Australia entry requirements for Canadian Citizens

Apply for eTA

Australia is one of the top 15 destinations for Canadians worldwide, according to Statistics Canada. That’s why it is important for visitors from Canada to know exactly what they need to travel Down Under.

Do Canadian citizens need a visa for Australia?

Yes, Canadians will need a visa to travel to Australia with a passport issued by Canada. In fact, almost all foreign nationals must have an appropriate type of Australia visa before departure.

Canadian passport holders can obtain a convenient electronic travel authorisation (ETA) by applying online.

Please note that there are no visas on arrival for Australia available to Canadians.

australia entry requirements canadians

What Australian visa type should Canadians apply for?

Canadian nationals can apply for an ETA Australia if the purpose of their trip is one of the following:

  • Holiday
  • Cruise
  • Visiting family and friends
  • Business meetings or conferences
  • Transit on the way to another country

The following activities are also permitted with the ETA, as long as they are a secondary reason for visiting — the main reason must be one of those listed above.

  • Volunteering
  • Short-term study

Please note that long-term studying or engaging in paid work while travelling on an ETA is not permitted. Canadian travellers who wish to work in Australia should contact their nearest embassy or consulate for more information about working and study visas.

Working holiday visas are available for Canadians under the age of 35 who wish to explore Australia on a budget.

Australia's ETA requirements for Canadian nationals

All travellers must meet Australian ETA requirements for Canada before applying for an ETA. These requirements are:

  • Have a valid Canadian passport
  • Have an active email address for correspondence on ETA-related issues and obtaining the visa itself
  • Have a valid credit or debit card for online ETA fee payment

Some travellers may be asked to provide further documentation, depending on the reasons for their travel.

In addition, Canadian applicants must meet certain other criteria to be granted the ETA:

  • Must be in good health (no serious contagious illnesses)
  • Must not have a criminal record that includes serious offences or prison sentences of a year or more

It is important to keep in mind that an ETA or another type of Australian visa does not guarantee entry into Australia. This right can only be granted by the Australian Border Force officers at the border crossing.

ETA Australia: passport conditions for Canadians

The applicant’s Canadian passport must meet the following requirements:

  • Valid for the length of the trip to Australia
  • One or more blank pages available for entry stamps

When applying for an ETA for Australia, Canadian citizens who are dual nationals must use either their valid Canadian passport or one issued by another country eligible for the ETA.

It is important to apply for an ETA Australia with the same passport that will be presented at the border crossing. This passport is then registered electronically to the ETA. Without it, the visitor will be denied entry.

Australia's health requirements for Canadian travellers

Canadian travellers must meet the Australian health requirements to be granted entry into the country. This means that they must not have any health conditions that could result in becoming a burden to the Australian health system.

It is important to not have highly infectious diseases, that may represent a threat to the Australian community, like tuberculosis.

How to use the ETA to travel to Australia from Canada

Airline staff will usually check that you have an ETA before boarding a flight from Canada. In general, airlines will not allow you to board without one.

Once you land in Australia, you will need the ETA to clear immigration. This is done electronically by scanning your Canadian passport.

If you have an electronic Canadian passport, you will be able to use the automated SmartGate system to clear border control quickly upon arrival in Australia at 9 major international airports:

  • Adelaide
  • Brisbane
  • Cairns
  • Canberra
  • Darwin
  • Gold Coast
  • Melbourne
  • Perth

You can also show your passport to a border officer, who will scan it to check your ETA.

Register with the High Commission of Canada in Australia

We offer an Embassy Registration service for Canadian travellers. This service exists in case of emergency situations while you are abroad.

The Canadian High Commission in Canberra will be able to contact you and provide assistance in the event of an emergency, such as a natural disaster or terrorist incident.

The High Commission can also help family and friends in Canada to contact you and vice versa.

You can register your details with the High Commission of Canada in Australia while applying for your ETA through our website. Simply choose the Embassy Registration option when completing the ETA application.

The registration process only takes a minute and gives you peace of mind while visiting Australia.

Faqs about Canadian Citizens traveling to Australia

What documents do Canadians need to enter Australia? Toggle faqs

As a Canadian citizen visiting Australia, they will need a valid Canadian passport and an ETA or visa, depending on the length and purpose of your stay.

How do you apply for an Australian ETA for Canadians? Toggle faqs

To apply for an Australian ETA from Canada, candidates must fill out an online application form and provide the ETA information details. After reviewing and confirming the information, applicants need to pay the Australian ETA registration fee using a debit or credit card.

Are there any COVID-19 health requirements for Canadians visiting Australia? Toggle faqs

There are currently no COVID-19 restrictions for Canadians entering Australia. However, this could change if the global situation worsens. Always check the latest information before traveling.

Can Canadian citizens live in Australia? Toggle faqs

If you wish to immigrate to Australia from Canada, you must meet the necessary criteria based on: Qualifications, Skills, Work experience. In general, Australia only accepts foreign professionals and tradespeople who plan to work in sectors where the country needs more workers. Canadians who meet the requirements can apply for a long-term Australian visa.