United States Visa RequirementsFor Australia passport holders
Australian passport holders can visit the United States under the Visa Waiver Program for up to 90 days, but must obtain prior authorisation through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) at a cost of $21 USD.
Great news! Australia passport holders can enter United States without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
Before travelling, all Australians must apply for ESTA authorisation online at the official US government website: esta.cbp.dhs.gov. The fee is $21 USD, payable by credit card. ESTA is valid for 2 years from approval (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first) and allows multiple trips of up to 90 days each. Applications are usually approved within minutes but can take up to 72 hours: apply at least 72 hours before departure. ESTA is only for tourism, business, or transit. Those intending to work, study for more than 18 hours per week, or stay longer than 90 days must obtain an appropriate visa from a US Embassy before travelling.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Australia to United States: What You Need to Know
The United States is the world's most visited country and a consistently popular destination for Australians, whether for holidays, business, or visiting family and friends. The country is generally safe for tourists in major cities and well-travelled areas, though certain neighbourhoods in large cities have elevated crime rates. DFAT advises exercising normal safety precautions. The high cost of medical care makes comprehensive travel insurance essential.
Practical Tips
Apply for ESTA only through the official government website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov): many third-party sites charge inflated fees for the same service. ESTA approval does not guarantee entry: US Customs and Border Protection officers have the final authority to allow or deny entry. Do not overstay your 90-day limit: overstaying can result in deportation, a ban from future ESTA travel, and potential visa refusal. Medical costs in the US are extremely high: ensure your travel insurance includes at least $1 million in medical coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Australians need a visa for the USA?
Australians do not need a traditional visa but must obtain ESTA authorisation before travel. ESTA costs $21 USD, is valid for 2 years, and allows stays of up to 90 days per trip. Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov only.
How long does ESTA take to be approved?
Most ESTA applications are approved within minutes. However, some applications can take up to 72 hours. Always apply at least 72 hours before your departure date to be safe.
Can Australians work in the USA on ESTA?
No. ESTA is strictly for tourism, business meetings, and short-term activities. Working for a US employer or engaging in paid activities requires the appropriate work visa (such as an H or O visa). Attempting to work on ESTA can result in deportation and future entry bans.
What happens if an Australian overstays 90 days in the USA?
Overstaying your authorised period in the USA is a serious immigration violation. It can result in detention, deportation, a multi-year ban from re-entry, and loss of ESTA eligibility for future travel. You would need to apply for a US visa at an embassy for any future visit. Never overstay without consulting an immigration lawyer first.