Visa Requirements of Australian Citizens (November 2026)

Australians are some of the world's keenest travellers, and the Australian passport makes it easy. Australian citizens can visit around 185 countries and territories without a visa or with a simple online authorisation. Most trips need only a valid passport and perhaps a quick online form.

New Zealand

Australians can live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement. You receive a resident visa on arrival and do not need an NZeTA.

United States

Australia is part of the US Visa Waiver Program. Australians can visit for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA. Those with certain criminal records, previous refusals or travel to specific countries may need a visa. The E-3 visa is reserved for Australians working in specialty occupations.

United Kingdom

Australians can visit the UK for up to six months but need an Electronic Travel Authorisation before travel. The Youth Mobility Scheme lets Australians aged 18 to 35 live and work in the UK for up to three years.

Europe

Australians can visit the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Australia has older bilateral agreements with several European countries that may allow longer stays in those countries specifically. When ETIAS launches, Australians will need to register before travelling.

Canada

Australians can visit Canada visa-free with an eTA for air arrivals. Working Holiday visas are available through International Experience Canada.

Asia

• Japan: visa-free short stays.
• South Korea: visa-free with a K-ETA, depending on current exemptions.
• China: short-stay visa-free entry has been extended to Australians.
• Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines: visa-free tourism.
• Indonesia: e-VOA or visa on arrival for Bali, plus Bali's tourist levy.
• Vietnam: e-visa required.
• India: e-Visa available.

Pacific Islands

Most Pacific nations, including Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa and the Cook Islands, offer visa-free entry to Australians.

Where Australians need a visa

A small number of countries require Australians to apply in advance, including Russia and some countries in Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. Many offer e-visas.

Working Holiday visas

Australia has reciprocal Working Holiday arrangements with dozens of countries, giving young Australians the chance to live and work abroad for up to a year or more.

Travel tips

• Register your trip with Smartraveller.
• Keep your passport valid for at least six months.
• Apply for ESTA, ETA and eTA early.
• Buy travel insurance.

How to check the rules yourself

Entry rules connected to Australian Citizens can change with little notice, and third-party websites are often months out of date. The most reliable approach is to check three sources in order: the official immigration or visa portal of the country you are visiting, the website of its embassy or consulate in your country of residence, and your airline's travel document checker, which uses the same database airport staff rely on at check-in. If the three disagree, follow the strictest one and contact the embassy directly. Do this two to three weeks before departure, then once more a few days before you fly.

Final word

Australians enjoy wide global access. Check online authorisation rules and Smartraveller advice before departure.