Australian entry requirements for U.S. citizens

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U.S. nationals make up the 3rd largest group of international visitors to Australia each year. Over 90,000 Americans make the trip annually.

If you’re one of the many United States citizen travelling to Australia, you must meet the entry requirements for your nationality. This includes having a valid Australian visa and meeting all health requirements.

The following page explains Australia’s entry requirements for U.S. passport holders and other useful travel information.

What do U.S. citizens need to travel to enter Australia?

Americans must have the following documents to enter Australia as a U.S. citizen:

  • Valid U.S. passport
  • Australia visa or travel authorization

Americans, like other international travellers, must also comply with Australia’s other travel rules, such as being in good health and not having any serious criminal convictions.

Learn more about Australia’s general entry requirements.

australia entry requirements for us

What Australian visa type do U.S. citizens need?

U.S. citizens have 2 visa options when travelling to Australia:

  • Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): requested online
  • Embassy visa: obtained in person

ETA Australia for U.S. citizens

The ETA Australia (visa subclass 601) is the most popular choice for U.S. citizens, as the application process is completely electronic.

The travel authorization for Australia has the following features:

  • Validity period: 1 year
  • Number of entries: Multiple
  • Length of stay: 90 days each time
  • Reason for travel: Tourism, business, transit

You can request an ETA for U.S. citizens in a matter of minutes using our simple online application form. The approved travel authorization is then emailed to you.

U.S. Embassy registration with VisitAustralia

An additional benefit to applying for your ETA through our website is our embassy registration option.

U.S. citizens can automatically register with the United States Embassy in Australia through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Benefits of registering with your embassy include:

  • Travel updates and news
  • Registered location in case of safety concerns
  • Communication in case of an emergency back home

To register with STEP, simply select the “Embassy Registration” option on our application form.

Australian embassy visa for U.S. citizens

If the ETA Australia does not fit your travel plans, you’ll need to go to an Australian embassy or consulate in person to request a visa.

You’ll need an embassy visa if you plan to stay in Australia for longer than 90 days, or if you intend to work or study once you’re there.

There are different visas available for U.S. citizens, such as the Work and Holiday Visa (visa subclass 462), which allows you to work white you are in Australia.

You can contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate in your state to find out more about which visas they offer. Australian missions to the U.S. include:

  • Australian Embassy, Washington D.C
  • Australian Consulate-General, Chicago
  • Australian Consulate-General, Honolulu
  • Australian Consulate-General, Houston
  • Australian Consulate-General, Los Angeles
  • Australian Consulate-General, San Francisco
  • Australian Consulate, Denver
  • Australian Consulate, Miami

What are Australia’s health requirements for Americans?

Americans travelling to Australia must not represent a threat to the Australian community. In the case of health requirements, this means not having a highly infectious disease or a condition that may result in a burden to the Australian health system.

Health requirements are usually assessed through health-related questions in the visa application form. However, in rare cases, some passengers may be asked to provide health certificates or undergo medical examinations while in Australia.

Australia entry rules for U.S. citizens: FAQ

Do U.S. citizens need an Australia visa? Toggle faqs

Yes, Americans must have a valid visa to enter Australia. All foreign nationals, except New Zealand passport holders, must meet this requirement. Americans cannot enter Australia without a visa.

However, you can avoid going through an in-person visa application at an Australian diplomatic mission in the U.S. by applying for the ETA online.

What do I need to visit Australia from the U.S.? Toggle faqs

Americans travelling to Australia must have a valid U.S. passport and an approved visa or travel authorization.

How long can U.S. citizens stay in Australia? Toggle faqs

U.S. passport holders with a valid ETA Australia can stay in the country for up to 90 days. The document is multiple-entry, meaning you can use the same authorization to leave Australia and re-enter, staying 90 days each time.

Can Americans apply for an Australia Visa at the airport? Toggle faqs

No, U.S. citizens cannot apply for an Australian visa upon arrival at the airport. American citizens must obtain a visa or an ETA before travelling to Australia.

It’s necessary to complete this process before your trip to avoid any issues at the border.

Can Americans make multiple entries to Australia with a visa? Toggle faqs

Yes, U.S. citizens can make multiple entries to Australia with certain types of visas. The ETA allows multiple entries for up to 12 months, with each stay limited to 90 days.