Do Australians need a visa for the United States?
Passport, visa, arrival cards and customs rules for Australian passport holders.
Australian passport holders travel under the Visa Waiver Program and must hold an approved ESTA before boarding. An ESTA is not a visa - it's an electronic travel authorisation, valid for two years or until your passport expires.
Entry requirements for United States at a glance
Passport validity
Valid for the duration of your stay; must be a biometric e-passport
Length of stay
Up to 90 days per entry
Onward ticket
A return or onward ticket is a Visa Waiver Program condition.
Blank passport pages
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ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
Apply only through the official esta.cbp.dhs.gov site. Dozens of copycat sites charge two to four times the real fee for the same application.
Apply on the official siteWhat it costs
| Fee | Amount | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| ESTA | USD $40 (about AUD $60) | All Visa Waiver Program travellers, valid 2 years |
How to get sorted, step by step
- Check your passport is a biometric e-passport - every Australian passport issued in the last 15 years is.
- Apply for your ESTA at esta.cbp.dhs.gov at least 72 hours before you fly. Most approvals come through in minutes, but some take days.
- Take out travel insurance with a high medical limit before you pay for anything else.
- Have your first night's US address ready - the ESTA form and immigration both ask for it.
What catches Australians out
If you've visited Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011, you're generally ineligible for the Visa Waiver Program and need a full B1/B2 visa instead.
A criminal record - including some old drink-driving convictions - can make you ineligible for an ESTA.
US border officers have broad power to search phones and laptops.
Cannabis is legal in many states but remains illegal federally, and admitting to use can get you refused entry.
Health cover for Australians in United States
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.
Vaccinations: No vaccinations required. Routine Australian immunisations recommended.
Medications: Bring prescriptions in original packaging with a doctor's letter. Some medications available over the counter in Australia are prescription-only in the US and vice versa.
Compare travel insurance for United StatesMore United States 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 States entry requirements FAQs
Is the ESTA required for Australians visiting the United States?
Yes. Australian passport holders entering the United States must complete the ESTA. It costs USD $40, and you submit it at least 72 hours before departure. Apply only through the official esta.cbp.dhs.gov site. Dozens of copycat sites charge two to four times the real fee for the same application.
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.
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.
Planning United States?
We will send you the United States 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.