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United States of America

Latest update.

Exercise normal safety precautions in the United States of America.

United States of America (PDF 1.02 MB)

Americas (PDF 3.25 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies, advice levels.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and protests are occurring due to the potential for unrest and violence. Monitor media for information, follow the instructions of local authorities and abide by any curfews.
• Violent crime is more common in the US than in Australia. Gun crime is also prevalent. If you live in the US, learn and practice active shooter drills.
• There is a persistent threat of mass casualty violence and terrorist attacks in the US. Be alert, particularly in public places and at events.
• Severe weather and natural hazards include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, landslides, avalanches, hurricanes, tornadoes, winter storms, extreme temperatures, wildfires, and floods. Monitor weather conditions and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders.

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Medical costs in the US are extremely high. You may need to pay up-front for medical assistance. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance.
• Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel.
• Insect-borne illnesses and tick-borne ailments are a risk in parts of the US. Consider using insect and tick repellents.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Check local drug laws, including those related to the possession and recreational and/or medical use of marijuana. These vary between states. Penalties are severe and can include mandatory minimum sentences.
• Some prescription and over-the-counter medications readily available in Australia are illegal in the US. It's also illegal to possess prescription medication without a prescription. 
• The federal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21, however, state laws regarding possession and consumption can vary. Check relevant state laws.
• Some states have laws restricting access to abortion and other reproductive health care services. Research local laws and consult your doctor before making any decisions about your medical care.
• There's no federal law that explicitly protects LGBTQIA+ people from discrimination. Some US states and localities have laws that may affect LGBTQIA+ travellers.
• Some US states apply the death penalty for serious crimes. The death penalty can also apply to serious federal offences, even if committed in states without capital punishment.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

• Entry requirements are strict. US authorities have broad powers to decide if you're eligible to enter and may determine that you are inadmissible for any reason under US law. Check US entry, transit and exit requirements. 
• If you're visiting for less than 90 days, you may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If not, you'll need to get a visa before you travel. Whether you're travelling on a visa or under the VWP, ensure that you understand all relevant terms and conditions before attempting to enter the US.
• Expect enhanced screening procedures, including for domestic flights within the US. You can be denied boarding if you show signs of illness.
• US authorities actively pursue, detain and deport people who are in the country illegally. Be prepared to show documents proving your legal presence. 
• Some US states require you to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your Australian driver’s licence. Get your IDP before you leave Australia. Road rules vary between localities and states. Learn local traffic rules and driving conditions before you drive.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  tells you what the Australian Government can and can't do to help when you're overseas.
• Contact the  Australian Embassy in Washington DC  or the nearest Australian Consulate-General ( Chicago ,  Honolulu ,  Houston ,  Los Angeles ,  New York  or  San Francisco ) for consular assistance.
• Monitor the Embassy, Consulates-General and Smartraveller social media channels for information, alerts and updates relating to natural disasters, severe weather events and other significant incidents impacting the US.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

Civil unrest and political tension, demonstrations and protests.

Avoid areas where demonstrations and protests are occurring due to the ongoing potential for unrest and violence.

• Monitor the media for information and updates.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities and abide by any movement restrictions or curfews. 

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Violent crime

Guns, gun violence and violent crime are more prevalent in the US than in Australia.

Mass shootings, active shooter events and hate crimes occur, including violent incidents directed towards the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals and groups from diverse cultural, linguistic, ethnic and religious backgrounds. 

Familiarise yourself with how to respond by reading the US Department of Homeland Security's (DHS)  Active Shooter Event guide . 

We don't update our advice for individual gun crimes, such as mass shootings or active shooter events unless Australians face a significant risk.

According to the latest official crime statistics from the  Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) , violent crime rates vary across the country but are highest in cities and urban areas. 

Even in cities with relatively low violent crime rates, there can be unsafe and no-go areas.

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• research your destination(s) before travelling and seek local advice on areas that may be unsafe
• monitor the media for new and emerging safety risks
• stay vigilant and take particular care when moving through unfamiliar and/or potentially unsafe areas, particularly at night

If you're affected by violent crime, follow advice from local authorities. If you require consular assistance, contact your nearest Australian embassy or consulate (see Local contacts). 

Petty crime

Tourists are often targeted for  pickpocketing and purse-snatching . This can happen anywhere but is more prevalent in crowded areas and on public transport.

Conceal your valuables. Pay close attention to your personal belongings and only carry what you need. Leave other valuables in a secure location.

Rental cars can be easy to spot and are often a target of thieves. Don't leave valuables on display or unattended in a vehicle, including in the boot.

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. 

More information: 

• Kidnapping  

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. 

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains the  National Terrorism Advisory System , a public alert system to communicate information about current and potential terrorist threats in the US. 

Threats include those posed by individuals and small groups motivated by a range of ideological beliefs or personal grievances, as well as those inspired by other recent attacks.

Attacks can be indiscriminate, including at public events, on public transport, schools and in other places where crowds gather.

Subscribe to  National Terrorism Advisory System  for updates and advice. 

To reduce your risk of being involved in a terrorist incident:

• be alert to possible threats in public places and near known potential targets
• report any suspicious activity or items to the police
• monitor the media for new or emerging threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow advice from local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the affected area as soon as it's safe to do so. 

• Terrorist threats

Climate and natural disasters

Natural disasters  and  severe weather  events regularly impact the US. These include:

• earthquakes ,  volcanic eruptions  and  tsunamis
• landslides and avalanches
• hurricanes , severe thunderstorms and  tornadoes
• winter storms (freezing rain, heavy snow, blizzards)
• extreme temperatures

Monitor the Embassy, Consulates-General and Smartraveller social media channels for information, alerts and updates relating to severe weather events and natural disasters impacting the US (see  Local contacts ).

Before travelling, 

familiarise yourself with the risks of natural disasters and severe weather events at your destination(s). 

Register with the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS)  to receive alerts and notifications about major disasters. 

Preparedness

In the event of a natural disaster, our ability to provide consular assistance may be limited.

Prepare yourself by: 

• securing your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• subscribing to emergency alert systems and monitoring local media and other sources for developments, important updates and additional pertinent information
• following the advice of local authorities

Ready.gov  and the  American Red Cross  also provide information on preparing for natural disasters, severe weather events and other emergencies.

Anticipate disruptions before, during and after a natural disaster(s).

• Flights into and out of affected areas may be diverted, delayed or cancelled
• Other forms of travel may be impacted
• Adequate shelter might not be available
• Essential services such as water, electricity, internet and mobile phone services may be disrupted.

Keep in contact with family and friends and let them know you're safe.

Register with the American Red Cross via its Safe and Well website or mark yourself ‘safe’ on social media using the American Red Cross  Emergency! app  for mobile devices.

Severe weather

Severe weather  can occur year-round in the US.

Monitor the  US National Weather Service (NWS)  for forecasts, updates and severe weather alerts and warnings. 

Hurricanes  are powerful tropical storms that routinely impact the east coast, Gulf Coast, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. 

While hurricanes have been known to form in every month of the year, peak activity occurs from May to November.

If you travel during hurricane season, check weather reports and closely monitor the  NWS National Hurricane Center  website. 

The direction and strength of hurricanes can change with little warning. Hurricanes can also reach hundreds of miles inland, causing dangerous conditions, widespread damage and disruption to essential services in areas far from the coast.

If a hurricane or tropical storm is approaching, prepare early by following the advice for natural disasters above.

Tornadoes  can occur in all 50 US states but are most frequent and attain the highest intensities across the Central Plains and parts of the Midwest. 

They're also common in the rain bands of hurricanes and tropical storms.

Tornadoes can strike with little warning and cause catastrophic damage, with wind speeds sometimes up to 500km per hour (300 mph).

While tornadoes can form at any time of year, they are more common in the warmer months between March to September. 

If you're living in or travelling through an area prone to tornadoes, familiarise yourself with warning signals and emergency procedures and monitor the  NWS Storm Prediction Center's  website.

After a disaster

Travelling to areas affected by natural disasters and severe weather events can be dangerous. 

If you plan to travel to a region after a natural disaster, check with your transport operator that services are operating.

Contact the place you intend to stay and check other sources for details on local conditions.

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave.

There is no reciprocal health care agreement in place between Australia and the US, your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care. A visit to a doctor for even a minor issue can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, and you may be asked to show proof of insurance or your ability to pay before receiving treatment.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away
• that your insurance covers any pre-existing medical conditions.

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need.

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (HealthDirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. 

If you plan to bring medication with you, check whether it's legal in the US. Take enough legal medication to last the duration of your trip. 

Some medications may be considered illegal or controlled substances, even if available over the counter or by prescription in Australia. It's also illegal to possess any prescription medication in the US without a prescription.

If possible, keep your medication in its original container and carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use
• US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - Travelling with Medication
• US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Health risks

Insect and tick-borne diseases.

Various  insect-borne illnesses  can occur throughout the US, including West Nile virus and viral encephalitis (multiple types).

Sporadic outbreaks of dengue, chikungunya virus and zika have also occurred in the US (including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands).

Research your destination and get local advice before you travel.

To protect yourself:

• ensure that your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Tick-borne ailments  such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Ehrlichiosis and Powassan virus are also present. 

Check for ticks after being outdoors, especially in tall grasses and wooded areas.

• Infectious diseases
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention   (CDC)

Other health risks

Further information about health risks in the US, including communicable diseases and preventative measures, is available from the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .

Medical care

While the standard of hospitals and healthcare facilities in the US is similar to Australia, medical costs are significantly higher.

A visit to a doctor for even a minor issue can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars and you may be asked to show proof of insurance or your ability to pay before receiving treatment.

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave Australia and make sure that it covers you for the duration of your trip, for all activities you intend to undertake, for any pre-existing medical conditions and for all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation.  

The Australian Government won’t cover these costs and there's no reciprocal health care agreement between Australia and the US. This means that you aren’t covered by Australian Medicare in the US. 

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you in accordance with our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Federal and state laws for drug-related offences vary, including laws related to the possession and recreational and/or medical use of marijuana (cannabis).

Penalties for drug-related offences can be severe and often include minimum mandatory sentences.

Some medications readily available in Australia are illegal or considered controlled substances in the US, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor. 

It's also illegal to possess any prescription medication without a prescription. See  Health .

• Carrying or using drugs
• US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - Travelling with Medication

The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21 years old. State laws regarding the possession and consumption of alcohol can vary. Check the relevant state laws.

No federal law explicitly protects LGBTQIA+ people from discrimination, and not all state and local non-discrimination laws include protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Some states and localities have laws that may discriminate against or otherwise affect LGBTQIA+ travellers. Check relevant state and local laws.

• Advice for LGBTI travellers
• US Human Rights Campaign

Abortion and reproductive health

Some US states have laws restricting access to abortion and other reproductive health care services. 

Research local laws and always consult your doctor before making any decisions about your medical care.

• Center for Reproductive Rights: Abortion Laws by State

International surrogacy

Surrogacy laws  can be complex. Get legal advice before you agree to an arrangement.

Some US states apply the death penalty for serious crimes. The death penalty can also apply to some serious federal offences, even if committed in states without capital punishment.

• Death Penalty Information Center

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

The US recognises dual nationality. 

If you're a US dual national, you must:

• travel with both your Australian and US passports
• use your US passport to enter and exit the US and its territories
• use your Australian passport to enter and exit Australia.
• Dual nationals
• US Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

The US has strict entry requirements. US authorities won't allow you to enter the country if you don't comply.

If you're visiting the US for less than 90 days, you may be eligible to:

• apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and
• then enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Otherwise, you'll need to get a visa before you travel.

Visa and other entry and exit conditions, including currency, customs and quarantine rules, can change at short notice. Contact your nearest  US Embassy or Consulate  for the latest details.

• US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - ESTA
• US Department of State - Visa Information

Visa-free travel for short stays

If you plan to visit the US for less than 90 days, you may be able to travel under the VWP. This includes travel to the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

The VWP is intended for short, infrequent visits to the United States and can be used by tourists and business travellers. Conditions apply. 

Ensure you know all terms and conditions before applying for your ESTA and attempting to enter the US under VWP.

If you don't satisfy US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at your port of entry that you're entitled to be admitted under the VWP, you may be denied entry and detained. 

You can't enter the US under the VWP if you have:

• been denied an ESTA or denied previous entry under the VWP
• been denied a US visa
• an emergency passport, document of identity or  Provisional Travel Document
• a criminal record
• been arrested but not convicted
• dual citizenship with Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan or Syria
• travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since 1 March 2011, with limited exceptions
• travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021 (see ‘Travel to Cuba’ below).

Before you can travel under the VWP, you must apply and be pre-approved via the ESTA.

US authorities recommend applying as soon as you know you'll be travelling. ESTA approvals can take up to 72 hours.

ESTAs are valid for 2 years and for multiple entries.

You'll need to apply for a new ESTA if:

• you renew your passport within the 2 years and/or
• your VWP eligibility changes

If there are differences between your ESTA, passport or ticket information, you could be:

• referred for secondary inspection (where a CBP officer may interview you) and/or
• refused entry

If your ESTA application is denied, you must apply for a visa from a  US Embassy or Consulate .

US authorities generally won't tell you why your ESTA application was rejected, and you can't appeal their decision. 

If you provide false or incorrect information on an ESTA, you may be permanently banned from future travel to the US.

If your ESTA application is denied or, you're not eligible to travel under the VWP, or you intend to stay for more than 90 days, you'll need to apply for a visa from a  US Embassy or Consulate .

The category of visa you need to apply for will depend on your reason for travel.

• Embassy of the United States of America in Australia

Entry into the US

An approved ESTA or valid visa allows you to board a US-bound plane or vessel or request entry at a land border. It doesn't guarantee entry to the US.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port of entry will decide if you can enter the country.

Entry requirements are strict. Authorities have broad powers when deciding if you're eligible to enter and may determine that you are inadmissible for any reason under US law.

At the port of entry, be prepared to answer questions about:

• the purpose of your visit
• how long you plan to stay
• where you will stay
• your ties to Australia

Officials may ask to  inspect your electronic devices , emails, text messages or social media accounts. If you refuse, they can deny your entry.

Whether you enter the US under the VWP or on a visa, you'll likely need to have:

• an onward or return ticket that doesn't terminate in Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean unless you're a resident of one of those countries, and,
• proof you have enough money to support yourself during your stay

You can be refused entry if you provide false information or can't satisfy the officials you're visiting for a valid reason.

You may be held at the port of entry or a nearby detention facility while US authorities arrange for you to be returned to Australia (or the last country you visited).

If you're refused entry under the VWP, you generally don't have the right to an attorney or to appeal the decision.

The Australian Government cannot intervene on your behalf, and our ability to provide consular assistance in these circumstances may be limited.    

Arrival and departure record (Form I-94)

When you arrive at the port of entry, US authorities will determine your admissibility and decide when you must leave the country. This date may be different from the expiry date of your ESTA or visitor visa.

A US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official should:

• stamp your passport and write the date by which you must leave the US 
• issue you an electronic Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)

Your I-94 is evidence of your legal status in the US and shows the date by which you must leave the country.

You can  check your I-94 with CBP  each time you enter the US.

If you stay past your I-94 expiry date, you can be detained, deported and banned from re-entering the US.

Renewing your I-94 and/or extending your stay 

You can't extend or renew your I-94 by travelling to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean for 30 days or less and then re-entering the US.

If you travel to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean and return to the US while your I-94 is still valid, you'll be readmitted for the amount of time left on it.

If your I-94 has recently expired and US authorities think the purpose of your trip outside the US was only to be issued a new I-94 to extend your stay in the US, they can:

• refuse you entry
• detain and deport you

If you're on a visa and need to extend your stay in the US, lodge a request with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on  Form I-539  before your I-94 expires.

VWP entrants are generally not eligible to extend their stay beyond 90 days or change their status.

If a serious emergency, such as hospitalisation, prevents you from departing before your I-94 expires, USCIS has the discretion to grant you additional time to leave. This is known as 'satisfactory departure'.

For further information, see  Immigration Relief in Emergencies or Unforeseen Circumstances . 

To request satisfactory departure, contact the  USCIS Contact Center .

Health-related requirements

US authorities may still deny boarding any US-bound traveller showing signs of illness.

Expect enhanced screening procedures, including for domestic flights within the US.

For further information regarding precautions to take before and during travel to the US and after arrival, visit the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC) website.

Other formalities

You'll have your fingerprints scanned and your face photographed when you arrive in the US.

• US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - Biometrics

Children of all ages must have their own ESTA approval or US visa.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires children under 18 years of age travelling alone or with only one parent or legal guardian to carry a letter of consent signed by both the travelling and non-travelling parent/s or guardian/s to help prevent delays due to further questioning at ports of entry and departure. CBP recommends that the letter is notarised.

• Advice for people travelling with children

Travel to Cuba

The US enforces restrictions on travel to Cuba. This applies to anyone under US jurisdiction, including Australians who live or work in the US.

The US designated Cuba a ‘State Sponsor of Terrorism’ on 12 January 2021.  If you’ve travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021, you're not eligible to participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and must apply for a visa to enter the US (see ‘Visa-free travel for short stays’ above). 

If you enter the US under the VWP and then travel to Cuba, you won’t be able to re-enter the US under the VWP. You’ll have to apply for a US visa, even if you’ve arranged to just transit the US to fly back to Australia.

If you have a US visa and plan to visit the US after you’ve been to Cuba, you’ll also need documents to prove the purpose of your trip. Immigration officials may question you at the port of entry. 

• Travel advice for Cuba

Immigration enforcement

US authorities actively pursue, detain and deport people who are in the country illegally.

It’s common for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to carry out random travel document checks, including on public transport.

If you’re a tourist or visitor, be prepared to show your passport and entry stamp, ESTA or valid US visa, and a copy of your electronic  Form I-94 .

If you're living in the US but not a US citizen, be prepared to show proof of legal residence, such as a US permanent resident card, valid US visa and electronic Form I-94, and US driver's licence issued by the state in which you live. 

Australians entering the US on their Australian passport need only have a passport valid for their intended period of stay. However, different rules may apply in countries you plan to transit or stop in on your way to or from the US. 

Be sure to check the entry requirements of all countries you intend to transit or visit on your trip. 

Some countries won't let you enter or transit unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. 

You may be denied boarding and become stranded in these countries if your passport isn't valid for more than 6 months.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with X gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. 

Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

• LGBTI travellers

The local currency is the United States Dollar (USD).

Declare all amounts over USD $10,000 (or its foreign equivalent) on arrival and departure. This covers all forms of currency, not only US dollars and not only cash. Failing to do so is a serious violation and can result in the seizure and forfeiture of your money. Criminal penalties can also apply. 

Banks and ATMs are widespread throughout the US, and currency exchange services are available in most major cities and airports.

Major credit cards are almost universally accepted. Contactless and mobile payment options are also readily available, particularly in cities and at most major retailers. 

Local travel

Road travel.

Speed limits and road rules vary between states and localities within states.

If you plan to drive in the US:

• learn local traffic laws before you drive
• pay close attention to signs and other posted regulations
• check weather conditions before a long journey
• be cautious of snowfall in mountainous or isolated areas
• take extra water when driving through dry desert areas and in areas in which petrol stations can be scarce 
• Driving or riding
• Information for foreign nationals driving in the US

Driver's licences and International Driving permits (IDP)

While some US states will allow you to drive on your Australian driver's licence for a limited time, others require you to also have an International Driver's Permit (IDP).

You should obtain an IDP before you leave Australia.

Some rental car companies also require you to have an IDP.

Contact your rental car company and the motor vehicle department in each US state you intend to drive for further information. 

Driving without an IDP where one is required can void your travel and vehicle insurance. 

• US State Motor Vehicle Departments

Motorcycles

You need a motorcycle licence to operate a motorcycle in the US.

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike, ATV or similar vehicle, and always wear a helmet.

Electrically-powered personal vehicles

Rules relating to electric transportation, such as e-bikes and e-scooters, vary between localities. Learn local laws before hiring or using these items.

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using electric transportation, and always wear a helmet.

Taxis are plentiful in most cities and generally safe to use. Ridesharing options are also widely available.

Take the same safety precautions that you would in Australia.

The US is home to most of the major cruise lines and some of the world's busiest cruise ports. 

Popular destinations for cruises originating and returning to or terminating in the US include Alaska, Florida, the Caribbean and Central and South America. 

Before embarking on a cruise, take steps to be prepared and reduce the risk of things going wrong. This includes choosing a travel insurance policy that covers you for cruising and any activities you do on shore. This will help you have a safe and hassle-free journey.

If you're embarking on a round-trip cruise to Canada, Mexico and/or the Caribbean, make sure your passport, ESTA or visa and I-94 will allow you to re-enter the US (see Visas and border measures).

• Going on a cruise

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  USA's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate. 

Check the embassy or consulate websites for details about opening hours and any temporary closures. 

Australian Embassy, Washington DC

Contact the Australian Embassy in Washington DC if you're in:

• District of Columbia
• Mississippi
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• West Virginia

Australian Embassy 1601 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington DC 20036

Phone: +1 202 797 3000 Website:  usa.embassy.gov.au Facebook:  facebook.com/AusInTheUS   X:  twitter.com/AusInTheUS

Australian Consulate-General, Chicago

Contact the Consulate-General in Chicago if you're in:

• North Dakota
• South Dakota

Australian Consulate-General, Chicago 123 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1330 Chicago IL 60606

Phone: +1 312 419 1480 Website:  usa.embassy.gov.au Facebook:  facebook.com/AusCGChicago Instagram:  instagram.com/auscgchicago/

Australian Consulate-General, Honolulu

If you're in Hawaii, contact the Consulate-General in Honolulu.

Australian Consulate-General, Honolulu Penthouse, 1000 Bishop Street Honolulu HI 96813

Phone: +1 808 529 8100 Website:  usa.embassy.gov.au Facebook:  facebook.com/AustralianConsulateGeneralHNL X:  twitter.com/AusCGHonolulu

Australian Consulate-General, Houston

Contact the Consulate-General in Houston if you're in:

Australian Consulate-General, Houston 3009 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 1310 Houston TX 77056

Phone: +1 832 962 8420 Website:  usa.embassy.gov.au

Australian Consulate-General, Los Angeles

Contact the Consulate-General in Los Angeles if you're in:

• southern California
• southern Nevada

Australian Consulate-General, Los Angeles 2029 Century Park East, 31st Floor Los Angeles CA 90067

Phone: +1 310 229 2300 Email:  [email protected] Website:  usa.embassy.gov.au Facebook:  facebook.com/AustralianConsulateGeneralLA X:  twitter.com/AusConsulateLA Instagram:  instagram.com/ausconsulatela

Australian Consulate-General, New York

Contact the Consulate-General in New York if you're in:

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Australian Consulate-General, New York 150 East 42nd Street, 34th Floor New York NY 10017

Phone: +1 212 351 6500 Website:  usa.embassy.gov.au Facebook:  facebook.com/AustralianConsulateGeneralNYC Instagram:  instagram.com/ausconsulateny

Australian Consulate-General, San Francisco

Contact the Consulate-General in San Francisco if you're in:

• northern California
• northern Nevada
• Washington State

Australian Consulate-General, San Francisco 575 Market Street, Suite 1800 San Francisco CA 94105

Phone: +1 415 644 3620 Email:  [email protected] Website:  usa.embassy.gov.au

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Travelling to the US from Australia: Everything you need to know

If  'Murca' is on the horizon and you haven't been since Covid, there are a few changes you best be aware of.

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If  'Murca' is on the horizon and you haven't been since Covid, there are a few changes you best be aware of.

Do you need a Covid test for the USA?

No but you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 if you're 18 and over and provide proof of vaccination to travel to the US. 

Is the USA safe?

Not as safe as Australia. Give areas where demonstrations and protests are taking place a wide berth. Watch your valuables on public transport and, as much as this pains us to write, ask your hotel about active shooter protocols and familiarise yourself with how to respond by reading the US Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Active Shooter Event guide . 

Do I need travel insurance to go to the USA?

Definitively YES: comprehensive medical insurance. Few countries have higher medical bills for the uninsured and even the simplest medical treatment can end up costing thousands and more.

Is marijuana legal in the USA?

Only 19 states have legalised it and you need to be extremely careful in those that haven’t as strict penalties apply for even small possession. We’re talking mandatory minimum sentences in some cases.

What medications can I take to the USA?

Some prescription and over-the-counter medications readily available in Australia are illegal in the US. It's also illegal to possess prescription medication without a prescription. To be safe, get a note from your doctor detailing what  meds you are taking, the dosage and frequency of use.

What is the legal drinking age in the US?

The federal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21. However, state laws regarding possession and consumption can vary. Many young Aussie travellers have been caught out in this regard.

How do you travel to the USA from Australia if you’re a dual citizen?

While dual citizenship is recognised, it’s important to travel with both passports.

Do you need a visa to travel to the US from Australia on holiday?

If you’re going for less than 90 days, you can apply online for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and be able to enter under the Visa Waiver Program. If you're not eligible, you'll need a visa. Each traveller, including children, must have their own ESTA and visa waiver or visa. ESTA visas last two years.

Can I drive with an Australian licence in the US?

There are some states where you can get away with but you will get getting away with it. To save any hassle, get an International Driving Permit before you leave. You can get it through the NRMA and it costs $42.

What can they ask at US customs?

According to SmartTraveller , “officials may ask to inspect your electronic devices , emails, text messages or social media accounts.” They may also ask to see proof that you have enough money to cover your stay or an onward ticket that doesn't terminate in Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean unless you're a resident of one of those countries.

Can you go to the US unvaccinated?

Technically yes, but it’s a mission. If you're not fully vaccinated but qualify for an exception, you may be required to attest that: You'll be tested with a COVID-19 viral test 3 to 5 days after arrival in the US unless you have documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days; you'll self-quarantine for a full 7 days, even if the test result of the post-arrival viral test is negative, unless you have documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days; and you'll self-isolate if the result of the post-arrival test is positive or if you develop COVID-19 symptoms. 

Wait, there’s more. If you're not fully vaccinated and intend to stay in the US for longer than 60 days, you may also be required to attest that: you agree to be vaccinated against COVID-19; and you have arranged to become fully vaccinated against COVID-19 within 60 days of arriving in the US or as soon thereafter as is medically appropriate.

Do children need to be vaccinated to enter the US?

Children under the age of 18 are excepted from the vaccination requirement .

How long does it take to fly to the US?

A flight from the east coast of Australia to the west coast of the US takes around 14 to 16 hours. Bear in mind that you will arrive on the morning of the day you left!

How much do you tip in the US?

Fifteen per cent if it was average and 20 as a rule if your server helped you enjoy the meal/tour/service.

Before you leave, be sure to check out the latest travel information at Smart Traveller .

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David divides his time between travelling and stand up comedy. His favourite destinations encompass both and he has performed in London, New York and Las Vegas. Sometimes even on stage. He chafes in polyester, can handle no more than two martinis and his safe word is degustation.

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New procedures for Australians travelling to the USA

Media release.

From this Monday (12 January) Australians travelling to the United States of America will be required to follow new border entry procedures.

All Australian passport-holders eligible to travel to the US under that country's Visa Waiver Program must, before they travel, obtain approval through the US' Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). This also applies to passport-holders from other countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program.

ESTA is an online system administered by the United States Government which determines the preliminary eligibility of visitors to travel under the Visa Waiver Program prior to boarding a carrier to the United States. ESTA has been operating on a voluntary basis since 1 August 2008 and will become compulsory on 12 January 2009.

The ESTA website is at: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ . Prospective travellers will be required to provide basic biographic, travel and eligibility information online in order to receive authorisation prior to their departure. There is no charge to complete the application.

Most travellers can expect to receive authorisation within a few minutes. However, travellers are advised to complete an ESTA as soon as they begin to plan their travel, and at least three days in advance, to avoid any last-minute delays. Travellers who do not have a valid ESTA on or after 12 January 2009 may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing or be denied admission at a United States port of entry. Once granted, electronic pre-clearance will be valid for up to two years and for multiple-entry visits to the United States.

It is recommended that travellers keep a print-out or record of their ESTA application number for reference, if required, at airports or seaports.

Australian passport-holders who hold a valid visa for travel to the United States are not required to obtain an ESTA.

For more information, read the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's travel bulletin "United States-New Entry Requirements" at www.smartraveller.gov.au which contains more detailed information about ESTA and links to the relevant US Government websites.

The United States offers a visa information service on 1800 687 844 (charges apply).

What is the Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program allows eligible visitors from Australia and other participating countries to travel to the United States for business or pleasure for 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa.

Media Enquiries: DFAT Media Liaison - 02 6261 1555

Last Updated: 14 January 2013

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COVID-19 international travel advisories

If you plan to visit the U.S., you do not need to be tested or vaccinated for COVID-19. U.S. citizens going abroad, check with the Department of State for travel advisories.

COVID-19 testing and vaccine rules for entering the U.S.

• As of May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant visitors to the U.S.  arriving by air  or  arriving by land or sea  no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 
• As of June 12, 2022,  people entering the U.S. no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test . 

U.S. citizens traveling to a country outside the U.S.

Find country-specific COVID-19 travel rules from the Department of State.

See the  CDC's COVID-19 guidance for safer international travel.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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Australia Travel Advisory

Travel advisory september 8, 2023, australia - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with removal of major event information.

Exercise normal precautions in Australia. 

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Australia.

If you decide to travel to Australia:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Australia.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

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Travel Advice: Important information about cover for Coronavirus. Read more . View the latest travel warnings here .

USA Travel Planning Roundup

Researching your trip to the USA? We’ve done the homework for you with our essential list of top sites for United States of America travel planning and inspiration.

The United States of America is the big land of travel opportunity for Australian travellers. From the bright lights of New York City to the family haven of Disneyland and the awe of the Grand Canyon, there’s nothing our friends in the United States of America can’t do on a scale you never thought possible.

However you choose to experience the United States of America, one thing is certain: this won’t be a quiet, small break. It will be mammoth and exciting. So, to help you plan your trip we’ve scoured the internet for the best USA travel tips.

GETTING THERE

Typically, Australian visitors enter the U.S via LA, Dallas, Honolulu or San Francisco. Flights to the U.S put the long into long-haul. There’s no way of getting around it, America is a good long way from Australian shores. Our best bet for direct flights is to leave from Australia’s east coast. From Sydney you can fly direct to San Fransisco on United  in a mind-bending 13h 45m. Or, take a direct flight from Sydney to Los Angeles with  Qantas ,  United , Virgin Australia and Delta . For a record setting long-haul adventure,  Qantas flies Sydney to Dallas direct in 15h 35m. From Melbourne, LAX in Los Angeles is a 14h 25m flight on  Qantas  or  United . Queenslanders can also get in on the LAX action with a 13h direct flight from Brisbane International Airport to L.A on  Qantas and  Virgin Australia .

Another rather attractive option is to fly to mainland USA via  Hawaii ‘s Oahu island. The flight options to Honolulu are plenty with  Jetstar  flying direct from Melbourne 3 times a week in 10h 30m, and Qantas , Hawaiian Airlines and  Jetstar  taking care of the Sydney route with a 9h 45m flight. Brisbane also gets a direct 9h 15m flight to Honolulu with  Hawaiian Airlines and  Jetstar .

A range of connecting flights to Sydney and Melbourne are available from Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Hobart and Gold Coast. Aussies can also get to the States via New Zealand on Air New Zealand and Emirates .

USA VISAS REQUIREMENTS

The Aussie government’s Smartraveller site is our go-to for the really important stuff on all foreign travel, including the U.S. On tourist visa rules for Australian’s visiting America on holiday,  Smartraveller says: If you are visiting the United States for business or pleasure, you may be eligible to be admitted for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) on an ESTA .

If you wish to work, study, or stay for more than 90 days, you are not eligible for entry under the VWP on an ESTA and you must obtain a visa before travelling.

Before setting off to the U.S, Australian passport holders travelling under the VWP must apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours prior to travel. The cost is US$14 and is payable online by credit card.

While ESTA makes travel to the U.S a relative breeze, it’s important to know that the United States administers a strict entry regime and you may be refused entry if you do not comply with its requirements, even if you have already obtained travel authorisation under the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) .

Australians with a criminal record (regardless of how minor or how long ago the offence took place) should ensure they seek advice from their nearest United States Embassy or Consulate about their visa requirements for entering or transiting the United States.

Because entry and exit requirements can change, contact your nearest  Embassy or consulate of the United States  for the most up-to-date information.

Also worth mentioning: the United States has specific requirements regarding locks used on airline baggage. See the Transport Security Administration’s website for further details.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

There is a general threat from terrorism in all regions of the U.S and unfortunately that risk is deemed to be heightened at present.

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issues detailed alerts through its National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) when it receives information about a specific or credible terrorist threat within the United States.

In a list of potential U.S safety risks, Smartraveller  also cautions Australian travellers to protect themselves from opportunistic crimes, which may lead to violent crimes. Take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your property against petty crime. Don’t leave passports in rental cars, even in the boot, as rented cars can be targeted by criminals.

NATURAL DISASTERS

The United States of America offers the ultimate mixed bag of natural disaster risks, from earthquakes to hurricanes, tsunamis, extreme blizzards, flash flooding, wildfires and volcanic activity.

To learn more about what to expect in the region you’re visiting, and what to do before, during and after a natural disaster, check out the Federal Emergency Management  website. It’s also a great idea to register your USA travel details with  Smartraveller to stay in the loop via their emergency email service.

The standard of medical facilities and care available in America is comparable to Australia. The costs however, are far from comparable. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Medical costs in the United States are extremely high. A visit to a doctor in the United States for even minor complaints can cost several hundred dollars, excluding laboratory tests or medication costs. – Smartraveller .

In the absence of accepted health insurance (or proof of ability to pay), payment would generally be required up front, or at the very least, a deposit or ‘good faith’ payment on admittance. Always direct any requests for funds to your travel insurance provider first; only pay the hospital if you’re advised to do so by your travel insurance company.

If you’re planning on renting a car in the U.S,  check the driving rules for the state you’re visiting before turning on the ignition. The number one rule to get your head around will be to drive on the right side of the road, a feat made easier if you can remember the phrase ‘tighty righty, loosey lefty’.

International Driving Permits are generally not required in the U.S. but it is helpful to carry one. To be double sure, check the requirements with your car rental company before leaving Australia for the States.

Each country has its own laws and the U.S is no exception. Smartraveller’s U.S. advice reminds us that Australian visitors are subject to the local laws of the United States, including ones that appear harsh by our standards. If you’re arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under the  Consular Services Charter . But they can’t get you out of trouble or out of jail. It’s smart to research local laws before travelling, especially for an extended stay. Here’s what to look out for in particular:

• The Federal legal age for purchasing and drinking alcohol in the United States is 21.
• Penalties for drug-related offences are severe and provide for minimum mandatory sentences.
• Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, child pornography, and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
• Some medications that can be purchased without a prescription in Australia may require a prescription in the United States and you can be arrested for possessing medications for which you do not have a prescription. Information on prohibited and restricted items, including medications, is available on the United States Customs and Border Protection website.
• If you overstay your legal entry (I-94) into the United States, you can be arrested, detained for 90 days or longer, deported and likely barred from re-entering the United States in future.

THE BEST OF THE U.S

In the USA you’ll find the world’s most recognisable photo prospects, including the huge Hollywood sign, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, Las Vegas’s famous casino strip, Mount Rushmore and Rodeo Drive. Many visitors like to pretend they’re in a television show or movie and take a tour around the sites of their favourite flicks or hire a convertible a la Thelma and Louise. History and political buffs love the States for sights like the Kennedy Space Center, Washington D.C., great museums and the locations of big historic events.

Sometimes you just want to cut to the chase and experience the big hitters, right? For an awesome range of top America guides, we love Visit The USA  for their concise recommendations and themed curations.

Here you’ll find inspiring travel ideas and guides like the  USA Roadtrip guides , States and Cities guides and Regional Food guides . Also check out our Hawaii Travel Planning Guide .

U.S PLUGS AND ADAPTORS

You’re probably travelling with an armload of devices, so keeping those gadgets charged will be a priority. Bring an adaptor, as the type of socket used in the United States is type a and b , whereas in Australia we use type I.

Want to take  10% off the cost of USA travel insurance ? Of course you do. Save with Travel with Jane for a limited time. Check it out now!

More money for honey. That’s what we reckon holidays should be about. So we’re going to kick in a 10% discount on both our Lite and Luxe travel insurance cover  to make your trip to America safer, on the cheap. You’re welcome.

USA 10% Saver

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Find cheap flights from Australia to the United States from $214

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Good to know

Faqs for booking flights from australia to the united states, which airport should i arrive at if i am planning to visit the grand canyon.

When travelling to the Grand Canyon, the most convenient airport for you to fly into is Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), which is just a 1h 30min drive from the landmark. Otherwise, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is the second closest, and you will be able to reach the canyon in just a 3h 30min drive.

What is the best way to travel to the Northeastern region of the United States?

If you are hoping to visit the Northeastern region of the United States, such as Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, or Delaware, some of the most convenient airports for you to land at are Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Bradley International Airport (BDL).

Which airports are closest to Niagara Falls?

When visiting Niagara Falls, there are two primary airports for travellers to choose from, which are Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG) and John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM). While Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG) is located in the United States and is just over 6 km away from the scenic landmark, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM) can be found in Canada and is 80 km away from the falls.

I am planning on visiting Sequoia National Park. How should I travel there?

There are two airports which are within reasonable driving distance of Sequoia National Park: Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) and Visalia Municipal Airport (VIS). When flying from Australia, you will find that it is generally easiest to book a flight that has a stopover in either Phoenix or Los Angeles and that brings you to the final destination of Fresno. Once you have landed, it is quickest to reach the park by car, which takes approximately 1h 30min to 2h depending on traffic.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Australia to the United States?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Australia to the United States.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Australia to the United States?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to the United States from Australia is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Australia to the United States?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to the United States with an airline and back to Australia with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Australia to the United States?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to the United States from Australia up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding a cheap flight out of Australia

• If you are planning to travel to the Northwestern region of the United States, it is best to book flights to either Portland International Airport (PDX) or Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), as both of these are large travel hubs and service flights to most major cities in the country.
• Certain states have strict laws regarding what agricultural products can be transported across their borders, so make sure that you know the regulations before you fly to the United States. For example, both Hawaii and Oregon do not allow fresh fruit to be brought into their territories by travellers.
• As flights from Australia to the United States are long, many of them require travellers to have a stopover, with some common options being major Australian travel hubs, like Sydney, Brisbane, or Melbourne, as well as countries such as Singapore.
• For those that will be going to Southwestern states, like Arizona and New Mexico, Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) are two of the most convenient destination choices.
• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is one of the most popular airports in the Midwest region of the United States, as it provides travellers with easy access to the states of Illinois and Indiana.

Top 5 airlines serving from Australia to the United States

Fiji left without me because American Airlines was too stupid to get to LAX on time. Fiji should have offered a standby on another flight but they told me tough luck. I will never fly with this company again.

The A350 aircraft business class experience was very good. Comfortable and well appointed pod, and supplemental bed pad available for sleeping. Food was very good.

Business class seats and amenities were excellent, crew very attentive. Slept well. Food good, lounge experience nice. Would fly them again. A350 aircraft excellent, very quiet.

The flight attendants were extremely friendly and helpful. Everything ran on time. I highly recommend Fiji Airways.

The experience was lovely in every respect. The crews were delightful.

Very clean aircraft. Friendly staff. New plane. Food quality was good. Not my flavor but I saw the effort.

Fiji Business Class was value for money. Would do again for a long haul flight.

1.5Hrs to get from plane into terminal. Long wait. Flight to NZ 1 he late

Flight full. 'Volunteers' to check hand luggage. Checked hand luggage is lost

The part that really made for a poor trip was that we checked luggage, and it took 1.5 hrs. to get our luggage. This made it so we barely got to our next flight. We were the last ones on board.

Business lounge in Melbourne mediocre. Look at Emirates or Qatar, Qantas! Great friendly crew. Food was good but Emirates is a level above. Business seat good. But can’t compare to Qatar. Main reason for booking Qantas is loyalty and terrific connection via Perth to LHR.

I was pleasantly surprised with my flight to LA with Qantas. Although seats were not the roomies, service was excellent.

The service and smooth landing. Food was delicious and the staff was friendly. We arrived earlier than scheduled.

Wonderful crew, good food. Absolutely loved the wine spritz and wish I could buy it!

Don’t like last minute airline change. Not able to choose seat earlier.

Enjoyed the new possibilities of in flight entertainment. Been awhile since I've flown, and that was a nice surprise. Being able to pick from such a variety was personalized and welcomed.

It's only a short trip from Sydney to Melbourne, which i have done many times. The trip met my expectations

I really appreciated the fact that when I checked my bags at the Quantas counter after arriving from an international flight an hour early, the agent noticed I had a very long layover. He then found an earlier flight that allowed me to get to Cairns several hours earlier than I planned. That was amazing because I had already traveled over 20 hours and wasn’t looking forward to such a long layover. It allowed me to see my daughter and grandchildren much earlier (it had been two years since I visited last).

Qantas cancelled my flight for no good reason and rebooked me into a middle seat.

The flight met my expectations. It left and landed on time

Leg room was lacking. Legs crammed into seat in front.

T hey did a great job. Flight was on time .

We waited to takeoff for about 1 hour delay for a 20 min flight.

Positive: Entertainment via phone on the short was great and my first time. Good food and wine and head phones for free. Negative: Seat hardly reclined on the long flight. Breakfast was an egg with a bun. No egg choices and rather have something sweet like bun/jam and Youghurt.

Awful. I got stuck next to a person carrying a dog and behind someone with a dog. People need to board these dogs downstairs. The cabin is crowded enough with your pets

The flight was canceled. Got rebooked to Chicago and when we arrived our luggage where to there. They were going to our original destination the day after. They would not deliver them to our house. We had to go pick them up.

Too many fees (but that seems to apply to all airlines nowadays)

Packed in like sardines, very uncomfortable. Sitting the aisle my shoulder was rammed into numerous times by rushing flight attendants. Also flight was very cold.

Your app is impossible to use. I couldn't load it. Then i couldn't open it. When i finally got both those things done -with much help -then i couldn't open the app to install a credit card. The upshot was 4 flights without access to food or drink. When i first tried to download united app some company called starlier opened instead and i would up signing up for some 49 dollar a month music service which i still have not been able to cancel.

the plane was old. the wifi didn’t work. the entertainment was boring and dated. the charging ports were impossible to find. i was mostly ignored by flight attendants that had no problem speaking to the man beside me. i got two drinks the entire time i was on the plane.

Fight crew was not very attentive and the bastions were gross!

Transfer from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 by bus is chaotic, because as per information Free Shuttle Bus was supposed to take passengers from Domestic Terminal 1 to International Terminal 3, but the bus took us from Terminal 1 to terminal 2, then to Terminal 1 ,, 2 and finally to Terminal 3

Seats in coach aren't padded enough for a 6 hour flight

Late boarding to clean plane from previous flight; initial boarding announcement not loud enough; fantastic cabin attendant front of plane

Generally good but we were delayed almost two hours from the original time of purchase. The pilot claimed an internal issue then an external equipment issue that needed to be adddressed. He made up a lot of the time.

Re-checking our bags, the workers were not able to help us with boarding passes for the flight, told us to wait, then ignored us while they helped many other passengers. Until I got rude, they would have left us standing there, and even then they were very curt and dismissive in telling us where to get boarding passes printed. We made it to the gate just as they were starting to board passengers. It was just rude customer service.

Delayed abs delayed Gate crew giving poor info - we are definitely leaving at —- Ultimately to cancel flight after 4+ hours of delays Just cancel it earlier

The flight was excellent, provided that we had inclement weather. We departed earlier than scheduled and arrived early. There was a little turbulence, but nothing to be worried about.

Our flight was great we left Kona earlier and got into LAX almost an 1hour earlier as well. LAX AA is in repair so to get out and found our bus to get pick up was a bit confusing.

Delayed flight, few announcements with information, no comps, cluster f boarding because zones weren’t spread out and announced loud and repeatedly, staff did their job -nothing more nothing less, annoying kids were speaking and kicking the heck out of the back of my seat and parents weren’t willing to parent… so another typical day of air travel in the US.,

Once again my complaint is how close the seats are together. Also, the bathrooms were not very clean by the second half of the flight.

Excellent in flight service, perhaps the best we've ever had. Business class feels tired and needs improvement to compete with other airlines. The food looked good but tasted terrible. Check in was quick, the flight arrived early and our luggage was on our flight with us.

The staff were so kind and helpful. We flew back from NY with another airline and it was horrible. We will always stick with Air Canada as everything was far better!

There is no food or entertainment on these short flights. Again the wheelchair situation in Denver is nasty. They are short staffed due to cut backs and layoffs and this impacts on travel comfort and ease.

The boarding process in Toronto bad as they share space with domestic flights and when those domestic flights come in you are locked out behind closed doors until they are done and then its a mad rush to get your boarding gates and board. This is not so much due to Air Canada but with the GTAA, but Air Canada could use different gates especially early morning in order to prevent such travel angst.

There was no food or entertainment on this flight. Great flight crew though

Terrible quality wifi and they charge a lot for it. They nickel and dime you for everything.

Not happy with Air Canada . Flight was cancelled got the run around trying to get another flight that was direct none to be found ended up going to Denver then onto Austin adding 7 hours to our trip. Was travelling with some one who had walking issues that’s why we were happy to have a direct flight then it didn’t happen adding more stress on her

I wish there had been more seat options...when I tried to book, there were only.middle seats available. Do travel agents get first pick??

As is pretty much the norm with Air Canada now, we left late from the gate (45 minutes late). This is my 12th flight with AC in the last 12 months and 10 of those flights were either late or cancelled. AC essentially has a monopoly in Canada so they have carte blanche to charge exorbitant rates now and give poor service, with no repercussions.

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HERE'S WHERE AUSSIES WILL GO IN 2024! Visit Anaheim recently launched a new marketing campaign “Here We Go” with the release of a new promotional video. The 80 second video showcases Anaheim in a new post-pandemic environment, welcoming back visitors and re-inspiring travel. Known for being a hub for creativity, Anaheim is home to many hidden gems and calls guests to experience new ways to play, dine, drink and delight in Anaheim. The new “Here We Go” video captures Anaheim’s animated spirit and showcases the wide range of experiences Anaheim has to offer. From gravity noodles to the mascot of the Anaheim Ducks, nearly 20 of Visit Anaheim ’s partners are featured in this new upbeat marketing campaign enticing agents and your clients to Visit Anaheim in 2024! Visit Anaheim ... See More See Less

ATTENTION TRAVEL AGENTS! The Visit USA Expo Series 2024 is NOW OPEN for registration! Register here: visitusa.org.au/events Engage with 75+ US exhibitors and discover the latest trends in the US travel industry. Don't miss out on the magic! Melbourne Expo - Monday 19 February 2024 Brisbane Expo - Tuesday 20 February 2024 Sydney Expo - Wednesday 21 February 2024 This event is for travel agents only; it is not open to the general public. ... See More See Less

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Help CARE FOR COLORADO with these easy tips: Know before you go: - Almost half of Colorado is public land. Learn about the area you plan to visit before adventuring out so you can enjoy and help protect the spaces we all share. - Colorado’s weather and scenic terrain is stunning but can change drastically. Check conditions before you depart, pack layers, sun protection and rain gear, wear appropriate footwear... and enjoy your trip. - Journey to places with minimal crowds to maximize your connection with the great outdoors. Have a backup plan in case the parking lot at your original destination is full. Learn more here: www.colorado.com/articles/leave-no-trace-care-colorado Visit Colorado ... See More See Less

Care for Colorado – Leave No Trace

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Yesterday, we celebrated Thanksgiving with more than 50 media, members and partners in the US travel industry in Australia. We are so thankful for our long-standing partnerships and friendships, and the new ones forged over the last twelve months. Happy Thanksgiving! ... See More See Less

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CARE FOR COLORADO The Care for Colorado Leave No Trace Principles were created in partnership between the Colorado Tourism Office and the Leave No Trace organization to address recreation-related impacts in Colorado. Here's a few way you can help to protect the state’s extraordinary natural and cultural resources: Leave it as you found it: - Enjoy discovering plants? Rocks? Historical and cultural items? Be sure to leave them as you found them so everyone can experience the joy of discovery. Colorado has more than 2,000 different species of wildflowers, all with their own unique part to play in our ecosystem. Admire their beauty by taking a photo, not a flower. - Colorado’s trees give us beautiful leaf peeping photos, shade on summer days, unmatched ski runs and, of course, oxygen (which at this altitude, is a big help). But the smallest carving can kill or disfigure them. Learn more here: www.colorado.com/articles/leave-no-trace-care-colorado Visit Colorado ... See More See Less

Savannah Voted as a "US Best City” in Condé Nast Traveler's 2023 Readers' Choice Awards Condé Nast Traveler, the renowned travel and lifestyle publication, has unveiled the highly anticipated results of its 2023 Readers' Choice Awards, and Savannah is among the winners in the coveted "Best Cities in the US" category. This recognition is a testament to Savannah's enduring charm and appeal as a top-tier destination for travelers worldwide. Visit Savannah ... See More See Less

The first dark sky-certified resort in the world is in Utah! Not only is Utah home to more internationally accredited dark sky parks and places than anywhere else on the planet, its Under Canvas® Lake Powell-Grand Staircase property has become the first DarkSky-certified resort in the world. Learn more here: www.undercanvas.com/celebrating-under-canvas-the-worlds-first-darksky-certified-resort/ @ Visit Utah ... See More See Less

Is Oregon’s Southern Coast its greatest secret? The Oregon Coast, known as the People’s Coast as the entire 584 km is accessible to all residents and visitors under Oregon law, offers three distinct regions: North, Central and South, with the latter being the least visited yet arguably the most beautiful. Have you visited? Travel Oregon ... See More See Less

VISIT USA WEBINAR SERIES - REGISTER NOW! Up this month are Travel Nevada, Las Vegas CVA and Travel Oregon Tuesday 22 August, 2023 Duration: 40 minute update plus live Q&A 2 session times to choose from: 8.30am OR 12pm AEST PRIZE: 1 x $100 Gift Card! Open to all AU & NZ travel trade Register here: ... See More See Less

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: [Visit USA Series] Travel Nevada, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Travel Oregon. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

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LOUISVILLE TOURISM Welcome to Bourbon City! Named one of “52 Places to Go in 2023” by the New York Times and one of “The Best Food Cities in the U.S.” by Travel + Leisure, Louisville, Kentucky is the perfect place to get a taste of authentic America. Nicknamed Bourbon City, Louisville is home to the world’s only walkable Bourbon experience, with a half-dozen distilleries located on historic Main Street. Stay at a Bourbon-themed accommodation, Hotel Distil, or a historic property like the Brown Hotel, the birthplace of Louisville’s signature dish, The Hot Brown. Between sips of America’s only native spirit, visit the city’s top museums. Relish in America’s pastime at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, which manufactures around 1.8 million of the world-famous baseball bats each year. Discover the Muhammad Ali Center, a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of the Louisville native. The attraction showcases his outstanding boxing career, life in Louisville, and navigating the country’s turbulent Civil Rights Era. Second to fried chicken, Kentucky may be best known for the Kentucky Derby. Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum at historic Churchill Downs to get a glimpse of what “Derby Day” looks like and how it has evolved over the past 150 years. More info: www.gotolouisville.com ... See More See Less

Philadelphia named most walkable city in the United States! USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards named Philadelphia the 2023 Most Walkable City in the U.S.. Renowned for its pedestrian-friendly environment, the city offers a range of neighborhoods that invite exploration on foot, including Rittenhouse Square, Washington Square West, Fitler Square, and Old City. www.discoverphl.com/international/ ... See More See Less

Visit Savannah, Georgia Savannah, Georgia is a city of charm and mystery, where refreshing ocean breezes and lush greenery captivate your senses. Immerse yourself in its charm as you stroll through parks, explore cultural museums, embark on thrilling adventures and indulge in exceptional dining options. This enchanting city has it all! Ready to experience the magic? Learn more about Savannah at visitsavannah.com. ... See More See Less

NEW ORLEANS Experience New Orleans’ Nonstop Culture! Inspired by music, festivals, cuisine and the arts, it’s no wonder New Orleans is deemed the city of festivity. In New Orleans, every day is filled with wonder, regardless of whether it's Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Halloween or just a regular Tuesday. Start planning today at NewOrleans.com. ... See More See Less

SEATTLE AND THE STATE OF WASHINGTON Dubbed the 'Emerald City' and the 'Emerald State' for its lush green surroundings, Seattle and Washington have unmatched beauty and iconic attractions statewide. Washington boasts three spectacular National Parks, hundreds of islands in the Northwest where you can enjoy the best whale watching on the planet for Orca’s, and a beautiful and rugged pacific coastline. It is also the home of fabulous and locally produced chocolates and coffee, farm to fork food, and over one thousand wineries and tasting rooms. In Seattle, you can see the iconic and not to be missed Space Needle which has graced the Seattle skyline since 1962, take in the power of pop culture at MoPOP museum, marvel at the spectacular coloured glass art pieces at Chihuly Garden and Glass, experience a Seattle Underground Tour, or simply stroll the Pike Place markets and enjoy a coffee at the world’s first Starbucks. Seattle also has a world-class, award-winning airport and two state of the art downtown cruise terminals to tick that spectacular, awe-inspiring cruise to Alaska off your client's bucket list. The cruise season runs from April to October each year and is well underway for the 2023 season. To enhance your clients stay in Seattle, take a look at the partner websites and detailed itineraries on the new Agent Resources Page: www.linkdtourism.com/partners/the-state-of-washington-visit-seattle-port-of-seattle/ ... See More See Less

NEW YORK YANKEES Nothing says "New York, New York" like a visit to Yankee Stadium, home of the 27-time World Champions. The first time you walk into Yankee Stadium you'll remember it, and the first time you see a walk-off victory you'll never forget it! The Yankees’ game season occurs from April-September each year, while the Stadium Tours occur year-round. To find out more about the New York Yankees’ and to book, visit: yankees.com/nyc New York Yankees ... See More See Less

A quintessential New York experience. The first time you walk into Yankees Stadium you'll remember it, and the first time you see a walk-off victory you'll never forget it. www.mlb.com/yankees ... See More See Less

LAKE TAHOE VISITORS AUTHORITY Explore Lake Tahoe, beyond the ice When the snow melts, Lake Tahoe fills and the sandy beaches glisten in the sun. That’s when it’s time to trade in your snowboards for paddleboards and snowshoes for hiking boots. Get ready to wander in Lake Tahoe. More information visitlaketahoe.com/things-to-do-in-lake-tahoe/ ... See More See Less

SAN DIEGO TOURISM AUTHORITY Brand new roller coaster hits SeaWorld San Diego! Hold onto your hat — or better yet, your handlebars. SeaWorld is gearing up to launch what it calls the fastest and longest "straddle coaster" on the West Coast: the Arctic Rescue. You'll ride this one snowmobile-style at speeds of up to 40 mph on more than a half-mile of track, in a quest to defeat poachers on the wild tundra. Arctic Rescue will be SeaWorld's second big coaster to debut in two years, following the 2022 opening of the Emperor. More information: seaworld.com/san-diego/rides/arctic-rescue/ ... See More See Less

MAMMOTH LAKES TOURISM Mother Nature’s Adventureland is year-round! Adventure is available year-round in Mammoth Lakes. In fact, there is a lot of debate about which season is best. But one thing everyone can agree on is that no matter what time of year you visit or what types of activities you enjoy, there are plenty of things to do in Mammoth Lakes. During winter you can ski and snowboard Mammoth Mountain or take off into the wilderness on your cross country skis. When spring hits, you can ski and also celebrate the fishing opener on the same day. The summer melts away the snow, opening roads to Devils Postpile National Monument, 101-foot Rainbow Falls and the gateway to Yosemite National Park. Some claim autumn is the best season because you get all of the sightseeing of summer PLUS spectacular fall colors and fewer visitors. More information www.visitmammoth.com/adventures/ ... See More See Less

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Sydney weather: intense rain threatens major flooding in NSW as SES issues warnings for drivers

Storm claims a life in Queensland after body of man found by his ute near Logan, while rivers in south of state subject to flood warnings

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Major flooding could threaten parts of Sydney and drivers have been warned to avoid non-essential travel as a deadly storm brings intense rainfall along the eastern seaboard.

An inland low and coastal trough joining forces over New South Wales was forecast to bring heavy localised falls to much of the state on Friday.

Sydney has faced its highest daily rainfall in two years, recording 111mm of rain in the 24 hours to 9am Friday. The city is on track to surpass its average total rainfall for April before the weekend.

“We’ll see the heaviest rain falling overnight, probably from midnight to around 7am to 8am,” Weatherzone meteorologist Angus Konta said.

Authorities warned 24-hour rainfall totals could top 200mm in Sydney and the south coast, with as much as 300mm dumped on the Illawarra escarpment overlooking Wollongong.

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Major flooding was possible along the Hawkesbury-Nepean River bounding Sydney from late Friday, with Penrith likely to cop as much rain in a day as one-and-a-half times the April average.

NSW forecast rainfall: 50mm falls from Coffs to Wollongong for today, but the system will move south tomorrow. Heavy rain in Sydney both days. (via @BOM_au pic.twitter.com/D3xl5pjjst — Luca (@IttimaniL) April 5, 2024

Transport for NSW took the rare step of warning drivers statewide to avoid non-essential travel, while the NSW State Emergency Service warned coastal communities from Sydney to Goulburn to stay indoors.

The SES has already conducted seven flood rescues overnight, six related to people in vehicles, and has responded to more than 550 incidents across the state during the past 24 hours.

The majority of calls have related to leaking roofs, sky lights and gutters, but chief superintendent Dallas Burnes said the service was preparing for flash flooding and riverine rises.

Storms have led to 92 flights being cancelled or delayed at Sydney Airport, mostly across the domestic network, and the city’s train network is experiencing widespread delays.

Nine schools across NSW have shut down amid the severe weather, six of which are in the state’s north-east. The shutdowns are affecting seven public schools and two independent schools.

Almost every river in eastern NSW and numerous rivers in southern Queensland are subject to a flood watches or warnings, as heavy rain and possible flash flooding hit both states.

“What we’ve got is a trough along the NSW coast and it’s extending right up into Queensland, so it’s dragging quite a bit of subtropical moisture down,” Konta said.

The trough is deepening and interacting with an upper-level low over NSW, which is further boosting the moisture level in the atmosphere, he said.

Storms have already claimed a life in Queensland after the body of a man was found by his ute near Logan, while a 30-minute wave of rain in northern NSW flooded enclosures at a wildlife sanctuary on Thursday.

“Due to the amount of water dumped into the park, we have relocated our animals and the hospital [has been] relocated to a higher position,” the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary said.

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With the catastrophic 2022 Northern Rivers floods fresh in minds, the SES said the silver lining for Friday’s system was that it was moving.

“If we go back to those northern river floods, it didn’t move as forecast,” the NSW SES commissioner, Carlene York, said.

“It stayed there, it kept dumping the rain and that’s obviously had the big impact.”

Volunteers had proactively deployed vehicles and vessels into danger areas.

Residents in such areas should clear gutters and tie down loose items ahead of time, SES metro zone commander Allison Flaxman said.

Severe weather is expected to gradually shift overnight to centre on NSW’s south coast, before easing throughout Saturday as the trough moves east to the Tasman Sea.

But persistent showers over the weekend will likely push Australia’s largest urban water supply dam to overflow on Monday.

Warragamba Dam, on Sydney’s south-western fringe, sat at 96% capacity as Friday’s storm approached.

“We require about 90mm of rain to fill Warragamba Dam … we’re expecting 100mm to 150mm,” Water NSW’s chief executive, Andrew George, told AAP.

“The spill will occur likely when the rainfall event has moved on, so it is very important that the community remain vigilant,” he said.

With Australian Associated Press

• Australia weather
• New South Wales

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Visas and Migration

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.

European passport holders may be eligible for an eVisitor (subclass 651) .

At this time, ETA lodgement is only available through the Australian ETA app.​​ To apply you  must  lodge the application via the  ETA app  which you can download for free from the  Apple Store (Apple)  or  Google Play store (Android) .

You can apply for an ETA through the app if:

• you meet all  ETA eligibility requirements , and
• you hold a passport from an  eligible country .

Whether you are visiting Australia for a short period of time or planning to migrate, you must have a valid Australian visa.

Information on visas to Australia can be found on the  Department of Home Affairs website .

Explore visa options  on the department's website to help you find the visa most likely to meet your specific circumstances.

Visa applications, fees & processing times

Most visa applications can be lodged online by creating an  ImmiAccount . This is our preferred method of visa lodgement to helps us process your application faster.

If you are lodging an application in the US, please refer to the following information before submitting your application:

• Processing times
• Visa requirements  (health, character, biometrics)
• Translation of documents not in English

Please note, you should not book flights or make travel commitments until you have a valid visa to travel to Australia. The Department of Home Affairs will not be liable for any financial loss incurred by travellers whose visa application was finalised later than expected, or where an application is not successful.

Visa and citizenship applications are managed by the Department of Home Affairs. Embassy staff are unable to assist with general visa or citizenship enquiries. 

The Department of Home Affairs website has the most up to date and comprehensive information on applying for visas and citizenship. The website also has useful definitions and tools to help you understand the department’s requirements. Visit the website at Immigration and citizenship .

If you are having trouble locating information on the department’s website, the Home Affairs Digital Assistant may be able to help. The Digital Assistant can help you find information on Australian visas, citizenship and border entry. Visit the  Immigration and citizenship  website and click the Ask a question   Digital Assistant button to get started.

Global Service Centre

If you require additional information, you may telephone the Global Service Centre on +61 2 6196 0196, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm your local time.

International calls may be subject to charges imposed by your local carrier. You may wish to consider using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) provider to avoid potentially high charges.

Using an interpreter

When you call the GSC, select option 6 to engage a Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) interpreter in your language. Option 6 can be selected straight after dialling the GSC number.

Alternatively, a TIS interpreter can also be engaged directly via:

•    TIS website:  Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) or

•    Home Affairs website See:  Family and friends helping with your application .

Compliments, complaints and suggestions

Your feedback is valuable to the Department of Home Affairs. The department uses your feedback to improve services and investigate and respond to any issues of concern. You can find more information on the department’s website at  Compliments, complaints and suggestions .

Allegations related to suspicious border activities

If it doesn’t feel right, flag it anonymously with Border Watch. Border Watch is the single collection point for the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Border Force (ABF) for allegations related to suspicious border activities and is not limited to immigration and citizenship. One small observation could help stop a much larger border crime.  You can report suspicious immigration, customs and border related activity via the  Border Watch Online Report .

Beware of Visa Scams

To avoid being scammed, you can check the Register of Migration Agents on the  OMARA website , to receive the protections of an OMARA registered Migration Agent.

There are Australian registered migration agents working all around the world. These agents are subject to the same Code of Conduct, professional development and regulations as registered migration agents based in Australia. More information about Australia's efforts to ensure the integrity of the migration advice profession is available at:  www.mara.gov.au .

Further information on visa scams is available on the Department of Home Affairs website .

How To Spend A Month In Australia For Under $2,500

• Plan ahead and book flights from LAX to Sydney for less than $1,000 with airlines like United and Qantas.
• Hostel-style accommodation in Australia will cost at least $1,120 for a month, leaving $600 for other expenses.
• Budget $50 a day for meals, bus tickets, and attractions while exploring Australia to stay within a $2,500 budget.

Welcome to the land Down Under! Australia is a vast country occupying a landmass comparable to the size of the contiguous United States but with a population of just less than the state of Texas. Australia is full of natural marvels and attractions, but unfortunately, it is also a rather expensive destination. However, it is possible to spend a month in Australia for less than $2,500.

First-time visitors to Australia need to be careful to properly budget their trip. It's also important to know that places like Sydney are infamously expensive and travelers can quickly overrun their budgets. Here's how to keep your Australia trip under $2,500 for a month-long vacation.

Flying To Australia And Back For Less Than $1,000

Plan ahead and book return flights from lax to sydney for $800.

Australia has direct flights with the United States to Hawaii, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Houston (as well as from Canada's Vancouver). Famous airlines like United, Delta Air Lines, and Australia's national carrier, Qantas, offer flights between the USA and Australia.

• Example Trans-Pacific Airlines: Qantas, United, Delta, American Airlines, Air Canada, Air New Zealand (transits New Zealand)
• Cheap Flights: From $800 (Return Los Angeles to Sydney)
• Flight Duration: Approx. 14 hours nonstop

United offers flights from San Francisco and Los Angeles (with a layover in San Francisco) to Sydney and return for approx. $810 for October 1 to October 30. Air Canada also offers slightly cheaper flights from Los Angeles to Sydney (transiting through Vancouver).

The cost of flying from America's East Coast is significantly more expensive - there are return flights from New York's JFK airport for around $1,200 return.

Plan early to get cheap flights to Australia — never leave it for the last minute!

10 Lesser-Known Destinations In Australia You Should Visit For A Perfect Vacation

Budgeting for a month's accommodation in australia, it will cost at least $1,120 to spend a month in hostel-style accommodation in australia.

There's no other way of putting it: Australia is expensive. After purchasing the flights, one will likely have around $1,700 to 1,500 dollars left. The only ways to manage the budget for accommodation are by buying a van and living in it, or camping, or staying in hostels.

• Cost of Hostels: From $25 per night (mostly $30-50 per night)
• Month Hostel Accommodation: Approx. $600

In Sydney, the cost of a hostel dorm is from $25 a night (most are around $40 a night) and similarly priced in other major Australian cities. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia is the small coastal resort town of Byron Bay in New South Wales. The cost of a night in a dorm here is from $40 a night.

So if the average night's dorm accommodation in Australia is $35 and budgeting for 28 nights, then that would cost approx. $1,120. This leaves around $600 to cover all other expenses in Australia.

10 Great Attractions To Visit That Are Unique To Australia

Budgeting for other expenses in australia, $600 is not enough for australia, but $2,500, excluding flights, is manageable for australia.

$600 is only $20 a day and is not enough to explore Australia for a month (at least if visitors want to get out and about). This is enough to eat self-catered meals, but not enough for attractions and exploring.

Adding back in the $800 for the flights and taking out $1,120 accommodation expenses gives a budget of around $1,400 or $50 a day. $50 a day is manageable in Australia, but will still force hard decisions — like cutting out Uluru/Ayers Rock and diving the Great Barrier Reef.

Greyhound Australia is one of the main bus companies offering long-distance bus rides. The cost of an early bird bus ticket from Sydney to Byron Bay is AUD 68 or around USD 44 (a distance of approx. 500 miles). It costs around USD 51 to take the bus from Sydney to Brisbane.

• Long Distance Intercity Bus: From $51 (Sydney to Brisbane)
• Meals: Self-catered only
• Flights: From $84
• Phone: Approx. $20 ( 35GB for one month)

It is often cheaper to fly in Australia than take the bus. So, backpackers could take the bus up the cost from Melbourne or Sydney to northern Cairns (where the incredible Great Barrier Reef is located) and then fly back for as little as USD 84.

The budget is tight, and there may not be the funds available to actually go diving on the Great Barrier Reef. But at least visitors in Cairns can explore the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest rainforest in the world .

With a budget of only $2,500, it will not be affordable to eat out in Australia. Instead, backpackers will need to pack their own lunch and prepare their meals at the hostels by themselves. Even backpacker-budget attractions can add up and eat into your funds.

But while it is tight to explore Australia for a month and on a budget of $2,500, it is possible .

The total solar eclipse is Monday: Where will clouds, rain ruin the sky spectacle?

We're almost there.

In just two days, for just the  second time in seven years , day will suddenly become night for a few brief, wondrous minutes as the orbiting moon blocks the sun's light along  a southwest-to-northeast path across the continent .

Meteorologists continue to refine their forecasts for the total solar eclipse , and now have a pretty good idea of where the spectacle will be most (and least) visible.

Here's the latest forecast:

Where will the solar eclipse be visible?

Federal forecasters said Saturday afternoon that the best chances for clear viewing of the total eclipse are in northern New England. There is also a possibility of clear viewing from northern Arkansas to central Indiana, the National Weather Service said, "but this is the area of greatest uncertainty due to potential high clouds."

"Clouds can break for some sunshine, just in time for the afternoon viewing from Chicago to Cleveland. A narrow region of good viewing is expected to open up for cities like Kansas City, Indianapolis, and St. Louis," AccuWeather lead long-range forecaster Paul Pastelok said.

The weather service also warned of possible (20% to 30% chance) rain showers during totality in Texas, Oklahoma, southern Arkansas, Ohio, northwestern Pennsylvania and western New York.

Outside the path of totality, which stretches from Texas to Maine, "the best locations for viewing should be across the Southwest, out of the mountains," Pastelok said. Other good spots include "California, again, out of the mountains, New England, and parts of the mid-Atlantic and Southeast."

"Cities like Los Angeles, El Paso, New York City, Boston and Raleigh should all have nice views of the eclipse from start to finish," he added.

Where will it be cloudy?

Unfortunately for folks in the path of totality, clouds may impede viewing "from Texas into southern Arkansas, and across Ohio, northwest Pennsylvania, and New York," the weather service said.

Elsewhere, for the partial eclipse, AccuWeather long-range expert Joe Lundberg added that "other areas with poor viewing conditions will be from Wisconsin westward through South Dakota and Nebraska to Washington and Oregon."

What time is the solar eclipse? 

The eclipse will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT and end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT, but the exact time of the eclipse varies by where you are in its path.  You can search by zip code  to find the exact time for your location. 

What is the path of totality?

The  path of totality  is the area where people on Earth can see  the moon completely cover the sun  as the moon's shadow falls upon them. Space.com describes it as "the cone-shaped inner (umbral) shadow of the moon projected onto the Earth's surface."

To view all of the stages of a total solar eclipse, you must watch it from somewhere along that path of totality, NASA said. Viewers outside this narrow, roughly 115-mile wide path will only see a partial eclipse of the sun.

You probably don't have to worry about your dogs and cats during the eclipse

Don't worry, your dog and/or cat will likely be oblivious to the eclipse, according to Pasco , a science education company.

"It is unlikely that dogs and cats will react to solar eclipses, as they typically do not have a strong biological or behavioral response to changes in light or natural phenomena like eclipses," Pasco reports.

Just in case, Pasco recommends you keep your pets inside during the eclipse and distract them with toys or treats. Same thing works for people if necessary.

Eclipse boosts travel as Americans chase rare celestial event

The upcoming eclipse is proving to be a good omen for travel firms, as some parts of the United States that fall in the "path of totality" see unprecedented demand for lodging from eager Americans waiting to catch a glimpse of the celestial event.

Airbnb listings along the U.S. path of totality, or the narrow strip stretching from Texas to Maine from where people will be able to view the sun's corona, have seen occupancy levels skyrocket to nearly 90%, the vacation rental firm said.

Occupancy for all active rental listings across the path in the United States, Canada and Mexico was at 92.4% for the night of April 7, up sharply from about 30% a few days prior, according to travel data firm AirDNA.

"It is a nice bump in demand in a relatively slow period of the year. Typically April isn't a high point for short-term rental demand," said Jamie Lane, chief economist at AirDNA.

Beware of potential storms during eclipse travel

Sunday and early Monday, severe thunderstorms bringing hail, strong wind and possibly a tornado could disrupt travel from the western Plains to the Midwest, Pastelok of AccuWeather said. Travel could also be impacted due to visibility with winds kicking up dust and creating a fire risk.

Meanwhile, people driving from the Rockies to the path of totality could face slick roads and wintry conditions, according to AccuWeather.

After the eclipse on Monday evening and Tuesday, federal forecasters warn of a high chance of thunderstorms in parts of the Southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley. Flash flooding is also possible, "which could lead to hazardous travel after the eclipse," the weather service said.

Contributing: Reuters

More than 150 rescued from floods in eastern Australia

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Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney; Editing by Josie Kao and Sam Holmes.

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Airline passengers in parts of the United Kingdom and Ireland faced travel disruption at airports on Saturday due to flight cancellations as a storm swept across both countries and left thousands of Irish homes with power outages.

US military support for Israel: What does it provide?

The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has prompted calls for Washington to put conditions on the billions of dollars in military funding and other assistance it provides to Israel, which has received more U.S. foreign aid since World War Two than any other country.

More than 90 people died after a ferry sank off the north coast of Mozambique, the BBC said, citing domestic authorities, with five rescued from among the nearly 130 believed to have been on board.

Russia launched two dozen attack drones on Ukraine overnight, targeting chiefly critical infrastructure in the country's south and east, Ukraine's air force said on Monday.

Watch CBS News

Solar eclipse maps show 2024 totality path, peak times and how much of the eclipse you can see across the U.S.

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: April 7, 2024 / 7:29 PM EDT / CBS News

A total solar eclipse crosses North America on April 8, 2024, with parts of 15 U.S. states within the path of totality. Maps show where and when astronomy fans can see the big event . 

The total eclipse will first appear along Mexico's Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT, then travel across a swath of the U.S., from Texas to Maine, and into Canada.

About 31.6 million people live in the path of totality , the area where the moon will fully block out the sun , according to NASA. The path will range between 108 and 122 miles wide. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.

Solar eclipse path of totality map for 2024

The total solar eclipse will start over the Pacific Ocean, and the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico's Pacific Coast, around 11:07 a.m. PDT on April 8, according to NASA. From there, the path will continue into Texas, crossing more than a dozen states before the eclipse enters Canada in southern Ontario. The eclipse will exit continental North America around 5:16 p.m. NDT from Newfoundland, Canada.

The path of totality includes the following states:

• Pennsylvania
• New Hampshire

Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse.

Several major cities across the U.S. are included in the eclipse's path of totality, while many others will see a partial eclipse. Here are some of the best major cities for eclipse viewing — if the weather cooperates :

• San Antonio, Texas (partially under the path)
• Austin, Texas
• Waco, Texas
• Dallas, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Dayton, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Buffalo, New York
• Rochester, New York
• Syracuse, New York
• Burlington, Vermont

Map of when the solar eclipse will reach totality across the path

The eclipse will begin in the U.S. on the afternoon of April 8. It will first be visible as a partial eclipse beginning at 12:06 p.m. CDT near Eagle Pass, Texas, before progressing to totality by about 1:27 p.m. CDT and progressing along its path to the northeast over the next few hours.

NASA shared times for several cities in the path of totality across the U.S. You can also  check your ZIP code on NASA's map  to see when the eclipse will reach you if you're on, or near, the path of totality. 

How much of the eclipse will you see if you live outside of the totality path?

While the April 8 eclipse will cover a wide swath of the U.S., outside the path of totality observers may spot a partial eclipse, where the moon covers some, but not all, of the sun, according to NASA. The closer you are to the path of totality, the larger the portion of the sun that will be hidden.

NASA allows viewers to input a ZIP code and see how much of the sun will be covered in their location.

Could there be cloud cover be during the solar eclipse?

Some areas along the path of totality have a higher likelihood of cloud cover that could interfere with viewing the eclipse. Here is a map showing the historical trends in cloud cover this time of year. 

You can check the latest forecast for your location with our partners at The Weather Channel .

Where will the solar eclipse reach totality for the longest?

Eclipse viewers near Torreón, Mexico, will get to experience totality for the longest. Totality there will last 4 minutes, 28 seconds, according to NASA. 

Most places along the centerline of the path of totality will see a totality duration between 3.5 and 4 minutes long, according to NASA. Some places in the U.S. come close to the maximum; Kerrville, Texas, will have a totality duration of 4 minutes, 24 seconds.

What is the path of totality for the 2044 solar eclipse?

After the April 8 eclipse, the next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

Astronomy fans in the U.S. will have far fewer opportunities to see the 2044 eclipse than the upcoming one on April 8. NASA has not yet made maps available for the 2044 eclipse, but, according to The Planetary Society , the path of totality will only touch three states.

The 2024 eclipse will start in Greenland, pass over Canada and end as the sun sets in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society.

Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

More from CBS News

See the list of notable total solar eclipses in the U.S. since 1778

Why do total solar eclipses happen? Learn what causes the celestial show

When was the last total solar eclipse in the U.S.? Revisiting 2017

How to make pinhole cameras to watch the 2024 solar eclipse safely