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Before you go to Australia: what to know

Must know

  • Get the correct visa before travel: ETA, eVisitor and Visitor visas have different eligibility rules. They are linked to your passport.
  • Digital ATD remains a pilot for eligible invited passengers; otherwise complete the Incoming Passenger Card.
  • Nicotine pouches cannot be brought in by travellers. Vaping imports have a narrow therapeutic traveller exemption; check ABF before packing.

Entry and visas

Eligible US passport holders can apply for ETA (601); eligible UK British-citizen and EU/EEA/Swiss passport holders can use eVisitor (651). Both normally allow up to 3 calendar months per visit within 12 months. Other ordinary passport holders generally need a Visitor visa; confirm through Home Affairs before booking.

Online arrival forms and permits

  • Australian ETA (601) ↗ required
    Obtain approval before travel; use the official Australian ETA app · Fee: AUD 20 app service charge · ETA-eligible visitors, including US citizens, who do not hold another suitable visa.
  • Australia Travel Declaration pilot ↗ optional
    Invited eligible Qantas passengers: up to 72 hours before departure · Pilot participants only; all others use the paper Incoming Passenger Card.

Passport validity: Travel with a current valid passport linked to your visa; check transit-country validity rules separately.

At the border you may be asked for

  • Complete the Incoming Passenger Card in English unless using an eligible digital ATD.

Customs

  • Declare AUD 10,000 or more in cash, or foreign-currency equivalent.
  • Check and declare food, plant/animal products and used outdoor equipment as required; if unsure, declare.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au ↗, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au ↗, abf.gov.au ↗, abf.gov.au ↗, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au ↗, abf.gov.au ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are widely accepted.

Payment networks: Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Diners, UnionPay, JCB

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

Where to exchange money

  • Compare the final rate and fees at banks and authorised exchange providers.

Where not to exchange

  • Do not depend on travellers’ cheques; they are not widely accepted.

ATMs: ATMs are widespread, but facilities can be limited in remote towns and the outback. Check issuer fees before travel.

Tipping: Optional; tipping is generally not expected.

  • Carry more than one payment card and some cash. Card surcharges may apply.
  • Wallet support, Mir acceptance and individual ATM fees were not established; confirm with your issuer.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: australia.com ↗, australia.com ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Travellers cannot bring nicotine pouches into Australia.
  • Vaping imports normally require permission. Therapeutic traveller exemption: up to 2 vapes, 20 cartridges/pods and 200 mL liquid in accompanied baggage; controlled drugs have separate rules.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Declare restricted goods and comply with biosecurity instructions.
  • Seatbelts are compulsory; driving and foreign-licence rules vary by state or territory.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: abf.gov.au ↗, abf.gov.au ↗, studyaustralia.gov.au ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Respect the sacred and confidential cultural knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Clothing: Ask hosts about local protocols before visiting Indigenous communities or sacred places.

Etiquette

  • Ask permission before photographing people or recording cultural stories.
  • Check whether permits are needed before entering Indigenous-controlled land.
  • Do not assume one person speaks for every community.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: tourism.australia.com ↗

Climate

Seasons differ by region: summer December–February, winter June–August across much of the country. The northern tropics have a wetter October–April and drier May–September pattern; onset varies locally.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: southern summer; northern wet season
  • February: Feb: southern summer; northern wet season
  • March: Mar: autumn; northern wet season
  • April: Apr: autumn; northern wet season
  • May: May: autumn; northern dry season
  • June: Jun: southern winter; northern dry season
  • July: Jul: southern winter; northern dry season
  • August: Aug: southern winter; northern dry season
  • September: Sep: spring; northern dry season
  • October: Oct: spring; northern rains may begin
  • November: Nov: spring; northern wet season
  • December: Dec: southern summer; northern wet season

Best season: Choose by region: southern summer and northern dry-season trips need different plans.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: bom.gov.au ↗, australia.com ↗

What to pack

  • SPF 50+ sunscreen, sun hat and sunglasses
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Layers suited to the region and season
  • More than one card and a cash reserve for remote travel
  • Australian flat-pin adapter; check appliance voltage

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Nicotine pouches
  • Undeclared restricted food or plant/animal goods
  • Assuming any vape can be imported for recreational use

Practical

Plugs: Australian flat-pin sockets, 220–240 V AC, 50 Hz.

Water: Tap water is generally drinkable; follow signs at unsafe supplies, especially in rural areas.

Traffic: drives on the left

Emergency: 000 for police, ambulance or fire.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: australia.com ↗, australia.com ↗, australia.com ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.