QuickTravelTools Do I need a visa for Australia with a US passport?
- Passport
- US
- Destination
- Australia
- Purpose
- Tourism
- Stay
- See details
You need an ETA before you fly. It is a short online form, not a full visa.
Verified October 5, 2026
What you need
- Travel authorisation required
You need an ETA before you fly. It is a short online form, not a full visa.
QTT checked Australia's official guidance on October 5, 2026. We re-check these sources and update this page when official rules change.
Official sources
- US passport holders must hold an Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) to visit Australia, applied for via the Australian ETA app; stays of up to 3 months per visit. (Australian Department of Home Affairs, verified October 5, 2026)
- Home Affairs' official 'Explore visa options' finder: enter any nationality to find the visa required for Australia. (Loaded live 2026-10-06.) (Australian Department of Home Affairs, verified October 6, 2026)
Visa rules for all 199 passports: Australia visa hub.
Visa costs and applying
- Fee (eta): 20 AUD, Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) service charge to use the Australian ETA app; no other charge
Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs. - Fee (eta): 0 AUD, eVisitor (subclass 651): no visa application charge
Source: Federal Register of Legislation (legislation.gov.au). - Processing time: In most cases we will tell you of the result of your ETA application immediately
Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs. - Apply: Start the official Visitor visa (subclass 600) - Tourist stream (apply via ImmiAccount)
- Apply: Start the official Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) - Australian ETA app
Apply via the Australian ETA app (iOS/Android)
- Apply: Start the official eVisitor (subclass 651)
For eligible European passport holders; apply via ImmiAccount
Australia at a glance
| Region | Oceania |
|---|---|
| Everyday prices | 89 on our price index (US = 100) |
| Power | Type I sockets, 230/400 V, 50 Hz |
On cost, Australia is one of the pricier places to visit: everyday prices sit at about 89 on a global index where the United States is 100. See how Australia compares to 179 countries.
Pack a plug adapter: US devices use Type A/B/NEMA 14-30/NEMA 14-50, but Australia uses Type I. Voltage differs too (230/400 V there versus 120/240 V, 120/208 V, 277/480 V at home), so check for a dual-voltage label before plugging in. Full plug and voltage guide for Australia.
Good to know about Australia
- Australia takes biosecurity seriously. Declare all food, plant material, and animal products when you arrive. (Smartraveller (Australian Government))
- If you carry AUD 10,000 or more in cash, you must declare it to customs. (Australian Border Force)
- Duty free, you can bring in up to 2.25 litres of alcohol per adult. (Australian Border Force)
- Fill out the Incoming Passenger Card you get on the plane. You hand it to an officer when you land. (Australian Border Force)
Common questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Australia?
Yes. You need an ETA before you fly. It is a short online form, not a full visa.
How long can a US passport holder stay in Australia?
The permitted stay depends on the visa or authorisation issued. Check the official immigration site before booking.
Is the visa information on this page official?
No. This is a summary compiled from official government sources and verified by QuickTravelTools, and it can lag rule changes. Always confirm with Australia's embassy or official immigration portal before you travel.
Nearby destinations for US passport holders
Sorted by distance from Australia, useful if your trip covers more than one country.