Citizenship and travel
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I have been overseas for a long time. Am I still an Australian citizen?
Australians do not lose their Australian citizenship simply because they live overseas for many years. Unless you acquired another citizenship before 4 April 2002, or have renounced your Australian citizenship, you would still be an Australian citizen.
Prior to 4 April 2002, Section 17 of the Australian Citizenship Act 1948 provided that adult Australians who did 'any act or thing- the sole or dominant purpose of which, and the effect of which, is to acquire the nationality or citizenship of a foreign country shall upon acquisition cease to be an Australian citizen'.
Section 17 was repealed on 4 April 2002. Anyone who lost their citizenship under Section 17 can apply to resume Australian citizenship.
Do I have to use my Australian passport if I also have a passport from another country?
Australian citizens have right of entry to Australia and an Australian passport is the preferred and most conclusive proof of that right.
There is no reason why you could not use your Australian passport for entry to and departure from Australia and use your other passport for travel elsewhere.
Further information on dual citizenship, Australian passports and consular assistance is available from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
See: Travel information for dual nationals