Australia Visa RequirementsFor Canada passport holders
Canadian passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to visit Australia. The ETA (subclass 601) is available through the Australian ETA app and costs AUD $20. It allows multiple visits of up to 90 days each within a 12-month period.
Canada passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to Australia.
Download the Australian ETA app (available on iOS and Android) to apply. You will need a valid Canadian passport and a credit card for the AUD $20 fee. Most applications are granted within minutes. Alternatively, apply through a travel agent or airline. The ETA is linked electronically to your passport; no physical label is issued.
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
Canada to Australia: What You Need to Know
Australia offers the Great Barrier Reef, the Outback, Sydney, Melbourne, and extraordinary wildlife. The ETA replaced the older eVisitor subclass 651 for Canadians and is now managed through the AustralianETA smartphone app.
Practical Tips
Australia drives on the left side of the road. An International Driving Permit is recommended alongside your Canadian licence for car rentals. The Opal card (Sydney), Myki (Melbourne), and go card (Brisbane) are reloadable transit cards for public transport. EFTPOS card payments are universal; cash is rarely needed. Australian customs rules are very strict on biosecurity; declare all food, plant, and animal items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadians need a visa for Australia?
Yes. Canadian passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) to visit Australia. The ETA is applied for through the Australian ETA smartphone app and costs AUD $20. It allows multiple visits of up to 90 days each within a 12-month period.
How do Canadians apply for the Australian ETA?
Download the Australian ETA app from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app, scan your Canadian passport, upload a selfie for identity verification, and pay the AUD $20 fee by credit card. Most applications are approved within minutes. The ETA is linked electronically to your passport.
How long does the flight from Canada to Australia take?
Flights from Vancouver to Sydney take approximately 15 to 17 hours direct. From Toronto, flights to Sydney typically take 20 to 22 hours with one connection in Los Angeles, Vancouver, or an Asian hub. Air Canada, Qantas, Air New Zealand, and several Asian carriers operate services on these routes.
What are Australia's strict biosecurity rules that Canadians should know about?
Australia has some of the world's strictest biosecurity rules to protect its unique ecosystem. All food, plant, animal, and related products must be declared on the Incoming Passenger Card. Even some packaged foods may be prohibited. Failure to declare can result in fines of up to AUD $2,664 on the spot or prosecution. When in doubt, declare it.