Do Australians need a visa for the United Kingdom?
Passport, visa, arrival cards and customs rules for Australian passport holders.
Australians don't need a visa for visits of up to six months, but since 8 January 2025 you must hold an approved UK Electronic Travel Authorisation before you travel. It's valid for two years and covers multiple trips - including airside transits.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom at a glance
Length of stay
Up to 6 months per visit
Onward ticket
Required - airlines check this at Australian check-in.
Blank passport pages
1
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Apply through the official UK ETA app or gov.uk. Most decisions arrive within minutes but allow three working days.
Apply on the official siteWhat it costs
| Fee | Amount | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| UK ETA | £16 (about AUD $32) | All Australian visitors, valid 2 years |
How to get sorted, step by step
- Download the official UK ETA app or go to gov.uk/eta and apply - you'll need your passport and a photo.
- Apply at least three working days before you fly, even though most approvals are near-instant.
- Register with your Australian Medicare details in mind - the reciprocal agreement means you can access NHS treatment.
- If you're transiting through a UK airport without clearing immigration, you still generally need the ETA.
What catches Australians out
The ETA is tied to the passport you applied with. Renew your passport and you need a new ETA.
Airlines check for a valid ETA at check-in in Australia - without one you won't board.
An ETA is not a visa. You can't work on it, and border officers still decide admission at the desk.
Ireland is not covered by the UK ETA - but Australians don't need any authorisation for Ireland.
Health cover for Australians in United Kingdom
Australia has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with the UK. You can get medically necessary NHS treatment at the same cost as a UK resident - show your Australian passport and Medicare card. It doesn't cover repatriation, ambulance transfers between hospitals, or pre-arranged treatment, so insurance still matters.
Vaccinations: No vaccinations required.
Medications: Bring prescriptions in original packaging. Australian prescriptions can't be dispensed in the UK, so bring enough for your trip.
Compare travel insurance for United KingdomMore United Kingdom essentials
Further reading: Do Australians need a visa? A country-by-country guide
How these comparisons are made
Entry rules on these pages come from the destination's own immigration authority first, Smartraveller second, and the destination's embassy in Australia third - each page links the exact sources it used. An automated job re-reads those government pages every day and moves the review date only when a person or the checker has confirmed the page still says what we say it says. Read the full editorial policy.
United Kingdom entry requirements FAQs
Is the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation required for Australians visiting the United Kingdom?
Yes. Australian passport holders entering the United Kingdom must complete the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation. It costs £16, and you submit it at least 3 working days before travel. Apply through the official UK ETA app or gov.uk. Most decisions arrive within minutes but allow three working days.
Do Australians need a visa for the UK?
No visa for visits up to six months, but since 8 January 2025 Australians must hold an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before boarding. It costs £16, is valid for two years and covers multiple visits.
Do I need a UK ETA just to transit through Heathrow?
In most cases yes - the ETA requirement generally applies even if you're transiting airside without passing through UK immigration. Check the exemptions on gov.uk for your specific route before you fly.
Does Medicare cover me in the UK?
Partly. Australia's Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with the UK gives you medically necessary NHS treatment at the same cost as a UK resident. Bring your passport and Medicare card. It won't cover repatriation to Australia or non-urgent treatment, so travel insurance is still worth holding.
Planning United Kingdom?
We will send you the United Kingdom guide as it grows - what to book before you go, which eSIM and travel card are worth it there, and what things actually cost in Australian dollars.