Visa Requirements for Australians
Do you need a visa, an electronic travel authorization or nothing at all? This page gives Australian citizens travelling on a regular Australian passport a quick answer for each destination we cover: the visa rule, the passport rule, what to do before you fly and a link to the official source. The details come from the Australian Government's Smartraveller advice for each country, which draws on local authorities, and we use the destination's own government site or other governments' advice where Smartraveller is silent. Rules can change at any time, so confirm with the official source and your airline before you book.
Last checked: 30 October 2026. Smartraveller does not date the entry section of each country page, so each card shows the day we checked its source. Blue labels mean no tourist visa is needed, amber means an electronic travel authorization is required and rose means a visa is required.
This is a guide, not official advice. Entry rules change often and the border officer has the final say, so please check the official government source linked on each card, and your airline, before you book or travel.
Three Kinds of Entry Rules
Visa-free. You can enter without applying in advance, usually for a limited stay such as 90 days.
Electronic travel authorization. An online approval linked to your passport, such as the UK ETA, the Canada eTA or the US ESTA. It is not a visa, but you need it before you travel.
Visa or e-visa. Permission to enter that you apply for first, often online as an e-visa and, for a few destinations, on arrival at certain entry points.
Europe
France
No tourist visa for up to 90 days
How long: up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The limit covers all Schengen countries together.
Passport: valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. Smartraveller adds that many countries ask for 6 months of validity, so check yours early.
Before you fly: there is nothing to apply for yet. ETIAS is planned but has no confirmed start date and is not open, and the Entry/Exit System records your fingerprints and photo at the border. France has temporary border checks at some ports of entry, even when you arrive from another Schengen country, so allow extra time and carry your passport.
Official source: Smartraveller · Our France guide
Smartraveller page checked 30 October 2026.
Germany
No tourist visa for up to 90 days
How long: up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The limit covers all Schengen countries together.
Passport: valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. Smartraveller adds that many countries ask for 6 months of validity, so check yours early.
Before you fly: there is nothing to apply for yet. ETIAS is planned but has no confirmed start date and is not open, and the Entry/Exit System records your fingerprints and photo at the border. Carry your passport whenever you cross a border, even from another Schengen country, because Germany has had temporary checks at its land borders. Germany and Australia have an agreement that exempts short visits from a visa.
Official source: Smartraveller · Our Germany guide
Smartraveller page checked 30 October 2026.
Greece
No tourist visa for up to 90 days
How long: up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The limit covers all Schengen countries together.
Passport: valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. Smartraveller adds that many countries ask for 6 months of validity, so check yours early.
Before you fly: there is nothing to apply for yet. ETIAS is planned but has no confirmed start date and is not open, and the Entry/Exit System records your fingerprints and photo at the border. Smartraveller advises asking for an entry stamp in your passport when you first enter the Schengen area.
Official source: Smartraveller · Our Greece guide
Smartraveller page checked 30 October 2026.
Ireland
No tourist visa for up to 90 days
How long: you do not apply before you travel. The immigration officer grants a tourist stay of up to 90 days when you arrive, and you need a visa for longer visits, work or study.
Passport: you need at least one blank page for entry.
Before you fly: be ready to show accommodation bookings, return flights and contacts in Ireland. If the officer doubts you are a genuine tourist, they can refuse entry or give you a limited stay. Ireland is not in the Schengen area and does not accept Schengen visas. If you will cross into Northern Ireland, you also need a UK ETA, so see the United Kingdom card.
Official source: Smartraveller · Our Ireland guide
Smartraveller page checked 30 October 2026.
Italy
No tourist visa for up to 90 days
How long: up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The limit covers all Schengen countries together.
Passport: valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. Smartraveller adds that many countries ask for 6 months of validity, so check yours early.
Before you fly: there is nothing to apply for yet. ETIAS is planned but has no confirmed start date and is not open, and the Entry/Exit System records your fingerprints and photo at the border. Italy has temporary checks on its land border with Slovenia, so allow extra time there. If you cannot leave before your visa-free limit ends, contact the local immigration office (questura).
Official source: Smartraveller · Our Italy guide
Smartraveller page checked 30 October 2026.
Portugal
No tourist visa for up to 90 days
How long: up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The limit covers all Schengen countries together.
Passport: valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. Smartraveller adds that many countries ask for 6 months of validity, so check yours early.
Before you fly: there is nothing to apply for yet. ETIAS is planned but has no confirmed start date and is not open, and the Entry/Exit System records your fingerprints and photo at the border. Arrivals from outside the EU can face long waits, particularly at Lisbon airport. Smartraveller advises asking for a clear entry stamp in your passport, because airlines may ask for proof of entry.
Official source: Smartraveller · Our Portugal guide
Smartraveller page checked 30 October 2026.
Spain
No tourist visa for up to 90 days
How long: up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The limit covers all Schengen countries together.
Passport: valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. Smartraveller adds that many countries ask for 6 months of validity, so check yours early.
Before you fly: there is nothing to apply for yet. ETIAS is planned but has no confirmed start date and is not open, and the Entry/Exit System records your fingerprints and photo at the border. You need a visa if you plan to stay longer than 90 days or your reason for travel changes. Smartraveller advises getting a legible entry stamp in your passport, because airlines may ask for proof of entry.
Official source: Smartraveller · Our Spain guide
Smartraveller page checked 30 October 2026.
United Kingdom
ETA needed before you travel
How long: no visa for a tourist visit or transit of less than 6 months, but you must hold an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before you travel. One ETA covers multiple visits of up to 6 months each over 2 years, or until your passport expires if that is sooner.
Passport: valid for the whole length of your stay.
Before you fly: apply for the ETA through the official UK government channels, because an ETA does not guarantee entry. You can usually use the eGates on arrival with an Australian ePassport if you are 10 or older, and you do not need a landing card. Dual Australian-British and Australian-Irish citizens cannot get an ETA and must enter on their British or Irish passport.
Official source: Smartraveller · Our United Kingdom guide
Smartraveller page checked 30 October 2026.
Asia
Indonesia
Visa required: e-VOA or on arrival
Visa: Australians need a visa. You can apply for an e-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) online at least 48 hours before you travel, or buy a visa on arrival at certain airports and seaports. It costs IDR 500,000, allows a 30-day stay and can be extended once by up to 30 days.
Passport: valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter. Smartraveller also recommends 6 months from the day you plan to leave.
Before you fly: complete the free All Indonesia Arrival Card online within 72 hours before you travel, and have a return or onward flight booking. Bali charges a separate tourist levy of IDR 150,000. Working or making commercial online content on a tourist visa can bring penalties, and overstaying risks fines, detention or deportation.
Official source: Smartraveller · Our Indonesia guide
Smartraveller page checked 30 October 2026.
Japan
No tourist visa for under 90 days
How long: less than 90 days for tourism, a business trip or conference, or visiting friends and family. You cannot switch to another visa type while you are in Japan.
Passport: valid for the length of your stay, with a blank page for the entry stamp.
Before you fly: there is nothing to apply for. You are photographed and fingerprinted on arrival, and refusing can mean being denied entry. Visit Japan Web lets you register for immigration and customs ahead of time.
Official source: Smartraveller · Our Japan guide
Smartraveller page checked 30 October 2026.
South Korea
No tourist visa for up to 90 days
How long: up to 90 days as a tourist. Australians are exempt from the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) only until 31 December 2026, so check the rule again if you travel after that.
Passport: valid when you enter. Smartraveller's general advice is 6 months of validity, so check with the South Korean embassy if yours expires soon.
Before you fly: there is nothing to apply for during the exemption. You can fill in the e-Arrival card online up to 3 days before you land, or use the paper form on arrival, and you are fingerprinted at the border. If you later need a K-ETA, apply only through the official K-ETA website.
Official source: Smartraveller · Our South Korea guide
Smartraveller page checked 30 October 2026.
Thailand
No tourist visa for up to 30 days
How long: a 30-day visa exemption for tourism or short-term travel. Without a justifiable reason, you may be allowed only 2 visa-free entries each calendar year.
Passport: valid for more than 6 months before you enter.
Before you fly: complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 3 days before you arrive. Be ready to show proof of accommodation, enough funds and an onward or return ticket, or you may be refused entry. Never buy a visa, extension or entry stamp from visa shops or travel agents in Thailand.
Official source: Smartraveller · Our Thailand guide
Smartraveller page checked 30 October 2026.
Vietnam
Visa required: apply for an e-visa
Visa: Australians need a visa or a visa exemption certificate, and cannot get a visa on arrival. The usual route is an e-visa from the official Government of Vietnam website, which allows up to 90 days for single or multiple entries.
Passport: valid for at least 6 months after the day you arrive, with at least 2 blank pages. You must enter and exit Vietnam on the same passport.
Before you fly: your name and date of birth on the e-visa must match your passport exactly, because errors can mean a large fee, refused boarding or deportation. Print the approval, since travellers have had trouble showing an e-visa at check-in. Smartraveller says a health declaration may be required, so check the Vietnamese authorities' latest guidance. Apply only on the official site, as visa scams are common.
Official source: Smartraveller · Our Vietnam guide
Smartraveller page checked 30 October 2026.
North America
Canada
eTA needed if you fly in
How long: no visa for short visits, normally up to 6 months, but Australians flying in must hold an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) first.
Passport: valid for the length of your stay.
Before you fly: apply for the eTA on the official Government of Canada website. You do not need an eTA if you arrive by car, bus, train or boat, but you do need the right travel documents. Canada can refuse entry to people with a criminal record, including a drink-driving conviction.
Official source: Smartraveller · Our Canada guide
Smartraveller page checked 30 October 2026.
Costa Rica
No tourist visa for under 90 days
How long: no visa for a tourist visit of less than 90 days, according to Smartraveller. Other governments report up to 180 days, but the immigration officer sets the exact period, so plan on 90.
Passport: valid until at least 1 day after the day you plan to leave Costa Rica.
Before you fly: there is nothing to apply for, but you may be refused entry if you cannot show that you will return home or travel onwards. You pay a departure tax when you leave, which is often included in your airline ticket. Depending on where you have been, you may need a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Official source: Smartraveller · Our Costa Rica guide
Smartraveller page checked 30 October 2026.
Mexico
No tourist visa needed
How long: no visa for tourism. Immigration officers decide how long you can stay, up to 180 days, and that number of days is not guaranteed.
Passport: valid for the length of your stay. The Mexican Embassy recommends at least 180 days of validity.
Before you fly: at many major airports, adults with a chip passport can use an e-gate that prints a QR code showing how many days you may stay. Otherwise fill in the online Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) and make sure officers stamp your passport, which also applies if you enter by land. Mexico charges an immigration fee, usually included in your airfare.
Official source: Smartraveller · Our Mexico guide
Smartraveller page checked 30 October 2026.
United States
ESTA or visa required
How long: for visits of less than 90 days, eligible Australians can travel under the Visa Waiver Program without a visa, but you must hold an approved ESTA before you travel. Otherwise you need a visa.
Passport: valid for the length of your planned stay. An emergency or provisional passport cannot be used under the Visa Waiver Program.
Before you fly: apply for the ESTA on the official US Customs and Border Protection website. You cannot work or volunteer under the Visa Waiver Program, and an approved ESTA does not guarantee entry. Children of all ages need their own ESTA or visa, and you are fingerprinted and photographed on arrival.
Official source: Smartraveller · Our United States guide
Smartraveller page checked 30 October 2026.
South America
Argentina
No tourist visa for up to 90 days
How long: up to 90 days as a tourist, and you need evidence that you will leave within that time, such as a return or onward ticket.
Passport: valid for the length of your stay.
Before you fly: there is nothing to apply for. Officials may also ask for proof of accommodation and enough money or a credit card. Immigration may not stamp your passport, so ask the Argentine migration office for a record if you need proof of entry or exit.
Official source: Smartraveller · Our Argentina guide
Smartraveller page checked 30 October 2026.
Brazil
Visa required: apply for an eVisa
Visa: Smartraveller says Australians need a visa to enter Brazil, and you cannot get one at the airport or border. You apply online for a tourist eVisa through the official Brazil eVisa portal, which lists Australian citizens.
Passport: apply with the passport you will travel on. Brazil asks for at least 6 months of validity after you arrive. Australian-Brazilian dual citizens must carry both passports, or a valid Brazilian visa in the Australian passport.
Before you fly: travellers who arrive without a required visa are sent back on the next flight. Processing can take up to 10 business days, and the portal advises applying about two months before you travel, so avoid non-refundable tickets until it is approved. Make sure officers stamp your passport when you arrive and when you leave.
Official source: Brazil eVisa portal · Our Brazil guide
Brazil eVisa portal page checked 30 October 2026.
Colombia
No tourist visa for up to 90 days
How long: no visa for tourist stays of 90 days or less, though you may be asked for an onward or return ticket or proof of funds. You can extend by up to 120 days, but visitors cannot stay more than 180 days in a calendar year.
Passport: valid when you enter. Colombia recommends at least 6 months of validity after you plan to leave.
Before you fly: Colombia's migration agency asks visitors to complete the free Check-Mig form online shortly before they travel. Smartraveller does not mention it, so confirm the current rule with Migración Colombia. You pay an airport tax when you leave, usually included in your ticket, and officers can refuse entry even if you meet the visa-free rules.
Official source: Smartraveller · Our Colombia guide
Smartraveller page checked 30 October 2026.
Peru
No tourist visa for up to 90 days
How long: no tourist visa. You get a permit for up to 90 days when you arrive, and the maximum is 183 days in one year.
Passport: valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter.
Before you fly: there is nothing to apply for. Airports record your entry digitally and do not stamp passports, so check your allowed days on the Peruvian immigration website. If you enter by land, get an entry stamp at the immigration office, or you may not be allowed to leave without an exit order. Overstaying means a fine.
Official source: Smartraveller · Our Peru guide
Smartraveller page checked 30 October 2026.
Oceania
New Zealand
No visa or NZeTA for most citizens
How long: most Australian citizens can enter without a visa or an NZeTA, and normally receive a resident visa on arrival that lets you live, work and study.
Passport: a valid Australian passport. Australian permanent residents are different and need an NZeTA before they travel.
Before you fly: complete the free New Zealand Traveller Declaration before passport control and answer the question about holding an Australian passport correctly. If you have a criminal record or have been deported from any country, contact a New Zealand Visa Application Centre well before you travel.
Official source: Smartraveller · Our New Zealand guide
Smartraveller page checked 1 November 2026.
Four Checks Before You Book
Passport validity. Countries count it in different ways: from the day you leave, from the day you arrive, or for your whole stay. Your airline can also be stricter than the country, so check both.
Onward ticket and proof of funds. In many of these countries, border officers may ask to see a return or onward ticket and proof that you can pay for your stay. Keep both easy to show.
A second passport. If you are also a citizen of another country, the rules can change. Dual Australian-British and Australian-Irish citizens cannot get a UK ETA and must enter the United Kingdom on a British or Irish passport, and dual Australian-Canadian citizens need a valid Canadian passport to fly to Canada. Brazil asks dual citizens to carry both passports, and Vietnam requires you to enter and exit on the same passport. Once ETIAS starts, dual citizens of an ETIAS country will have to enter the Schengen area on their other passport.
Official websites only. Fake visa and travel-authorization sites exist, and some unofficial agents charge extra fees. Apply only through the official government site linked from the Smartraveller page or the card, and never hand your passport to someone offering visa services.
How We Keep This Page Current
We check each country against the Australian Government's Smartraveller advice and, where it is silent or unclear, the destination's official immigration or e-visa sites and other governments' advice. We show the date we last checked. This is general information for Australian citizens on a regular Australian passport, not legal or immigration advice. Diplomatic, official and other passport types can have different rules. If this page ever differs from an official source, trust the official source, and please tell us so we can fix it.
Keep Planning
Once your entry papers are sorted, browse our country travel guides or pick a day-by-day plan from our trip itineraries. New to planning? Start with How to Plan a Better Trip.