Section 2 | "Living in the UK"
Choose an Option
Travel
Included In this Section
Official Travel
NOTE: UK Passport holders CANNOT drive a Diplomatically Plated car!
The High Commission’s provider of travel services is Clarity (the High Commission’s version of CTM). All official travel bookings and enquiries should be directed to them. The procedure for booking travel is:
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With the exception of out-posted Defence members, staff should select the appropriate option for travel / accommodation after ensuring they meet all the requirements of their particular agency, and complete a Travel Requisition form
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Staff member to email the completed Travel requisition form, with a copy of all travel options considered, to the appropriate delegate. The delegate should ensure that funds are available and that the proposed public expenditure would make efficient and effective use of public monies. The cost of the travel / accommodation and the relevant GL codes should be annotated on the form
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The Travel Requisition and delegate approval is then emailed directly to Clarity by the person travelling.
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In order to lodge an after-travel claim, the second page of the travel requisition form should be completed and passed to the EA or the London based admin team (as required).
Public Transport
A member can claim for using Public Transport to travel between home and place of duty, providing the cost of the ticket claimed, exceeds the member’s contribution.
The member’s contribution is worked out using the cost of an adult annual bus ticket in Canberra.
You should submit the original (or copy) of the public transport ticket with a completed claim form and send to the Personnel Officer for processing.
Personal Travel
NOTE: The London based Admin Team DO NOT organise private travel.
Renewing Your Current Adult Passport:
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To renew your Australian passport while in the UK, all adult renewals can be done by post. Passport Services: Apply by post (embassy.gov.au)
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If you need the passport urgently for travel to Australia, please contact the Passport Office here at the High Commission on 020 7887 5816 (10am-12noon Mon-Fri).
Travelling internationally once you are in the UK:
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If you are in the UK on a Diplomatic passport you can travel on either the Diplomatic or the Standard passport (although Diplomatic is recommended because of the Exempt Vignette).
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If you are in the UK long-term on an Official passport you can travel on either the Official or the Standard passport (although Official is recommended because of the Exempt Vignette).
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If you are in the UK short-term on an Official passport any trips will be conducted on that passport.
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If you are in the UK on your Standard passport (eg Locally Engaged Staff) you will be travelling on your Standard passport.
HM Forces Railcard
NOTE: Only available if you are attached to a military base.
What is the HM Forces Railcard?
The HM Forces Railcard costs £21 and it'll save you 1/3 on most rail fares throughout Great Britain for a whole year. That works out to under £2 a month for huge savings. You're eligible if you're a member of the Regular Forces or Volunteer Reserves or a spouse/civil partner of a member, for more details see eligibility.
You can use it anytime on weekends, Public Holidays and during the week. The only restriction is that if you travel before 10am Monday to Friday (except during July and August) a minimum fare will apply. For more details see minimum fares. There are some exceptions, so take a look at the ticket types you can and can't make savings on with your HM Forces Railcard.
Please note that the railcard can only be used for non-duty (leisure) travel only. Commuting between home and place of duty, work or education is not available.
Please also see the full Terms and Conditions.
