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Travelling to Australia from the UK: Visa and Entry Requirements FAQs

Learn about visa requirements for entry to Australia for tourism purposes with this list of frequently asked questions. 

Please note this page is intended to provide general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Tourism Australia is not the Australian government visa granting authority. For information on visas to enter Australia, visitors should seek the most up-to-date information from Australian Government Department of Home Affairs .*

Ready to plan your trip? We're ready to welcome you! Here are some helpful tips for getting your visa sorted: 

• Be sure to secure the appropriate visa before travelling to Australia. Use the Visa Finder to explore your options.
• Ensure all details are correct and provide all required documents when you apply. An incomplete or incorrect application can delay your visa.
• Submitting multiple applications at the same time can slow the process. For visitor visas, submit one application per person, including children. 
• Questions? The Australian Government's Global Service Centre can help.

Australian Visa Information

Unless you are an Australian citizen, you will need a valid Australian visa to enter the country. New Zealand passport holders can apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. All other passport holders, regardless of age, must apply for a visa before leaving home. You can apply for a range of Australian visa types, including tourist visas and working holiday visas, via the ETA app or on the  Department of Home Affairs website.

There are different Australian visa types available for travellers to Australia. Knowing which Australian visa to apply for depends on the length of your stay, your passport and the purpose of your visit. You’ll also need to meet certain financial and medical requirements, be outside of Australia when applying and maintain health insurance for the duration of your stay. 

Electronic Travel Authority visa  (subclass 601) This visa allows you to visit Australia as many times as you want, for up to a year, and stay for three months each visit. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of countries and regions, who live outside Australia. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is  here .

All ETA-eligible passport holders must apply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app. Agents can assist you in the application process, but you must be physically present as a live facial image is required.

eVisitor  (subclass 651) This is a free visa for multiple visits to Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three months at a time within a 12-month period. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of European countries and it cannot be extended.

Visitor visa  (subclass 600) The Visitor visa allows you to visit Australia, either for tourism or business purposes. It is open to all nationalities. Generally, a period of stay of up to three months is granted, but up to 12 months may be granted in certain circumstances. Applicants will have to pay a fee to submit their application.

The application process may differ depending on which visa you need.

You can only apply for the  Electronic Travel Authority visa  (subclass 601) through the Australian ETA app. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is located  here .

For other visas, you can apply online by creating an ImmiAccount and completing the application process. Be sure to submit your application well in advance of your travel date to allow enough time for processing. You may be asked to provide further supporting information. You will be notified in writing if your tourist visa is approved and it will be digitally linked to your passport. For more information on different visa types, and Australian visa requirements including how to apply for an Australian visa, visit the  Department of Home Affairs  website.

If you are already in Australia and hold a valid Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601) you can extend your stay by applying for another visa, such as a Visitor visa (subclass 600). An eVisitor (subclass 651) cannot be extended.

See the Department of Home Affairs website for details.

Working Holiday Visas

Australia's Working Holiday Maker program allows visitors aged under 30 (or 35 in certain cases) who hold a passport from a participating country to travel and work in Australia. Working holiday visas are valid for one year, or up to three years if you meet certain conditions.

Find out more about working holiday visas here .

*Australian visa regulations (including visa application charges) change from time to time. The information provided here is valid at the time of publication, but visitors should check this information is still current by visiting the Australian Department of Home Affairs .

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Advice for dual nationals.

Read this page in another language: العربية , 中文 简体 ,  中文繁體 ,  Bahasa Indonesia ,  日本語 , 한국어 ,  Tiếng Việt , ภาษาไทย .

This page is for Australians with more than one nationality. 

Explore this page to learn about: 

• what is a dual national?
• passports and visas  
• compulsory military service overseas  
• access to healthcare overseas  
• marriage, divorce and child custody  
• consular services for dual nationals  

What is a dual national? 

A dual national holds nationality in more than one country. 

Whether you're a dual national depends on the laws of Australia and the other country. 

You could be a dual national if you: 

• have a parent who is a national of another country 
• marry a national of another country 
• apply for and receive citizenship of another country 
• were born overseas. 

A country can view you as a national even if you don't accept it. Many won't let you give up your nationality. Some only let you give it up through a formal process. 

Some countries don't recognise dual nationality. 

Before you travel, check with the country's  embassy or consulate  if: 

• you think you may be a national 
• they expelled you in the past. They may not allow you back in. 

Passports and visas 

An Australian passport is the best proof of Australian citizenship overseas. 

Leaving and entering Australia 

Use your Australian passport when going in or out of Australia. 

You may have issues coming into Australia on a foreign passport. Airlines may not let you board a plane to Australia without either 

• proof of Australian citizenship 
• an Australian passport 
• a valid visa. 

You can travel on another country's passport once you leave Australia. 

Read more  about citizenship and travel . 

Entering and leaving your other country of nationality 

You can enter and leave your other country of nationality on that country's passport. 

If you use that country's passport, local authorities may not view you as Australian. This can limit the Australian government's ability to help you. 

Some countries have rules for exiting nationals. You may need an exit permit or visa. 

Check with the  embassy or consulate  of your other country before you travel. 

Compulsory military service for dual nationals 

Some countries require their citizens to do military service. You may have to serve if you visit the country. 

Your other country may let you visit briefly without starting military service. Or you may have to start as soon as you arrive. 

You're breaking the law if you don't do your military service. They may arrest you as a defaulter. Even if you're past the age for military service. 

Check your military service duties with your other country's  embassy or consulate . Get this advice in writing before leaving Australia. Take a copy with you. 

Access to healthcare overseas 

Some countries may let you use public healthcare as a national. But being a national doesn't always mean you can use local services. Particularly if you don't live or pay tax there. 

Get travel insurance that covers healthcare. Even if you're going to a country where you hold nationality. 

Read our  travel insurance advice . 

Marriage, divorce and child custody 

Dual nationality can make marriage, divorce and child custody more complicated. 

• Australia recognises marriages done overseas if they meet Australian laws. But some agencies won't accept a foreign certificate as proof of a name change. 
• Marriages done in Australia aren't always recognised in other countries. 
• Some countries don't recognise divorces settled in Australia. 

Ask your other country's  embassy or consulate  if you're concerned about your marriage or divorce being recognised.  

Dual nationality can affect court decisions about child custody. Particularly if one parent wants to leave Australia. 

You must have the other parent's consent to leave Australia with your children. You could be charged with child abduction if you don't. 

Read our advice on  getting married overseas  and  travelling with children . Also, see  advice about marriage  (Attorney General's Department). 

Consular services for dual nationals 

Dual nationality can impact how and when we can help you overseas. If you're in your other country of nationality, their government may not let us help you. 

If you need help overseas, contact local resources first. You may be able to access support as a national. 

The  Consular Services Charter  explains how we can help Australians overseas. 

What we can do in your other country of citizenship 

• We can  provide  Australian passport services . 
• We can   legalise documents . 
• We can  give you a list of local English-speaking doctors or lawyers. 

What we can't do in your other country of citizenship 

• We can't  provide consular help if their government doesn't view you as Australian. 
• We can't  get you out of military service. Or out of jail if you've been charged as a defaulter. 
• We can't  get you out of trouble if you've been arrested. 
• We can't  give you legal advice. 

Read next 

• See our advice about  Australian Passports . 
• Read more on  travelling with children . 
• Learn more about  getting married overseas  and  forced marriage . 
• See our advice on  taking care of your health . 

Read more 

• Read and subscribe to the  travel advice for your destinations . 
• See the  CHOICE travel insurance buying guide . 
• Read the  Consular Services Charter  to learn how and when we can help. 
• Learn what to do  when things go wrong  overseas. 

See also 

• Learn about  passports for dual nationals . 
• Find more  about Australian citizenship . 

Related content

This page has general information on visa-free travel to European countries.

Foreign governments often require you to get a visa before they let you enter. This page provides general advice and information about visas overseas.

• AustraliaDreamer
• Travel To Australia On British Passport

Are you dreaming of exploring the stunning landscapes and vibrant cities of Australia? With a British passport, you have the opportunity to make your travel dreams come true. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about traveling to Australia on a British passport.

Why Travel to Australia on a British Passport?

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Traveling to Australia on a British passport offers numerous advantages. Firstly, there is no need to obtain a visa before your trip. British passport holders can enter Australia as tourists and stay for up to 3 months without a visa. This makes planning your trip hassle-free and allows you to focus on enjoying your adventure.

Furthermore, Australia is an English-speaking country, which means that communication will be a breeze for British travelers. You can easily navigate your way around and connect with the friendly locals.

As mentioned earlier, British passport holders do not need a visa for stays of up to 3 months in Australia. However, it is important to note that you must have a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining from your planned date of departure. It is also recommended to check the latest travel advice from the UK government before your trip, as visa requirements can change.

Australia boasts a myriad of breathtaking destinations that cater to all kinds of travelers. Whether you are seeking vibrant city life, stunning beaches, or unique wildlife encounters, Australia has it all. Some top destinations to consider include:

• Sydney: Explore the iconic Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, and the picturesque Sydney Harbour.
• Melbourne: Immerse yourself in the city's vibrant arts scene, visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, and indulge in delicious cuisine.
• Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef: Dive into the world's largest coral reef system, teeming with colorful marine life.
• Ayers Rock (Uluru): Witness the awe-inspiring sight of the massive sandstone monolith and learn about its cultural significance.
• The Great Ocean Road: Embark on a scenic road trip along the coast, admiring the Twelve Apostles and stunning coastal vistas.

Australia's climate varies across its vast expanse, so the best time to visit depends on the region you plan to explore. Generally, the best time to visit is during the Australian summer (December to February) when the weather is warm and perfect for beach activities. However, it is important to note that the northern parts of Australia have a wet season during this time, so it's worth considering the weather patterns of your intended destinations.

Before embarking on your Australian adventure, here are some travel tips to keep in mind:

• Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unexpected events or medical emergencies.
• Check the latest travel advice and entry requirements from the UK government before your trip.
• Be mindful of Australia's strict biosecurity regulations and avoid bringing prohibited items into the country.
• Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, as Australia's UV rays can be intense.
• Respect the local culture and customs, including Indigenous traditions and sacred sites.

Australia offers a plethora of exciting activities and attractions to suit every interest. Here are some must-see and must-do experiences:

• Explore the stunning Blue Mountains National Park near Sydney, known for its breathtaking scenery and hiking trails.
• Get up close and personal with iconic Australian wildlife at wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
• Embark on a thrilling adventure in the Outback and witness the mesmerizing sunrise over Uluru.
• Indulge in water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing along the pristine coastlines.
• Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture by joining cultural tours and learning about their rich traditions.

Getting around Australia is relatively easy, thanks to its well-developed transportation infrastructure. Domestic flights are a popular choice for covering long distances between major cities. Alternatively, you can opt for road trips and explore the country at your own pace. Australia also has an extensive network of trains and buses, making it convenient to travel within cities and to regional areas.

Australia offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. From luxury hotels and resorts to budget-friendly hostels and holiday rentals, there is something for everyone. It is advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure the best deals and availability.

Australia is a culinary paradise, offering a diverse range of cuisines influenced by its multicultural population. Don't miss the chance to savor fresh seafood, iconic meat pies, delicious barbecue, and world-class wines. Whether you dine in trendy restaurants or sample street food at local markets, Australia's food scene is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Australia is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, it is always important to take necessary precautions and adhere to basic safety measures. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and be cautious of wildlife encounters, especially in remote areas. It is also recommended to have travel insurance that covers any medical emergencies during your trip.

The currency used in Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD). It is advisable to carry some Australian currency for small expenses, but credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout the country. ATMs are readily available, and currency exchange services can be found at airports, banks, and major tourist areas.

Australians are known for their laid-back and friendly nature. When visiting, it is appreciated to greet people with a smile and a simple "hello" or "g'day." Tipping is not as common in Australia as it is in some other countries, but it is always welcomed for exceptional service.

Traveling to Australia on a British passport opens up a world of adventure and discovery. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique wildlife, Australia offers a truly unforgettable experience. Pack your bags, prepare your itinerary, and get ready to explore the wonders of Down Under!

Frequently Asked Questions

No, British passport holders can enter Australia as tourists and stay for up to 3 months without a visa.

British passport holders can stay in Australia for up to 3 months without a visa.

While visiting Australia on a tourist visa, you are not permitted to work. If you wish to work in Australia, you will need to explore appropriate work visa options.

Yes, you can use your valid British driving license to drive in Australia. However, it is recommended to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your license for added convenience.

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Passport validity and foreign visas

Can i use my current passport until it expires.

If you're in Australia and your current passport is valid when you renew, it will be cancelled. This means you will be unable to use it for travel. You should avoid travelling outside Australia using the expiring passport. If it’s cancelled while you’re overseas, you may be stuck without a valid passport.

When you apply to renew your passport, we recommend marking your old passport as a reminder that’s it’s no longer valid, for example, placing a sticker on its cover.

When you receive your new passport, you should:

• update travel bookings with your new passport number
• keep it separate from your old passport to avoid taking the wrong passport to the airport.

Other countries and airlines have passport validity rules that influence how you use your passport. For example, you can’t enter some countries if you have less than 6 months validity on your passport from the date you intend to leave that country. This may apply when you’re transiting or stopping over in the country.

Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it will be valid long enough, consider renewing.

Visit Smartraveller.gov.au for trusted travel advice on safety and security issues, local laws and customs and entry requirements.

Can I use foreign visas from an old passport?

Many countries don’t accept visas in expired passports.  You may have to get new visas.  Keep in mind that some visas are electronic, and there may be no physical evidence of them in your passport. 

If you're planning to travel to the United States of America under the visa waiver program, you need to have a passport with an electronic chip. All current Australian passports, except  emergency passports , have an electronic chip.

Find a foreign embassy or consulate

How your passport and pernickety rules could stop YOU from travelling

• Has this happened to YOU? Email [email protected] 

British holiday-makers are being warned about pernickety rules on passports which could ruin travel plans - after families were denied permission to fly.

Small paper tears and ink stains are among the petty hindrances which have seen families turned back at airport check-ins, the latest victims being a Rochdale family of three.

They say they they lost out on a £2,500 holiday after a father was stopped from boarding the plane due to a 'near invisible' ink stain on his passport.

Charlotte Estlick had wanted to jet off from Manchester Airport for a package holiday to Dalaman in Turkey with her husband Myk, 28, and their six-year-old daughter Nyla.

But after arriving at Terminal 2 to check-in on May 3, the mother-of-one claims her partner was refused travel due to his passport being lightly marked with blue ink after appearing to have got wet.

Another traveller who found himself frustrated was 31-year-old Nathan Barnes, from Norwich, who was told he could not fly because his passport was more than 10 years old  - despite not having expired yet.

He was travelling with his fiancé to visit family in Limoge, France, but fell foul of a new rule brought in since Britain left the EU.

Meanwhile, another devastated family spent £7,000 on a luxury family holiday to Thailand only to be rejected at the airport when check-in staff discovered a tiny tear in a passport .

Oldham childminder Suzanne Senior's daughter Bethany had a millimetre-long tear in her passport, spotted by Qatar Airways staff also at Manchester Airport.

And a Ryanair passenger was unable to board a flight for a £1,000 dream holiday because of a tiny tear in his passport, it was reported in January this year.

Jake Burton, 19, from Mansfield, was due to go on his first-ever flight to Benidorm with his parents to celebrate the New Year.

But the discount airline told him he was unable to board  after he failed the final check.

A spokesperson for Ryanair said: 'This 19-year-old adult passenger was correctly refused travel on this flight from East Midlands to Alicante by the gate agent at East Midlands Airport as his passport was damaged and therefore not valid for travel.'

The UK Government website states that 'a damaged passport is one which the customer cannot use as proof of identity because of its condition'.

The website goes on to detail several scenarios where a passport is deemed damage - including 'laminate peeling' and 'back or personal details page has been cut'.

Travel experts have pointed out some of the essential yet lesser-known rules regarding passports which holiday-makers should bear in mind this summer.

When travelling to the EU, a 10-year British passport is only valid for entry for exactly 10 years after the date of issue, regardless of the date of expiry.

Before September 2018, passport holders could have up to nine months added to their passport expiry date if they renewed their 10-year passport early.

Yet Post-Brexit, while the official validity of your passport may be beyond 10 years, the European Union does not recognise these extra months if your passport is older than a decade on the date you enter an EU nation.

On top of this, you must also have at least three months' validity on your passport beyond the date you intend to leave the EU's free-movement Schengen territory.

This means visitors must pay careful attention to the issue date and the expiry date.

Travellers are also advised to always check the specific entry requirements for the country being visited on the gov.uk website, since regulations around passport validity vary from nation to nation.

Most countries such as Australia, Canada and the USA just need your passport to be valid for the length of your stay.

But others such as China, Thailand, Egypt and Turkey require at least six months - and, as above, you will need at least three months' validity on your passport from the intended day of departure from the EU.

As well as being on the alert for tears or stains, people should also be wary of running out of space if a passport is filling up with stamps - and should be renewed if there is little room left, even if it still has years to run before expiring.

Some countries can be fussy about passports with filled pages - with Italy and South Africa among those who insist on at least two being entirely blank.

Those who have enough time before setting off have also been encouraged to apply for a new passport online rather than by post.

The current fee for a standard online application made from within the UK is £88.50 for adults and £57.50 for children, increased last month from £82.50 and £53.50.

At the same time the cost of a standard postal application rose from £93 to £100 for adults and from £64 to £69 for children.

Passports are usually issued within three weeks if applying within the UK, but customers are advised to apply in good time before travelling, according to gov.uk. 

There are two ways to apply for an urgent passport, the first being a 'one-day Premium' service.

Customers are asked to book an appointment at their nearest passport office, apply and pay online, before getting their new passport at their appointment.

The second is the one-week' fast track' service, by which customers can also book an appointment at their nearest passport office, apply and pay online.

This time a new passport is delivered to their home within the subsequent seven days, excluding bank holidays - but passport office appointment slots, each lasting around 10 minutes, are snapped up quickly.

The one-day premium service costs £193.50 for an adult passport, while the one-week fast track service sets people back £155 for the same.

Those needing a passport to travel urgently for healthcare or because a loved one is seriously ill or has died are urged to call the 'Passport Adviceline' instead.

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• Entering and staying in the UK
• Border control

Australian nationals can now use ePassport gates to enter the UK

Eligible travellers from Australia can now use ePassport gates to enter the UK quickly and securely.

E-Passport gates at UK border

Australia nationals aged 18 and over, and who are travelling using a biometric or ‘chipped’ passport, will be able to use the automated e-passport gates. Visitors aged 12 to 17-years-old, and who are accompanied by an adult, are also able to use them.

The UK is already a world leader in automated passenger clearance, allowing more nationalities to use ePassport gates than anywhere else.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid said:

Our new global immigration and border system will improve security and fluidity for passengers coming to visit or work in the UK. Expanding the use of ePassport gates is a key part of this and allows us to improve passenger experience arriving in the UK while keeping our border secure. I’m delighted that Australian nationals will benefit from their use and have a smooth beginning to their visit to our country.

The Government is also removing the need for travellers from Australia and all other non-EEA countries to fill in landing cards upon arrival in the UK, making for a smoother entry to the country.

Non-EEA passengers are currently required to complete a landing card and present it to an immigration officer.

There were 1.4 million arrivals in the UK of Australian nationals in 2017.

Allowing Australian nationals to use ePassport gates will have a positive impact on their border experience, providing them with faster entry to the UK.

ePassport gates use facial recognition technology to compare the passenger’s face to the digital image recorded in the passport.

They are monitored by UK Border Force officers and anyone rejected at the gates will be sent to a manned channel to have their identity and passport checked.

In the year ending September 2018, 51.9 million passengers used them across the UK and juxtaposed controls.

The expansion of ePassport gates is part of the UK’s vision of a new global border and immigration system that makes better use of data and technology to improve security and fluidity across the border.

• The majority of travellers from Australia are eligible to use ePassport gates.
• children aged 11 and under and their accompanying adults
• those without chipped passports
• limited numbers of individuals coming for distinct migration purposes where they require specific grants of leave from an immigration officer

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Media enquiries

Abbey Donaldson

Senior Communications Officer

British High Commission, Canberra

Tel: 02 6270 6658

Mobile: 0400 745 838

Email: [email protected]

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