🇺🇸 United States
ESTA required — and the one country where insurance isn't optional.
Australians travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program, which means an approved ESTA before you board. It's also the single most expensive country in the world to be sick in: there's no reciprocal health care agreement, and a short hospital stay routinely runs past AUD $50,000.
Your United States trip setup
20 things Australians need to sort. Tick them off as you go.
Entry requirements
ESTA required (Visa Waiver Program)Up to Up to 90 days per entry View detailsConnectivity
Compare 8 plansFrom $10 Compare eSIMsTravel insurance
Compare 5 policysFrom $49.40 Compare insuranceMoney & payments
Compare 5 cards0.43% – 0.65% conversion fee Compare cardsAirport transfer
LAX → Los AngelesFrom $4 Compare optionsDriving
AU licence OKDrives on the right Compare car hireTravel essentials
Adapter type A/BTap water: safe to drink View guideThings to do
Compare 5 experiencesFrom $70 Explore activitiesUnited States at a glance for Australians
Best time to visit
Depends entirely on the region — May – June and September – October avoid both the crowds and the extremes
Hawaii is good year-round; the Northeast is best in autumn; ski season runs December – March.
13h 30m to LAX from Sydney (direct)
Health & safety
Smartraveller: Exercise normal safety precautions
There is no reciprocal health care agreement with the United States and Medicare covers nothing. An ambulance ride alone can cost USD $1,500; a few days in hospital can exceed AUD $100,000. Travel insurance with unlimited or very high medical cover is essential.
Emergency: 911
Money
Universal. Contactless is now standard, and many places are card-only.
Everywhere. Local ATM fees of USD $3 – $6 are on top of your Australian bank's charges.
Tipping: Expected and effectively compulsory. 18 – 22% in restaurants and bars, USD $2 – $5 per bag for porters, 15 – 20% for taxis and rideshares. Tipping screens now default to high percentages — you can adjust them.
Language & culture
English
English: Native
Capital: Washington, D.C.
Where Australians go in United States
Los Angeles
New York
Honolulu
San Francisco
Las Vegas
United States FAQs for Australian travellers
Do Australians need a visa for the USA?
Not for tourism or business stays under 90 days. Australians travel under the Visa Waiver Program and need an approved ESTA instead, which costs USD $40 and is valid for two years. Apply only at the official esta.cbp.dhs.gov site.
How much does an ESTA cost for Australians?
USD $40, around AUD $60, covering two years of unlimited entries. Any site charging more is a third-party reseller adding its own fee.
How long before I fly should I apply for an ESTA?
At least 72 hours. Most applications are approved within minutes, but a small number are referred for manual review and can take several days.
Does Medicare cover me in the United States?
No. There is no reciprocal health care agreement with the US and Medicare provides no cover overseas. Given US hospital costs, travel insurance with a very high or unlimited medical limit is essential.
Can I drive in the US on my Australian licence?
Yes. Your current Australian licence is accepted for short visits in all states. An International Driving Permit isn't required, though carrying one avoids occasional disputes at hire car counters.
How much should I tip in the US?
18 – 22% at restaurants and bars, 15 – 20% for taxis and rideshares, and USD $2 – $5 per bag for hotel porters. Tipping is a core part of workers' income and isn't optional the way it is in Australia.
Watching United States?
We'll email you if the visa, arrival card or entry fee rules change for Australian passport holders travelling to United States.