Contiki is covering the cost of the world’s most expensive passport for valid Euro-2026 trips, making it easier for young Aussies to say yes to the world.
Australia’s $412 passport holds the title of the most expensive passport in the world. New research by Contiki and YouGov shows that this price tag is keeping many young Australian’s travel plans grounded.
The survey of 1,017 Gen Z and Millennials in Australia found that 94 per cent of Gen Z and Millennials want to travel overseas, motivated by a desire to make lifelong memories (53 per cent), experience new cultures (51 per cent), and grow personally (44 per cent). Yet despite the clear upsides of overseas experience, 82 per cent say they face barriers to travelling.
In fact, one in five (20 per cent) Gen Z and Millennials say the cost of getting a passport specifically is a key barrier to travelling overseas, and one in seven (15 per cent) young Australians (the equivalent of approximately 1.4 million Gen Z and Millennials) don’t currently hold a valid passport.
The cost of passports is having a meaningful impact on Aussies seeking overseas experiences – with two in five (38 per cent) Gen Z and Millennials reporting they have delayed, cancelled or reconsidered travel because of the cost of getting a passport.
To help remove that barrier, Contiki is covering the $412 passport fee for ‘unpassported’ travellers who book a valid Euro’26 trip before 25th December.
“The research shows us that young Australians have a huge appetite for travel, they just need a little help getting started,” Contiki chief customer officer Toni Ambler said.
This sentiment is reflected in the data, which showed that barriers to travel change with more experience. Among those who have never travelled overseas, almost one in four (23 per cent) cite not having a passport, and nearly one in three (30 per cent) cite the cost of getting a passport as barriers to overseas travel for them. Whereas nearly half (46 per cent) of experienced overseas travellers cite needing to take time off work or study as a barrier.
“We know travel broadens minds, builds confidence, and creates lifelong memories,” Ambler added. “Covering the world’s most expensive passport is our way of helping young people take that first step towards the adventure of a lifetime – building on everything Contiki stands for in terms of making travel more accessible to young people.”
The survey data also revealed that:
- 85 per cent Gen Z and Millennial Australians without an Australian passport say they’d book an overseas trip if they had one for free, with many ready to travel within months.
- When asked about the value for money of an Australian passport, 71 per cent of young citizens without an Australian passport think it’s too expensive.
- Half (49 per cent) of young Aussies didn’t know their passport is the most expensive in the world.
Europe 2026: Passport? Sorted
Contiki’s 2026 European trips from the European Adventurer to Greek Island Hopping are designed for Gen Z and Millennial travellers chasing authentic experiences, friendships, and unforgettable memories.
By removing the passport price barrier, Contiki is turning the dream of European travel into a realistic goal for more young Australians.
“At a time when living costs are high and adventure feels out of reach, we want to give young travellers a reason to say yes to the world,” Ambler said. “This initiative is about unlocking the freedom to explore, one passport at a time.”
“We want to make travel accessible to young people, and this campaign helps us do just that. Contiki has always helped remove travel barriers, and this is no different,” Ambler concluded. “We want to help more Aussies realise the value of their passport by experiencing the adventures, memories and personal growth that a passport allows.”
