Your Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining an Australia Visa.

Get ready to say g’day! The continent and country of Australia is a world-renowned destination for outdoor adventure and wildlife sightings. From the underwater marvels of the Great Barrier Reef to Uluru, the massive sandstone monolith that rises above the Australian Outback, you can visit stark deserts, humid jungles, and rocky coasts all in one trip.

Due to Australia’s geographic isolation near the bottom of the world, its flora and fauna has evolved in a Galapagos-esque sanctuary, growing into wholly unique, one-of-a-kind species. Travelers come from all over to see kangaroos, koalas, wombats, emus, and tens of other species found nowhere else on Earth.

But city lovers won’t feel left out either. Urban hubs like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are dynamic centers of art, culture, architecture, dining, and nightlife. Some city must-dos while in Australia include visiting the Sydney Opera House, sampling Melbourne’s iconic coffee culture (the flat white was invented in Australia), and chowing down in Adelaide, where the food scene is booming.

Ready to start planning your trip Down Under? Use this page to find out what you’ll need for your trip.

Essential Travel Information

  • Languages Spoken

    English (official national language)

  • States

    Six states, two territories

  • Time Zones

    5 (UTC +8 Australian Western Standard Time; UTC +8:45 Australian Central Western Standard Time; UTC +9:30 Australian Central Standard Time; UTC +10 Australian Eastern Standard Time; UTC +10:30 Lord Howe Standard Time)

  • Climate

    Mix of temperate, equatorial, tropical, subtropical, desert, and grassland

  • Country Calling Code

    +61

  • Emergency Number

    000

  • Electricity

    240 V/50 Hz, socket type I

  • Capital City and US Embassy

    Canberra

  • Currency

    Australian dollar; current exchange rate, $0.65 USD = 1 AUD (exchange rate subject to change)

  • Embassies and Consulates

    Visit this page for more information

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Do US Citizens Need an Australian Visa?

Yes, all American citizens (and the majority of foreign visitors) are required to have a temporary visa to visit Australia . These visas are issued by the Australian Government and can be applied for online or at your country’s nearest Australian embassy.

Australian Visa Requirements for US Citizens

Here’s an overview of some of the most common visa types for American passport holders visiting Australia.

The cost for a visa to Australia varies depending on your trip’s purpose and timing. In addition to mandatory government fees, Entriva charges amongst the industry’s lowest handling fees, starting at just $50.

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Electronic Travel Authority

  • Purpose: Tourism/Business
  • Government Fee: Free (AU$20 service charge)

The Australian ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) is a digital tourist visa you apply for and receive online . It’s valid for 12 months, during which time you can visit Australia as many times as you want. For each visit, you can stay in Australia for up to 90 days (three months).

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Australian Visitor Visa

  • Purpose: Tourism
  • Government Fee: AU$150

Valid for a full year (12 months), the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa Tourist Stream allows you to visit Australia for up to a year.

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Australian Business Visa

  • Purpose: Business
  • Government Fee: Free for ETA visa, other fees apply for other visa types

Business travelers can come to Australia on the Electronic Travel Authority visa  for certain business activities, such as attending conferences, negotiating contracts, or certain government activities. The same stay limits and validity for the ETA visa cited above apply.

Booking a visa with Entriva ensures you get the right visa in time, every time. Contact us to receive a quote.

General Travel Requirements to Enter Australia

Eager to welcome back visitors after closing its borders for several years due to COVID-19, Australia makes it easy for travelers – only a few documents are required to enter the country.

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to enter Australia:

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Passport

A valid passport with at least one blank page

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VISA

A valid visa (except for citizens of New Zealand)

Australia Travel Restrictions

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There are no current COVID-19 restrictions for travel to Australia . While being vaccinated is recommended, you don’t need to provide proof of vaccination, negative COVID tests, or wear masks.

As it’s a safe and stable country with good health, infrastructure, and public services, the US State Department has a   (the lowest level) set for American citizens in Australia. Travelers should exercise normal precautions while traveling around Australia.

Consult Australia’s Department of Health & Aged Care for the latest COVID-19 travel advisories and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the most recent recommendations regarding travel to Australia.

For more up-to-date information about travel restrictions to Australia, check Entriva’s travel map, or with the US State Department and the US embassy and consulates in Australia.

Health and Safety in Australia 

Overall, Australia is a very safe country to visit. But you should still follow some basic health and safety rules :

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  • Be up-to-date on all your regular vaccines and ask your doctor if you should get any additional vaccinations at least a month before traveling.
  • Know how to get in touch with your country’s embassy in case of emergency.
  • Wear sunscreen. Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world.
  • Don’t get too close to wildlife.

Local Laws for Travelers to Australia 

Here are some local Australian laws that you should be aware of as a traveler  during your visit:

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  • You must declare any and all food, plant, and animal products when you enter and leave the country.
  • You need a valid international driver’s permit to drive a car here, along with your foreign driver’s license.
  • It’s illegal to harm, kill, or collect wildlife.
  • Follow fire-safety rules in national parks and wilderness areas to avoid starting wildfires.
  • Follow the rules at sacred Indigenous sites regarding photography.

If you run into legal trouble during your time in Australia, notify your country’s embassy or consulate. While they may not be able to intervene on your behalf, they can offer advice and guidance. You should also reach out to a law firm or lawyer for legal assistance.

Money, Banking, and Currency in Australia

Traveling around Australia, you’ll be using the Australian dollar as currency. The “Aussie,” as it’s locally known, comes in banknote and coin form, but credit-card usage is also widespread if you prefer paying that way.

Here is some other basic information about money and banking in Australia :

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  • Tipping is welcome but not required.
  • Counterfeit money is not a major issue.
  • It’s easy to access Australian dollars at ATMs, banks, and currency exchanges.
  • A 10% Goods & Services Tax (GST) is included in the cost of many goods and services.
  • It’s possible to get a GST refund at the airport before departure.

Preparing for Your Australia Trip

Obtaining a visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting an Australian visa. Start your visa application process.

Essential Travel Information

  • Languages Spoken

    English (official national language)

  • States

    Six states, two territories

  • Time Zones

    5 (UTC +8 Australian Western Standard Time; UTC +8:45 Australian Central Western Standard Time; UTC +9:30 Australian Central Standard Time; UTC +10 Australian Eastern Standard Time; UTC +10:30 Lord Howe Standard Time)

  • Climate

    Mix of temperate, equatorial, tropical, subtropical, desert, and grassland

  • Country Calling Code

    +61

  • Emergency Number

    000

  • Electricity

    240 V/50 Hz, socket type I

  • Capital City and US Embassy

    Canberra

  • Currency

    Australian dollar; current exchange rate, $0.65 USD = 1 AUD (exchange rate subject to change)

  • Embassies and Consulates

    Visit this page for more information

Unlocking the World: Adventures Await on Your Traveler's Path

Get Travel Visa learn more