to get both and have options for the future if she decides to travel more.

Welcome to AFF!

 

[ColinP]

It's probably easier for her to get a British passport as she is already eligible for one. To get an Australian passport, she'd have to become a citizen first then get an Australian passport.
With a British passport she will need to get an Australian re-entry visa before she leaves.

Generally speaking, travel is easier and less expensive (visas) in Sth America with a British passport rather than an Australian one.
I have both and chose to use my British PP throughout Sth America.


Welcome to AFF

 

[louiseanne]

Thanks so much guys. Going to try and contact the UK embassy again tomorrow, will hopefully have better luck! Thanks for the welcome too, i wish i had known about this message boards when i started traveling years ago, will definitely be a frequent poster now

 

[MYT105]

Get the UK one to start and then see about Australian citizenship to get the aussie one for her, it makes entering and leaving OZ easier and quicker, if she is going to start traveling. And once she has her UK one you should also look at getting a UK one if you already haven't as it makes EU travel easier.

 

[here2go]

You can even apply for the British Passport via Aussie Post like an Australian one! The link with details including form huperlink here. British passports - Australia Post

What concerns me with this approach is whether Mum needs certificate in passport from Au Govt saying she is permanent resident. Can't answer that one.

 

[ColinP]

What concerns me with this approach is whether Mum needs certificate in passport from Au Govt saying she is permanent resident. Can't answer that one.

Yes she does.
She will need a resident return visa subclass 155 Here and Here

Eligibility requirements

 

[louiseanne]

Huge thank you to everyone that replied

Finally got in touch with someone from immigration and they basically said what you all have said - Get the RRV 155 and you are all good. Going to the city office sometime next week and fill out paperwork.

The only thing stopping my mum going for Australian Citizenship is she can't read or write properly, but hopefully with a bit of study and time she will come around....i hope!

I can't get a British passport as my parents were never married..bugger!

 

[here2go]

I can't get a British passport as my parents were never married..bugger!

UK rules are so strict. I have an Irish passport courtesy of my gran, and she was born on the north!

 

[Anna]

Currently Chile charges Australians USD 95 on arrival, but there is no charge for UK citizens.

Just another factor to add to the mix.