Tourist visa to Australia for US Citizens
Key aspects.
Cheapest and fastest visa for touristic purposes.
Visa Duration
12 months total, up to 90 days each visit .
Approval time
95% of tourist visas are granted within 24 hours .
If you are planning a visit to Australia for holiday, as a US citizen you will need an Australian tourist visa (also known as “Australian vacation visa”) .
A tourist visa for Australia is technically type of ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) visa: a visa that you simply apply for online without having to fill in a paper form or send in your passport to any embassy. This is why a touristic ETA permit is sometimes referred to also as “electronic tourist visa” or “e-tourist” visa : filling the Australian tourist visa form directly online is all there is to do .
To be able to apply for an Australian Tourist Visa you must be travelling to Australia for holiday or for visiting friends or family, and hold a valid passport.
In-depth information on Australian Tourist Visas
- Tourist Visas for Australia for American Citizens
- Australian Tourist Visa: How to Apply
- Tourist Visa Requirements for Americans
- Process and Processing Time of Australian Tourist Visas
- Duration and Validity of an Australia Tourist Visas
Types of Australian Tourist Visas (Alternatives to Australian Touristic ETA)
Re-entry, renewal and extension of australian tourist visas, working in australia with a tourist visa, getting married in australia on a tourist visa, australian tourist visa: costs and fees, tourist visas for australia available to american citizens.
A standard Australian tourist visa ( Electronic Travel Authorization ) authorizes visits of up to three months at a time and is valid for 12 months after the date of issue. Unlike traditional visas, there are no paper applications to complete, and you will have no visa labels or stamps in your passport. Instead, your tourist visa for Australia will be electronically attached to your passport.
United States’ citizens can apply for a tourist visa to Australia using their passport , and the passport number will then be linked to the visa. If you lose your passport or it is stolen before you enter Australia, you will need to re-apply for a new vacation visa.
Apart from the standard ETA tourism visa, there are a few more specific tourist visa types one can request in order to travel to Australia as a tourist: if you feel an ETA does not satisfy your needs, you will need to determine the most appropriate visa for you among other visa options.
The most common short-stay tourist visa types for Australia are:
- Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) – formally known as Australian Visa Subclass 601
- Work and Holiday Visa – formally known as Australian Visa Subclass 462
- Tourist stream – formally known as Australian Visa Subclass 600
Online Tourist Visa for Australia (ETA e-Tourist)
An e-tourist visa, which is also called an ETA, is a subclass 601 visa . You can use this visa to tour Australia, visit family or friends or study or train for short-term. Business visitors can also use this visa for short-term. An ETA tourist visa is a temporary visa that is valid for 12 months from the date of issue, and it is a multiple entry visa. For each entry, you can stay up to 3 months.
You can enter and leave as many times as you want as long as it is valid. However, the ETA cannot be extended: you must get another Australian tourist visa if you want to extend your holiday or stay longer for other reasons. U.S. passport holders who are planning trips shorter than 90 days are almost always immediately eligible for electronic tourist visas (ETAs) , which will be electronically matched to the traveler’s passport in the Australian immigration official databases.
More info on Online Tourist Visas for Australia (ETA) – updated for 2024:
- Both passport holders and travel agents can apply for ETAs.
- Overstaying a short stay tourist visa in Australia could lead to exclusion, detention and removal. If you plan to stay in Australia longer than 3 months per entry, please make sure you apply instead for the Long Term visa, subclass 600.
- Once you have your online tourist visa for Australia, you can use your e-passport at the SmartGate system when you arrive in Australia.
If you are not sure what tourist visa to apply for, we recommend you apply for this kind of visa .
Tourist Stream (Subclass 600)
The Tourist Stream visa is an alternative to the ETA tourist visa, but typically slower . Getting this holiday visa for Australia, you can visit family and friends, travel the country, and study or train for up to 3 months. This visa may be valid for between three months and 12 months, and you can request it for single entry or multiple entries. You can enter and leave as often as you want as long as the Tourist Stream is valid, but you may not stay more than 12 months during 18 months. This visa is also typically more expensive than an ETA and takes longer to process . Also, immigration office can request more documents from the applicant, for example a scanned copy of passport ID page or bank statement. In general, whenever possible we recommend applying for a Tourist ETA, for a faster – 100% online – visa release process.
Work and Holiday Visa Subclass 462
Getting a tourist visa for Australia also allowing you to work is possible: this is what an Australian Work and Holiday Visa is for , as this permits allows you to work during your stay in Australia, and to travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while working or studying.
With a work and holiday visa (often referred to also as “working holiday visa”) you can have the freedom to work to pay for your holiday, or study for up to 4 months . It is a temporary visa that is valid for up to 12 months from the date you enter the country. It cannot be extended. You can remain in the country up to 12 months, and you can leave and enter Australia as often as you like. Read more about work and holiday visas for Australia .
- Apply for WHV now
Additional type-independent Australian Tourist Visa Information:
- Regardless of the type of 2024 Australian tourist visa or ETA you need, it is highly recommended that you get health insuranc e to protect you during your time in Australia. You will be responsible for any healthcare costs that you incur while you are in Australia, and proper insurance coverage will help reduce your financial liability.
- Visas are electronically linked to your passport. There is no need for stamps or labels .
- Simplify the process by applying for your ETA tourist for Australia directly online as soon as possible .
Australian Tourist Visa for US Citizens: How to Apply
U.S. citizens need visas to travel to Australia. An Australian tourist visa requested from the USA via Electronic Travel Authorization will allow you to enter Australia for up to 90 days at a time for a year from the date of issue. After the first visit, subsequent visits are at the immigration officer’s discretion.
Getting a Tourist Visa to Australia from the USA
In order to get a tourist visa to Australia from USA you must have a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months upon entering Australia in order to comply with the requirements of most airlines flying to Australia – even though not strictly required by Australian Immigration Office) and obtain your US tourist visa to Australia before arriving in the country.
You may also need to complete a medical exam depending on your condition (any medical requirement – if needed – will be specified during the online application process). Visitors may also need to provide financial information upon request to receive their tourist visa. Also in this case, any requirement – if needed – will be specified during the online application process .
It is easy to apply for a tourist visa to Australia from the USA online: simply choose the right visa for your needs and follow the instructions on-screen. Most visa requests are processed and approved instantly .
Australian Tourist Visa Requirements for Americans
The conditions and eligibility for visas can vary based on the type of visa. Most U.S. citizens are eligible for ETAs as long as they hold valid passports.
US Passport Validity and Photo Requirements
We strongly recommend that your US passport be valid for at least 6 months upon entering Australia . This is why if your passport is due to expire soon or during the time you will be travelling, you may need to get a new passport before applying. Australian tourist visa photo requirements are similar to passport photos. Please ensure your photos are accurate and current.
Documents Required to US Citizens for an Australian Tourist Visa
The document checklist can vary based on the type of visa requested: with an ETA, you will only need your passport, and the ETA permit will be electronically attached to your passport.
For other visa types, you may be asked for other identification, including the biographical pages of your passport, travel documents and the IDs of your fellow travelers. Other required documents may be requested if authorities are not satisfied as to your identity.
Funds Required for an Australian Tourist Visa
When travelling to Australia, you may be required to show proof of funds. This can include displaying a minimum bank balance on your bank statement, audits, taxation records or other proof of satisfactory employment and income. After the application is processed, in the rare case a bank statement is required by Australian Immigration in order to verify your bank balance, an immigration officer will contact you .
Medical Requirements for an Australian Travel Visa
If you are applying for a non-ETA Australian visa and plan on staying in Australia for more than 6 months, you might be required to complete a health check and a chest X-ray. This can extend your visa application process up to 20 days. You are more likely to be required to complete a medical test if you are from a high-risk area or are over 75. In these cases, Yellow Fever is the only vaccination requirement.
Australian Tourist Visa Age Limits for American Citizens
For US passport holders willing to travel from USA to Australia there is no age limit on tourist visas . Of course, anyone who is travelling to Australia without an Australian passport will need a visa on arrival – and for a child under 18, the ETA will be based on the child’s passport. This means children will need separate ETAs, using details from their passports (children who are on their parents’ passports also need their own ETAs, but the information from their parents’ passport will be used).
Process and Processing Time for Australian Tourist Visas
Visa processing time for an australian eta tourist visa (subclass 601).
The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is the most commonly used Australian Tourist Visa. The process can be completed online and requires no extra application forms, no visa labels and no passport stamps.
To be eligible for and maintain your instant Australian tourist visa, you must abide by specific conditions, including – in order:
- Being free of criminal convictions
- Passing a health check as required
- Departing within the required time period
- Not working during your time in Australia
- Not engaging in study or training for more than three months
In general, the Australian tourist visa processing time for a Tourist Stream Visa (Subclass 600) can take from 48 hours to more than a month . A Tourist ETA though – which is the most common type of tourist visa – has a much lower estimated waiting time, as it is much faster to process. An ETA e-visa for tourists can often be requested and issued just days before your planned visit . It is a 100 percent secure, paperless process, and the visa will be electronically linked to your passport just moments after it has been issued.
However, we always recommend to request your Touristic ETA Visa at least a few weeks before departure , to avoid any risk. Don’t worry though – with an ETA, you can also track your application online via an online tracking system.
Australian Tourist Stream Visa (Subclass 600) Processing Time
The amount of time taken for an Australian tourist visa to be processed can vary based on how promptly you supply the supporting documents, your response to requests for further information, how long it takes to verify your information and peak processing times.
Also, the Australia tourist visa process is quite straightforward:
- Check that your current U.S. passport is valid.
- Apply for your visa.
- Wait for verification of receipt.
- Wait for notification of your status.
If the Australian tourist visa procedure was successful, you will be granted a visa. You can keep track of your progress using the online Australia tourist visa tracking system.
The maximum processing time for a conventional Australian tourist visa (Subclass 600) is about a month , with the waiting time ranging from 20 to 33 days in the vast majority of cases. For fast-tracked visas or ETAs, the waiting time can be mere minutes or days, especially if you have all the necessary documentation to complete the verification time.
Finally, as far as Work and Holiday Visa Processing Times are concerned, we recommend you check the dedicated page on this site .
Duration and Validity of an Australia Tourist Visa
Tourist visas are valid for varying periods of time, depending on the type of visa.
The ETA is a 12-month tourist visa . It is a popular visa, but it is limited regarding the length of stay and only allows visitors to remain in Australia for 3 months or 90 days at a time . You can enter as often as you like as long during the one year the tourist visa is valid.
For a visit of longer duration or if you want to stay more than 3 months during any period, you will need a different Australian visa. The tourist visa stream (Subclass 600) has a length and duration that can vary based on the purpose of the stay. In most cases though, Australian tourist visa validity lasts at least 12 months .
As an example, the Australian e600 visitor visa is a 6-month tourist visa for Australia. It also allows you to stay in the country up to one year depending on the reasons for your visit. You can also enter and leave the country as needed as long as the visa is valid.
The subclass 870 visa instead is a longer-term 3-year tourist visa specifically designed for parents. With it, parents can stay in Australia for 3 or 5 years and no more than 10 years. This allows them to enter and re-enter Australia as needed to visit their stepchildren, adopted children or biological children more conveniently and affordably.
Whether you are planning an Australian trip that lasts 2 weeks, 90 days or even a year, there is a visa designed to suit your purpose. Check and apply online to find the right one for you or to explore samples of tourist visas.
There are several types of tourist visas in Australia that may apply if you do not qualify for a Tourist ETA or if the ETA does not suit you needs, such as a work and holiday visa or other types of Australian visas for tourism. Here they are:
Australian Work and Holiday Visa
Australian Tourist Stream Visa (Subclass 600 – Application form 1419)
The Australian tourist visa stream Subclass 600 (to which people apply using form n.1419) is a 6-month tourist visa for Australia. It also allows you to stay in the country up to one year depending on the reasons for your visit. You can also enter and leave the country as needed as long as the visa is valid.
Australian Visiting Academic Visa
The former Australia Tourist Visa 419 is closed to new applications for 2024 . However, the Tourist Visa Subclass 408 may be an alternative. This visa, which is also called the Temporary Activity Visa, allows you to participate in special approved programs, including:
- Gap year volunteer work
- Cultural enrichment programs
- Youth exchanges
- Community programs
- School language assistants
This visa is valid for up to 12 months.
Australia Tourist Visa 771 (Australia Transit Visa)
Also known as the Australian Transit Visa, this visa allows people to spend up to 72 hours in Australia to “pass through”. With this visa, you may not spend more than 72 hours in the country.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about re-entering Australia with a tourist visa, about extending your stay in Australia as a tourist or about renewing your tourist visa while you are in Australia.
Is the Australian tourist visa multiple entry?
The Australian ETA is good for 90 days at a time, also allowing multiple-entries . This means that within one year sinve when the ETA Tourist visa has been issued you can enter, leav and re-enter Australia as many times as you wish – as long as each entry lasts a maximum of 90 days.
However, if your current visa is due to expire while you are still in the country, you will need to apply for an Australian tourist visa renewal, via a Long-stay tourist visa application .
What happens if I stay too long and my Australian tourist visa has expired?
Overstaying your stay with a tourist visa in Australia will result in your becoming an “unlawful non-citizen” – which can lead to detention and removal from the country. Worse, it could interfere with your ability to re-enter Australia on a tourist visa in the future. If you overstay your visa by more than 28 days, you could even become excluded and prevented from re-entering Australia on a tourist visa for as long as 3 years. Don’t do it.
Can I change my Australian visa once I am in the country?
No, you cannot change your visa type , such as an Australia tourist visa multiple entry, once you are in the country. However, you can apply for a further stay via the Long-Stay Tourist Visa, subclass 676.
What are my other options for extending my tourist visa?
Because the consequences of an Australia tourist visa overstay can be so serious, it is critical that you apply for a tourist visa renewal or extension as soon as possible and before your visa has expired . Applying online is fast and convenient.
- Extend your visa
If you are planning to travel to Australia with a ETA Tourst Visa, you must know that it is not legal to work with an ETA . ETA-visitors have no right to “work”. However, they can do volunteer work or engage in other business activities, such as business meetings, conferences or seminars . Of course, you can stay in Australia on your tourist visa while looking for work, but once you found it you should obtain a different kind of visa in order to legally maintain your work.
However, working on a “tourist visa” in Australia is fairly common – especially for those who wish to work to pay for their holidays. If you want to legally work in Australia during your holiday though you will need a special, dedicated visa – not an ETA. This visa is called “ Work and Holiday Visa ” (often referred to also as “Working Holiday Visa”).
You can do any kind of work or jobs while on a tourist visa in Australia. However, your Work and Holiday Visa must be used within one year of the date it is issued, and it will be active for 12 months from the date you enter the country.
A working holiday visa cannot be extended: if you choose to stay longer, you must apply for a new visa. Additionally, you cannot bring dependent children or other family members with you, and you must pay taxes from anything you earn during your tourist visa working days.
The cost for a work and holiday tourist visa is of $ 625.00 as of 2024, but additional costs may also arise, including costs for police certificates, biometrics and health checks. Processing time can take from 13 to 22 days but may take longer if more information is needed or for verification purposes. Private health insurance coverage is highly recommended during your stay in the country. Read more about Work and Holiday Australian Visas for US Citizens here .
- Apply for a WHV
According to Australia Marriage Law, you do not need to be an Australian resident to get married in Australia . You simply need the tourist visa (e.g. visa subclass 651) and you must file a Notice of Intended Marriage form along with any other requested documents .
If you are planning on getting married in Australia on a tourist visa, your celebrant can help ensure you meet all necessary requirements , including that you:
- Are not married to anyone else
- Are not marrying to a closely related family member
- Are at least 18 years old
- Freely consent to the marriage
Notice that if you plan to live in Australia after marriage, you might need to apply for permanent residency as needed .
In order to obtain your Australian Tourist Visa, you will need to pay an application charge when applying for your visa – plus all costs related to the visa release. The total Australia tourist visa cost can therefore vary based on the type of visa and when you apply. Both paper applications and e-visas such as ETA tourist visa costs must be paid online , and forms of payment accepted are credit cards and PayPal.
While there are no Australia tourist visa fees associated with the ETA, there is an online service charge of $ 69.00 .
The cost of a Work and Holiday visa is instead of $ 625.00 .
The visa application fee may change periodically: if the Australian immigration tourist visa fees increase between the date of the application and the date of the receipt, the new fee will apply.
Australian Government official resources:
Visa requirements for visiting Australia
Dec 1, 2023 • 6 min read
Don't let a forgotten tourist visa ruin your Australian getaway © xavierarnau/Getty Images
Planning a trip to Australia ? Whether you’re heading Down Under for a short break or extended working holiday, you’ll likely need a visa.
Here’s your complete guide to filling out your paperwork for a visit to Australia.
Do I need a visa for Australia?
Most visitors to Australia will need a visa, but the type of visa you apply for depends on your country of origin, how long you plan to stay in Australia and what you plan to do while you’re there.
Most tourists must apply for either an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or a visitor visa before traveling. The exception is New Zealand passport holders, who are issued a Special Category visa upon arrival.
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay. You’ll also need to ensure you have sufficient funds to cover your stay. Depending on your visa category, you may be asked for proof of this upon arrival.
What type of visa do I need to travel to Australia?
The Australian Department of Home Affairs’ (DoHA) visa finder can help you determine what visas you’re eligible for based on your citizenship, your travel purpose and your intended length of stay.
Here are the three main tourist visa categories:
For visitors from visa-exempt countries: ETA (subclass 601)
If you hold a passport from a visa-exempt country – including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada or Singapore – you’re eligible for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) . With an ETA you can visit Australia as many times as you like for tourism purposes within a one-year window, staying for up to three months per visit.
Attached digitally to your passport number, an ETA allows for a simplified entry process into Australia. An application needs to be completed via the dedicated ETA app before you arrive and usually is processed within a day. However, it’s recommended that you apply for it a few days in advance to ensure you have the ETA in time for your departure.
While ETAs are free, there is an application service charge of $20.
If you’re already in Australia and you want to extend your stay, you will need to apply for a Visitor visa.
For visitors from European countries: eVisitor visa (subclass 651)
The eVisitor visa is free and available for passport holders from most European countries. It offers similar conditions to an ETA: Visitors can stay for up to three months for tourism purposes. It’s valid for 12 months, with multiple entries permitted.
You can apply for the eVisitor online. Processing time is usually within a day, but it’s recommended that you apply well in advance of your intended travel date in case of delays. This visa can’t be extended, so if you wish to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for a Visitor visa.
If you hold a passport from a country that’s eligible for both an ETA and an eVisitor visa, you’ll find the two options are nearly identical. The main difference is how you apply for them: ETAs must be applied for through an app with a fee of $20. There is no charge for eVisitor visas, but you’ll need to register for an ImmiAccount and apply online through a web browser.
For all other tourists: Visitor visa (subclass 600)
If you’re not eligible for an ETA or an eVisa and plan to visit Australia for tourism-related purposes, you’ll need to apply for a Visitor visa from outside Australia. This visa may be granted for up to 12 months and may be single or multiple entry. Conditions are determined on a case-by-case basis. A visitor visa starts at $190, but there may be other associated costs including health examinations, police clearances or biometrics, depending on your passport.
Although most visitor visas are processed within a few weeks, it can take longer in peak periods, so it must be applied for well in advance of your trip. Standard processing times change regularly and can be monitored on the DoHA site.
Once you apply, you can track your application through your ImmiAccount. You may be required to submit additional information, so check your application regularly to provide any further details to keep the process moving.
How do I extend my visa to Australia?
Enjoying your stay in Australia and don't want to leave? We don’t blame you.
Depending on your visa, you may be able to apply for a new visa to stay in the country longer. Visitors who are already inside Australia and wish to stay longer as tourists may use the onshore Visitor visa (also subclass 600) to extend their stay.
Make sure you apply for your new visa before your current visa expires. If you’ve submitted your application before your current visa expires, you’ll be granted a free bridging visa until your new one is processed.
What if I want to work and travel around Australia?
Working holidays are a popular option for travelers who want to fund their adventures and immerse themselves in Australian life and culture.
Australia’s Working Holiday Maker program is available for visitors between the ages of 18 and 30 (and up to 35 in some cases) from 40 participating countries and jurisdictions around the world.
There are two classes of visas available under this program: t he Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) and the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) . Which one you apply for depends on the passport you hold. Both are valid for 12 months and cost $635, and both enable you to legally work while in Australia.
Many working holiday visa makers find that one year isn’t enough. Fortunately, you may be able to extend your working holiday visa for a second or even a third year. In order to do so, you’ll need to complete “specified work” in a “regional area” for a period of three months (for a second year) or six months (for a third year) first.
This specified work is usually referred to as “farm work” in backpacker circles, but it’s a bit of a misnomer. It’s a common misconception that you need to head to the woop-woops (that Aussie for “middle of nowhere”) and pick fruit to complete your specified work. In fact, there are a range of approved industries the program , including tourism and hospitality, construction and bushfire recovery. Likewise, “regional areas” aren’t just found in remote rural areas; some major cities (including Darwin and Adelaide) are eligible post codes. So while you might find yourself harvesting bananas in a tiny town in tropical Queensland, you could just as easily find yourself serving tables at a luxury lodge in Darwin or working in a winery in the Barossa.
For more information on the working holiday visa program, you can also visit Tourism Australia’s dedicated portal.
This article was first published March 2021 and updated December 2023
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Entry requirements
This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Australia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Australia’s High Commission in the UK.
COVID-19 rules
You do not need a pre-departure COVID-19 test to enter or transit Australia regardless of your COVID-19 vaccination status. See the Australian government’s website for advice on COVID-19 and travelling.
COVID-19 quarantine requirements
Each state and territory determines its own quarantine rules. You should check requirements for specific states and territories .
Passport validity requirements
For entry into Australia, your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. If you’re transiting another country on your way to or from Australia, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport.
Visa requirements
British citizens can usually get the following types of electronic visitor visa:
- eVisitor visa . There is no visa application charge or service fee
- Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) via the iOS App or Android App . There is no visa application charge, but a service fee of A$20 may apply
Information on all other types of visa is available from the Department of Home Affairs .
Working holiday visa
Thousands of Britons travel to Australia each year on a working holiday visa and the vast majority have no issues. Working conditions, accommodation and medical facilities are generally of a good standard.
You can find information about your rights as an employee in Australia and how to report any concerns about unfair or unlawful treatment on the Fair Work Ombudsman website , or by calling 131 394.
Get more information about working in Australia .
Dual nationals
If you’re a British national living in Australia with Australian citizenship, or a dual national, it is best to leave and enter Australia on your Australian passport. You could face difficulties and delays if you do not. See Australian government advice for dual nationals .
Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Australia guide .
Quarantine of goods
Australia has strict quarantine rules to keep out pests and diseases that could affect plant, animal or human health.
You must fill out an Incoming Passenger Card and either:
- declare any risk goods including food, animal products and plant material (including wooden articles)
- dispose of any risk goods in the bins at the airport or sea port
All luggage is x-rayed on arrival. Any items of concern are further inspected, treated and if necessary confiscated and destroyed. You can be heavily fined for breaches of quarantine regulations.
You can find more information on the Department of Agriculture website .
You will also be asked to declare whether you have ‘visited a rural area, or been in contact with, or near, farm animals outside Australia in the past 30 days’.
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Visas for Australians travelling overseas
- Visas to visit Australia
A visa is a form of permission for a non-citizen to enter, transit or remain in a particular country or territory.
We don’t issue visas for overseas travel and can’t provide specific information on foreign visas. Only the destinations you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their visa requirements. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the destinations you're visiting well in advance of travel. Not all destinations have representation in Australia.
Australia has reciprocal working holiday visa programs with many destinations. Australians can travel visa-free to some destinations, including the Schengen Area in Europe, depending on the purpose and length of travel.
Get all the appropriate visas you need before your travel, including transit visas where needed. Many visa types require you to be in Australia to apply. Make sure you provide all the information required when applying for visas and understand the visa conditions.
The Australian government is unable to intervene in any cases in which an Australian has been refused a visa or denied entry.
The validity and type of visa issued must be strictly adhered to. Overstaying your visa or breaching the conditions may result in a fine or legal action, and future problems with authorities.
Remember that if there is a problem with your visa, deportation is at your expense.
Read more about visas on Smartraveller.
Passport validity
Many countries and territories require you to have at least six months validity remaining on your passport. Immigration authorities may refuse entry if you arrive with less than this. Renew your passport before travel or check with the diplomatic mission of the destination concerned in Australia, or your local travel agent, whether this rule applies.
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New Zealand tightens visa rules after migration hits ‘unsustainable’ levels
Net migration to New Zealand hit a near record high in 2023 after a new temporary work visa was introduced after the pandemic
New Zealand will tighten its visa rules for some migrants as the coalition government moves to overhaul the immigration system it says has led to “unsustainable” levels of migration.
Last year, annual net migration to New Zealand hit a near record high of more than 173,000 non-New Zealand citizens in the year to December, Stats NZ reported .
Immigration minister Erica Stanford announced on Sunday changes to the accredited employer worker visa (AEWV), the main temporary work visa, which was introduced in mid-2022 to help fill workforce shortages after the pandemic.
The government’s changes to the scheme would include introducing English-language requirements for low-skilled jobs and setting a minimum skills and work experience threshold for most employer work visas. The maximum continuous stay for most low-skilled roles will also be reduced to three years from five years.
The changes would be immediate, she said.
“The government is focused on attracting and retaining the highly skilled migrants such as secondary teachers, where there is a skill shortage,” Stanford said in a statement. “At the same time we need to ensure that New Zealanders are put to the front of the line for jobs where there are no skills shortages.”
New Zealand, which has a population of about 5.1 million, has seen a rapid growth in migrant numbers since the end of the pandemic, raising concerns last year that it was fanning inflation. A Reserve Bank-commissioned report released last month into the possible links between migration levels and inflation was inconclusive.
Stanford said the changes would also reduce the vulnerability of migrants to exploitation.
In February, the Public Service Commission released its review of the AEWV scheme, which former immigration minister Andrew Little ordered after complaints of exploitation. The commission found that a small number of “unscrupulous employers” targeted the scheme and took payments from people wanting to move to New Zealand.
“By having an English-language requirement migrants will be better able to understand their rights or raise concerns about an employer early,” Stanford said.
The government had scrapped plans to add 11 new roles to the Green List – a list of highly skilled roles that New Zealand is struggling to fill – including welders, and fitters and turners.
Neighbouring Australia, which has also seen a big increase in migration, has said it would halve its migrant intake over the next two years.
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Brazil again extends visa exemptions for US, Canada and Australia, this time until 2025
FILE - A tourist takes a selfie with the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Nov. 25, 2017. Brazil’s government has postponed until April 2025 tourist visa exemptions for citizens of the U.S., Australia, and Canada that had been scheduled to end on Wednesday, according to a decree published in the nation’s official gazette. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado, File)
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RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazil’s government extended exemptions to tourist visa requirements for citizens of the U.S., Australia and Canada until April 2025, extending a program aimed at boosting tourism that had been scheduled to end Wednesday.
The decision, issued by Brazilian presidency and the Ministry of Foreign Relations late Tuesday, marks the third time Brazil has delayed the visa requirement since President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took office in 2023.
His predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, exempted the countries from visas as a means to boost tourism — although all three countries continued to demand visas from Brazilians.
That went against the South American country’s tradition of requiring visas from travelers based on the principle of reciprocity and equal treatment, and prompted Lula’s Foreign Ministry to say it would scrap the exemptions.
“Brazil does not grant unilateral exemption from visiting visas, without reciprocity, to other countries,” the ministry said at the time, while noting that the government stood ready to negotiate visa waiver agreements on a reciprocal basis. It did reach a deal with Japan to ease travel provisions.
The decision to maintain exemptions for the three countries is important for boosting tourism in Brazil, notably from the U.S., Brazil’s official tourism board Embratur said in a statement Tuesday.
Official data shows that nearly 670,000 Americans visited Brazil in 2023, making the U.S. the second largest country of origin after neighboring Argentina.
The government initially postponed the reinstatement of the visa requirement in October, then again in January. At the time, the government said it was still finalizing a new visa system and wanted to avoid implementing it close to the high season, mainly during the New Year’s celebrations and Carnival festivities in February, which attract tens of thousands of tourists.
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Learn how to get a valid visa for Australia, whether you are travelling for less than 72 hours or longer. Find information on visa types, requirements and application process at the Department of Home Affairs website.
The application process may differ depending on which visa you need. You can only apply for the Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601) through the Australian ETA app. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is located here. For other visas, you can apply online by creating an ImmiAccount and completing the application process. Be sure to submit your application well in advance of your ...
Learn how to apply for a visitor visa to come to Australia and what documents you need to submit. Find out how to check your application status, provide biometric data and prove your intention to return home.
Apply for a visitor visa to travel to Australia for tourism, business or family visits. Find out the visa requirements, fees, processing times and conditions for different visa subclasses.
Learn how to apply for a tourist visa to Australia from the USA, the cheapest and fastest way for holiday or visit purposes. Find out the requirements, costs, duration, types and alternatives of tourist visas for Australia. Get health insurance and travel tips from auvisa.org.
Latest news. For the latest immigration and citizenship news, see News - Archive. Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) From 6 April 2022, all ETA-eligible passport holders can ap ply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app. For more information, see our Step by step guide.. If you are unable to use the app, you can apply online through ImmiAccount for another visa that suits your needs.
Most visitors to Australia will need a visa, but the type of visa you apply for depends on your country of origin, how long you plan to stay in Australia and what you plan to do while you're there. Most tourists must apply for either an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or a visitor visa before traveling. The exception is New Zealand passport ...
The Department of Home Affairs acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their cultures and to their elders past, present and emerging. FInd visa options that might suit your needs.
The Australian Government has incorporated the collection of biometrics into the visa application process outside Australia. Applicants lodging visa applications in selected locations, regardless of nationality, may be requested to attend an AVAC or an ABCC in person to lodge their application and/or provide their biometrics.
Required Documents for an Australian Tourist Visa. The documents you must attach to your Australian tourist visa application include: Your passport. A copy of your passport's identity page. The Visitor Visa Subclass 600 Form. A recent picture of yourself.
The most common visa for visiting Australia as a tourist is an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). This allows most foreigners to stay in the country for three months at a time, as often as they'd like within a 12-month period. Some travelers can avoid the $15 service charge of the ETA by getting an eVisitor visa instead. This is granted only to ...
Travel to Australia. Entering or leaving Australia. Customs and quarantine. Holiday in Australia.
*Product Disclaimer: Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services.Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable.
All non-Australian citizens traveling to Australia require a visa or visas waiver issued by the Australian Government. For information on immigration requirements for Australia, please refer to the information on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website. If you have experienced issues applying for an Australian visa, or wish to follow up on the status of an application, you will need ...
Visas and citizenship. You can find more information on visa and citizenship services on our immigration and citizenship site. Check the links below to find what you're looking for, or visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Immigration services.
Unvaccinated visa holders do not need a travel exemption to travel to Australia; Mask wearing on international flights to Australia is no longer mandatory. It is important to remember that airlines, vessel operators and other countries may have specific requirements that travellers need to comply with. Australian Citizens
Step 1: Select whether you need a Tourist ETA or a Business Visitor ETA, and certify that you are currently located outside Australia. Step 2: Enter your personal details, whether you have an alias, answer a question about your criminal record and enter your passport information.
For additional travel information. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern ...
Working holiday visa. Thousands of Britons travel to Australia each year on a working holiday visa and the vast majority have no issues. Working conditions, accommodation and medical facilities ...
Brazil postponed reinstating its visa requirements for tourists from Australia, Canada, and the U.S. until 2025, with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signing a decree that included that ...
Australia has reciprocal working holiday visa programs with many destinations. Australians can travel visa-free to some destinations, including the Schengen Area in Europe, depending on the purpose and length of travel. Get all the appropriate visas you need before your travel, including transit visas where needed.
Beginning April 10, 2025, Brazil-bound travelers from the US, Canada and Australia need to be approved for a visa before their trip, CNN reported.
Net migration to New Zealand hit a near record high in 2023 after a new temporary work visa was introduced after the pandemic Eva Corlett in Wellington and agencies Mon 8 Apr 2024 01.58 EDT Last ...
Consular services in Australia are offered by the U.S. Consulates in Melbourne, Perth & Sydney. The U.S. Embassy in Canberra does not process visa applications. Immigrant Visas are only processed by the U.S. Consulate in Sydney. Learn More about Consular Services.
FILE - A tourist takes a selfie with the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Nov. 25, 2017. Brazil's government has postponed until April 2025 tourist visa exemptions for citizens of the U.S., Australia, and Canada that had been scheduled to end on Wednesday, according to a decree published in the nation's official gazette.
From April 10, 2025, citizens from Australia, Canada and the US will need a visa to enter the country. On the plus side, those traveling for tourism or cruise travel can apply for an evisa online ...
Entering Australia. What to expect at the border and what you can bring into the country. Know what to expect when you enter Australia. Depending on your circumstances, you might want to find out more about: visas and our requirements for entry. what to expect when you cross the border. how to enter Australia as air or sea crew, an offshore ...
Brazil's government on Tuesday extended exemptions to tourist visa requirements until April 2025 for U.S., Canadian and Australian citizens; the move extends a program intended to boost tourism.
We can show you visa options that might suit your needs. Skip to navigation; ... My Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) ... The Department of Home Affairs acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ...
Brazil's government has postponed until April 2025 tourist visa exemptions for citizens of the U.S., Australia, and Canada that had been scheduled to end on Wednesday RIO DE JANEIRO -- Brazil ...