Visas
A visa is a form of permission for a non-citizen to enter, transit or remain in a particular country.
- A visa does not guarantee entry, that decision remains the right of the immigration officials of the country concerned.
- The immigration laws of most countries do not have provision for appeal. Some countries ask visitors to present return tickets and evidence of funds sufficient to cover the intended stay. Others have compulsory currency exchange regulations on entry.
- Some refuse entry to visitors who do not comply with requirements regarding general appearance and clothing, or visitors who are HIV positive.
Visas for visitors to Australia
Information on visas to Australia can be found at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Visas for Australians travelling overseas
We do not issue visas for overseas travel and cannot provide definitive information on visas. Only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their visa requirements. For all countries, contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the country you intend to visit well in advance of travel.
For some destinations Australians visit frequently, additional advice can be found on the Smartraveller website:
- Canada
- China (People's Republic of)
- Fiji
- France
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- India
- Indonesia
- Italy
- Japan
- Malaysia
- New Zealand
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Thailand
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Vietnam
Australia has reciprocal working holiday visa programs with many countries.
Be sure that you obtain all appropriate visas, including transit visas where these are required, and that you provide all the information that is required when applying for visas.
The Australian government is unable to intervene in any cases in which an Australian has been refused a visa or denied entry.
The validity and type of visa issued must be strictly adhered to. Failure to depart the country by the due date may result in a fine and future problems with authorities.
Remember that if there is a problem with your visa, deportation is at your expense.
Passport validity
Many countries require travellers to have at least six months validity remaining on their passports. Immigration authorities may refuse entry if you arrive with less than this. Renew your passport before travel or check with the diplomatic mission of the country concerned in Australia, or your local travel agent, whether this rule applies to them.