Hello. I am Australian national ( "C" Swiss permit ) and my wife is a Swiss national. My son was born in Switzerland and has Australian citizenship papers. I want now to get an Australian passport for him. Will I have to go personally to consulate in Geneva.
Anybody had any experience with this? Thanks

Before you can apply for an Australian passport for your child, he/she must first obtain Australian citizenship. Application forms can be obtained from the Australian Consulate-General Geneva by telephoning 022 799 9100.

However, please note, from 1 October 2009, all citizenship by Descent applications will be processed at the Australian High Commission in London: http://www.uk.embassy.gov.au/lhlh/citz_europe.html

source: http://www.australia.ch/gene/cons_pass_faq.html

Address: Chemin des Fins 2, Case Postale 102, 1211 Geneva 19 - Telephone: 022 799 9100 - Fax: 022 799 9178

U can do everything online:
http://www.geneva.mission.gov.au/gene/home.html

Got mine done the same way. As long as your son already has the australian citizenship, no problem at all.

He already has Australian Citizenship.

I haven't had to deal with the issue of baby passports but we have had to get documents authorised there and have attended to vote.
I'd suggest calling them and making an appointment. We needed some documents authorised and didn't make an appointment and even whilst we were the only people there at the time the lady at reception was a bit miffed.

Thanks. I'm trying to do it online but got stuck with the " guarantor " section.
Well I don't know anybody who has known my son for more than 5 years and has an Australian passport. So I'm trying now to find someone in one of the profession groups that are listed.
I know a teacher but she is not full time employed.

Just wondering whether a Chartered Architect would qualify as Guarantor?

Anyone know if you still need to visit Geneva for an interview to get your kids an Aussie passport?

Both my kids were born here and one is Australian, but a trip to Geneva for the passport was too much hassle. Hopefully this has changed

Q3 - Under what circumstances does a passport application have to be lodged in person?

You must lodge your application in person if you are applying:
for a first passport (if applying for your child's first passport, it is not necessary for the child to accompany the parent)
for a first adult passport
to replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport or travel document
to replace a passport which was issued before 20 August 1986
to replace a passport which was issued with a validity of less than two years
for a passport after resumption of Australian citizenship.

Children's applications may be submitted on behalf of the child by a parent or legal guardian and must be lodged in person for the first passport.

wouldn't an aussie relative be enough as a guarantor???

Whats wrong with a Plumber

I just got my 2 month old daughters first Australian passport a couple of weeks ago and yes I had to make an appointment and go to the mission in person. It was quite a long drive there and back in one day for 1/2 hour appointment.

Tips:

1. Fill in all thê details online then print and double check (only use blck pen)
2. make sure you take a B5 size envelope with a 5-CHF stamp
3. have _exact_ money for the passport
4. have a printed google map of the mission's address because it didn't come up on our GPS.

I had my Kinderartz be the guarantor. He is a very nice guy and now the doc for my other kids. My other option was my ob/gyn.

Well I hope they accept my teacher friend as guarantor. Does the embassy call the guarantor?