Passport/Visa Requirements: Citizens of Canada and the U.S. need passports and an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which substitutes for a visa. The ETA is free and available through travel agents and airlines. (Most people get their ETA on the inbound flight.) Contact the nearest Australian embassy for more information.

Along with a current passport valid for the duration of your stay, the Australian government requires a visa from visitors of every nation, except New Zealand, to be issued before you arrive. If you are short-term visitor or business traveler, the process is easy and can be done in a few minutes on the Internet, using the Australian government’s Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). This is an electronic visa that takes the place of a stamp in your passport.

You can apply for an ETA yourself, or have your travel agent or airline do it for you when you book your plane ticket. There is a A$20 (US$13) charge, payable by credit card (Amex, Diners Club, MasterCard, or Visa). Assuming you do not have a criminal conviction and are in good health, your ETA should be approved quickly. You can also apply for the visa at Australian embassies, high commissions, and consulates. Children traveling on their parent’s passport must have their own ETA.

Fees mentioned in this section are in Australian dollars; the exact amount charged by the Australian embassy, consulate, or high commission in your country will depend on the foreign currency exchange rate.

Customs

There are strict laws prohibiting or restricting the entry of drugs, steroids, weapons, firearms, protected wildlife and associated products. If you are unsure about anything declare it to Customs upon arrival.

Tax Free/Duty Free

Each traveller over 18 years of age can bring into Australia 1125ml of alcoholic liquor and 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco products duty/tax free. For other goods, including those intended as gifts, a duty/tax-free allowance of $A400 per person or $A200 per person under 18 is available. These articles must accompany you through Customs and must not be intended for commercial purposes.

Cash and foreign currency

If you bring in or take out of Australia more than $A10,000 cash or the equivalent in foreign currency (travellers cheques excluded), you must declare it to Customs. Failure to do is an offence.

Medications

Medicinal products brought into Australia are subject to strict controls and should be declared on arrival. It is advisable to have a letter or prescription from your doctor describing your medical condition and the medication.

Luggage inspection

Luggage and hand baggage may be inspected before passengers board domestic and international flights. Also upon arrival into Australia all luggage may be inspected. You need to declare all items of a quarantine concern, otherwise you may be fined or prosecuted. For further information please see Department of Immigration & Multicultural Affairs.

Passenger Movement Charge

Australia’s Passenger Movement Charge (departure tax) is $A38 per person and is pre-paid with your international airline ticket. Exemptions apply to children under 12 years and 24 hour transit passengers.

There may be other government, airport and sea taxes and levies applicable which are usually included in your ticket.