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Update April 12, 2024

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Travel Advisory September 8, 2023

Australia - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with removal of major event information.

Exercise normal precautions in Australia. 

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Australia.

If you decide to travel to Australia:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Australia.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid at time of entry

One page required for entry stamp

Amounts over AUD 10,000, or equivalent, must be declared

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. consulate general sydney.

Suite 2, 50 Miller Street North Sydney, NSW 2060 Australia Telephone:  +(61) (2) 2 8219-2100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(61) (2) 4422-2201 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Embassy Canberra (The Embassy does not provide consular services.) Moonah Place Yarralumla, ACT 2600 Australia Telephone: +(61) (2) 6214-5600 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(61) (2) 411-424-608 Fax: +(61) (2) 6214-5970

U.S. Consulate General Melbourne 553 St. Kilda Road Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia Telephone: +(61) (3) 9526-5900 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(61) (3) 9389-3601 Fax: +(61) (3) 9526-5968 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Perth 4th Floor 16 St. George's Terrace Perth, WA 6000 Australia Telephone: +(61) (8) 6144-5100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(61) (8) 9476-0081 Fax: +(61) (8) 9325-5914 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.   

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

You must have a valid U.S. passport and a visa or an approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia. Most U.S. passport holders traveling to Australia for tourism or business purposes for less than 90 days can obtain an ETA. The ETA is an electronic label-free visa and can be obtained at the ETA website for a small service fee. Airlines and many travel agents in the United States are also able to apply for ETAs on behalf of travelers.

If you overstay your ETA or any other visa, even for short periods, you may be subject to exclusion, detention, and removal by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

If you are travelling on a valid U.S. ePassport (a passport that contains an electronic chip) and are 16 years of age or older, you are eligible to use Australia’s automated border processing system, SmartGate, upon arrival in Australia (SmartGate kiosks are available only at participating airports). There is no additional enrollment process or fee to use SmartGate. Visit the SmartGate website for more information and for a list of participating airports in Australia.

Visit the Embassy of Australia website for the most current visa information.  

HIV/AIDS restrictions. Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors and foreigners seeking permanent residence in Australia. Depending on the type of visa you apply for, the length of your stay, and your intended activities in Australia, you may be required to undergo a medical examination before the Australian Department of Home Affairs will issue you a visa.

If you are in the application process, and are found to be HIV positive, a decision on the application will be considered on the same grounds as any other pre-existing medical condition (such as tuberculosis or cancer), with the focus on the cost to Australia’s health care and community services.

Additional information about Australian immigration health requirements can be found here.

Please verify this information with the Embassy of Australia in Washington D.C. before you travel. 

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Terrorists have targeted, and could continue to target, Australia.

• Australia has an alert system for possible terrorist attacks. The threat levels range from “not expected” to “certain.” The Australian National Security website has up-to-date information regarding the current terrorism threat level. You may also contact the Australian National Security Hotline at 61-1-800-123-400.
• U.S. citizens in Australia should remain vigilant toward their personal security and exercise caution.
• Australian law protects the right of individuals and groups to engage in peaceful protest and to publicly express their views. Demonstrations and political rallies are generally approved by local authorities and well publicized. However, please be cautious of any possible confrontation that could escalate into violence. You should attempt to avoid the areas of demonstrations and be careful within the vicinity of any demonstrations. You should stay current with media coverage of local events and always be aware of your surroundings.
• You should be aware that robberies, burglaries, assault, and auto theft are common in Australia’s larger cities.
• Foreign visitors in popular tourist areas are targets for pickpockets, purse-snatchers, and petty thieves. Most petty crime can be avoided if basic security precautions are taken.
• Be careful when visiting bars or clubs in the entertainment areas of major cities, as “bar brawls” and other assaults sometimes occur. You should watch out for drink spiking when consuming alcohol with unfamiliar people.

See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime:

• Report crimes to the local police at 000 and contact the U.S. Consulate in your district.
• The local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.
• See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• Help you find appropriate medical care.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms.
• Provide a list of local attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide information about Australian Victim Assistance programs.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. consulate in your district for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated, and rules and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage, and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, imprisoned or deported.

• It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings, such as inside certain areas of Australian airports, near prisons, and at military bases.
• Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Alcohol and Drugs:

• Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy sentences and fines. Please see Australia’s Department of Health webpage for further information. 
• Driving under the influence of alcohol can result in jail time.
• Random breath testing of a driver's blood alcohol level is a common occurrence.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Potential Health Screening: Australian authorities have broad powers to prevent the entry of diseases and other materials into Australia that might pose a threat to its welfare. In the event of a public health emergency involving a communicable disease, passengers arriving in Australia may be subject to strict health screening measures, including testing, monitoring, and assessment for possible quarantine.

Customs: Australian customs authorities enforce very strict regulations concerning the importation from all countries of items such as agricultural goods, including plants and food products, and wood products, as well as very strict quarantine standards for animals and pets. Can you bring it in?

Contact the Embassy of Australia in Washington, D.C., or one of Australia's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements, and visit the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture website for additional information.

Natural Disasters:

Australia experiences a range of natural disasters, including bushfires, floods, and severe storms. These events are difficult to predict and can result in loss of life. You should be aware of conditions around you and monitor local weather and safety reports so you can take appropriate action when needed.

See our webpage for information on storm preparedness and response.

Safety Concerns:

Outdoor Recreation/Adventure

• Be aware that Australian fauna can be dangerous. From jellyfish to crocodiles, sharks, poisonous insects, and snakes, the continent and its waters host wildlife that merit awe and respect in equal doses.
• Visit the Wet Tropics Management Authority visitor information guide for information on Australian wildlife and marine life.
• Take important safety precautions when swimming, such as swimming only between the flags where a lifeguard is present, and never swimming alone.
• Further information on beach safety can be found on the Surf Life Saving website.

Follow recommended precautions when snorkeling and scuba diving and never dive alone. Over the past few years, there have been numerous deaths related to snorkeling and scuba diving incidents.

Faith-Based Travelers : See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Australia. Australian federal law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation.

As of December 9, 2017 Australia defines marriage as “the union between two people.” Australia grants temporary and permanent visas to same-sex partners of Australian citizens.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance

• Australia enforces laws prohibiting discrimination against access to premises, facilities, and accommodation.
• Many of the downtown areas of Australian cities were built in the 1800s. These areas often have narrow sidewalks crowded with pedestrians and tourists.
• Most public transit, parking, streets, and buildings are accessible for disabled travelers.
• Tourist spots at the beach or in the Australian outback can have varying degrees of accessibility.
• Many accommodations and venues provide accessibility information on their websites.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Australia, dial 000.

Ambulance services are widely available.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

• Excellent medical care is available in Australia.
• Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
• Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on overseas insurance coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

Prescriptions:

• If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of  Australia  to ensure the medication is  legal in   Australia .
• Always, carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of hospitals and a link to the Australian National Health Services Directory at Medical Assistance - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Australia (usembassy.gov) . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Australia.

Pharmaceuticals:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.  

Adventure Travel

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel .

Air Quality

Air pollution is a significant problem during certain months in Australia due to bush fires. Consider the impact seasonal bush fire season pollution may have on your health and consult your doctor before traveling.

The air quality varies considerably and changes with the season. It is typically at its worst in the bush fire season. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:

• Infants, children, and teens
• People over 65 years of age
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
• People with heart disease or diabetes
• People who work or are active outdoors

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:

• Traffic operates on the left side of the road, and all vehicles use right-hand drive.
• Use caution when crossing streets and when driving.
• When crossing roads on foot, make sure you look carefully in all directions.
• Seat belt use by drivers and all passengers is mandatory, and fines apply for not wearing them.
• Motorcyclists must wear helmets.
• Speed limits and laws are rigorously enforced. Speed limits vary throughout Australia and are measured in kilometers, not miles. Be aware that speed cameras are everywhere and you will be ticketed for driving over the speed limit.
• Roads and streets are frequently narrower and less graded than U.S. highways.
• Outside major metropolitan areas, most highways are two-lane roads with significant distances between destinations.
• When driving in Australia, exercise caution while passing or merging with adjacent traffic.
• If driving in rural areas, be alert to free-roaming animals, such as kangaroos, and "road-trains" (several semi-truck trailers connected together).
• Passing road-trains is dangerous, and you should pull over to allow on-coming road-trains to pass to avoid being sideswiped.
• If you have no experience with a 4-wheel drive vehicle, you should exercise common-sense when driving in the Australian outback.

Traffic Laws:

• Each state/territory has different rules about using a foreign driver’s license and the conditions under which a visitor might have to get an international driver’s license. More information about  driving rules and regulations is available by state .
• Texting or holding your phone while driving is against the law in Australia, but you can use a hands-free system to communicate while driving.
• For specific information concerning Australian driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, mandatory insurance, and the rental and operation of motor vehicles in Australia, visit the  Australian Tourist Commission website.

Public Transportation:  Australia has an extensive and safe public transportation network consisting of buses, streetcars, ferries, trains, and subways. Metered taxis and ride sharing services are also prevalent. Use common sense safety practices, such as guarding valuables and remaining aware of your surroundings, on all public transportation.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Australia’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Australia’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Australia should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA broadcast warnings website  portal select “broadcast warnings”.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Australia .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Australia Visa and Passport Requirements

To enter Australia, a valid passport is required by the nationals referred to in the chart above. There is no minimum passport validity required to enter Australia.

Passport Note

Incoming Passenger Card : It is mandatory for arriving passengers to fill out an Incoming Passenger Card .

Unless you are an Australian citizen, all nationals, regardless of age, must apply for a visa before leaving home. The only exception is New Zealand passport holders – they can apply for a visa upon arrival.

All foreigners need a visa to enter Australia and there are two main types of visa – ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) and Tourist Stream – for tourism purposes.

ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) ETA allows you to visit Australia as often as you wish in a 12-month period. Stay up to 3 months each time you enter Australia. Nationals of these countries are eligible for ETA: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong SAR, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan (excluding official or diplomatic passports), United Kingdom (including British National Overseas), United States of America, and Vatican City.

Tourist stream The Tourist stream visa allows you to visit Australia as a tourist, go on a cruise, see family and friends and for purposes other than business or medical treatment.

Important note: if you have a criminal conviction in any country, you should apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) and provide evidence about your criminal convictions.

Types and Cost

ETA: free, but a A$20 service charge applies.

Tourist stream: A$150 for each applicant, and you may also have to pay for health checks, police certificates and biometrics.

ETA: 12 months from the date of issue or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

Tourist stream: varies according to one’s circumstances.

A transit visa is required even if you stay in the transit lounge and do not leave the airport.

However, some nationals can transit without a visa in Australia provided that: • You will arrive in Australia by aircraft. • You have a confirmed ticket to leave Australia to travel to a third country by aircraft within eight (8) hours of arriving. • You have a valid travel document to enter the country of destination. • You must not need to clear immigration or leave the airport transit lounge for any reason before boarding your onwards flight. If you need to clear immigration, for example to collect baggage or to board an onwards flight, you will need an Australian visa. • You are from one of these eligible countries: Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Monaco, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu and Vatican.

Application to

ETA and Tourist stream: create an ImmiAccount on https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login and proceed from there.

Working days

ETA: ETA applications are usually processed immediately. However, your application may take longer to process if you don't fill in the form correctly or if the authority requires more time to verify your information.

Tourist stream: from 1 day to 37 days.

Sufficient Funds

All visitors must have sufficient funds to support their holidays in Australia.

Extension of stay

ETA and Tourist stream: you can't stay in Australia longer by extending your ETA or Tourist stream visa. You must apply for another visa.

Entry with children

All travellers, regardless of age, require a visa to visit Australia. If your children have their own passport, you should apply for a separate ETA or Tourist stream visa for each child.

Entry with pets

All cats and dogs being imported to Australia, whether it be for the first time or returning, must meet strict import conditions set by the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources ( www.agriculture.gov.au/cats-dogs ).

Embassies and tourist offices

Embassy of australia in the usa.

Mon-Fri 0830-1700 (embassy); Mon-Fri 0900-1200 and 1400-1600 (visa office hours).

Australian High Commission in the UK

Mon-Fri 0900-1700 (general); Mon-Fri 0930-1130 (notarial and document services); Mon-Fri 0900-1600 (passport services).

British High Comission in Australia

Mon-Fri 0845-1230 and 1330-1700.

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Australian Visa and Entry Requirements FAQs

Learn about visa requirements for entry to Australia for tourism purposes with this list of frequently asked questions. 

Please note this page is intended to provide general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Tourism Australia is not the Australian government visa granting authority. For information on visas to enter Australia, visitors should seek the most up-to-date information from Australian Government Department of Home Affairs .*

Ready to plan your trip? We're ready to welcome you! Here are some helpful tips for getting your visa sorted: 

• Be sure to secure the appropriate visa before travelling to Australia. Use the Visa Finder to explore your options.
• Ensure all details are correct and provide all required documents when you apply. An incomplete or incorrect application can delay your visa.
• Submitting multiple applications at the same time can slow the process. For visitor visas, submit one application per person, including children. 
• Questions? The Australian Government's Global Service Centre can help.

Australian Visa Information

Unless you are an Australian citizen, you will need a valid Australian visa to enter the country. New Zealand passport holders can apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. All other passport holders, regardless of age, must apply for a visa before leaving home. You can apply for a range of Australian visa types, including tourist visas and working holiday visas, via the ETA app or on the  Department of Home Affairs website.

There are different Australian visa types available for travellers to Australia. Knowing which Australian visa to apply for depends on the length of your stay, your passport and the purpose of your visit. You’ll also need to meet certain financial and medical requirements, be outside of Australia when applying and maintain health insurance for the duration of your stay. 

Electronic Travel Authority visa  (subclass 601) This visa allows you to visit Australia as many times as you want, for up to a year, and stay for three months each visit. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of countries and regions, who live outside Australia. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is  here .

All ETA-eligible passport holders must apply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app. Agents can assist you in the application process, but you must be physically present as a live facial image is required.

eVisitor  (subclass 651) This is a free visa for multiple visits to Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three months at a time within a 12-month period. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of European countries and it cannot be extended.

Visitor visa  (subclass 600) The Visitor visa allows you to visit Australia, either for tourism or business purposes. It is open to all nationalities. Generally, a period of stay of up to three months is granted, but up to 12 months may be granted in certain circumstances. Applicants will have to pay a fee to submit their application.

The application process may differ depending on which visa you need.

You can only apply for the  Electronic Travel Authority visa  (subclass 601) through the Australian ETA app. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is located  here .

For other visas, you can apply online by creating an ImmiAccount and completing the application process. Be sure to submit your application well in advance of your travel date to allow enough time for processing. You may be asked to provide further supporting information. You will be notified in writing if your tourist visa is approved and it will be digitally linked to your passport. For more information on different visa types, and Australian visa requirements including how to apply for an Australian visa, visit the  Department of Home Affairs  website.

If you are already in Australia and hold a valid Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601) you can extend your stay by applying for another visa, such as a Visitor visa (subclass 600). An eVisitor (subclass 651) cannot be extended.

See the Department of Home Affairs website for details.

Working Holiday Visas

Australia's Working Holiday Maker program allows visitors aged under 30 (or 35 in certain cases) who hold a passport from a participating country to travel and work in Australia. Working holiday visas are valid for one year, or up to three years if you meet certain conditions.

Find out more about working holiday visas here .

*Australian visa regulations (including visa application charges) change from time to time. The information provided here is valid at the time of publication, but visitors should check this information is still current by visiting the Australian Department of Home Affairs .

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Australia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Australia’s High Commission in the UK.

COVID-19 rules

You do not need a pre-departure COVID-19 test to enter or transit Australia regardless of your COVID-19 vaccination status. See the Australian government’s website for advice on COVID-19 and travelling.

COVID-19 quarantine requirements

Each state and territory determines its own quarantine rules. You should check requirements for specific states and territories .

Passport validity requirements

For entry into Australia, your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. If you’re transiting another country on your way to or from Australia, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport.

Visa requirements

British citizens can usually get the following types of electronic visitor visa:

• eVisitor visa . There is no visa application charge or service fee
• Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) via the iOS App or Android App . There is no visa application charge, but a service fee of A$20 may apply

Information on all other types of visa is available from the Department of Home Affairs .

Working holiday visa

Thousands of Britons travel to Australia each year on a working holiday visa and the vast majority have no issues. Working conditions, accommodation and medical facilities are generally of a good standard.

You can find information about your rights as an employee in Australia and how to report any concerns about unfair or unlawful treatment on the Fair Work Ombudsman website , or by calling 131 394.

Get more information about working in Australia .

Dual nationals

If you’re a British national living in Australia with Australian citizenship, or a dual national, it is best to leave and enter Australia on your Australian passport. You could face difficulties and delays if you do not. See Australian government advice for dual nationals .

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Australia guide .

Quarantine of goods

Australia has strict quarantine rules to keep out pests and diseases that could affect plant, animal or human health.

You must fill out an Incoming Passenger Card and either:

• declare any risk goods including food, animal products and plant material (including wooden articles)
• dispose of any risk goods in the bins at the airport or sea port

All luggage is x-rayed on arrival. Any items of concern are further inspected, treated and if necessary confiscated and destroyed. You can be heavily fined for breaches of quarantine regulations.

You can find more information on the Department of Agriculture website .

You will also be asked to declare whether you have ‘visited a rural area, or been in contact with, or near, farm animals outside Australia in the past 30 days’.

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Passport FAQs

Lodging an application, how long does it take to get a new passport.

You should allow at least 6 weeks to receive your new passport, although it may be faster. If you have an urgent need to travel, please see our Urgent Travel page.  

Do I have to lodge in person?

Adults using the one-page  PC7 Australian Passport Renewal Application  form can apply by mail or in person. 

Most applications to renew passports for children 15 years and younger can be lodged by mail.

All other applications must be lodged in person. This includes all first time applications, all applications for 16/17 year children, and all applications for adults using the 5-page PC8  Application for an Australian Passport Overseas  form.  

Please visit our  How to Apply page  for further instructions.

You can monitor the where to apply page of this website for announcements of outreach interviews in other states across the USA in case we happen to be coming somewhere closer to you.

Can I submit my application by mail if I live a long distance from an office?

No, unless your application is already eligible to be lodged by mail.  Please visit our  How to Apply page  for further information.  Distance from a passport office is not part of the criteria. 

Do I have to make an appointment to attend an interview?

Each office is different so please check your closest passport office location for details .

Does the Australian parent have to lodge a child passport application?

Either parent can lodge the passport application for a child. There is no requirement for the lodging parent to be an Australian citizen.

Does the child have to attend the interview?

It depends on the age of the child.  Children aged 16 and 17 years old must attend the interview with one parent.  Children aged 15 years and younger are not required to attend.

How long does the interview take?

Adult interviews usually take 10-20 minutes.  Child interviews usually take 15-30 minutes. 

If you are missing documents or your photos do not meet our requirements, you will need to return for a second interview. 

Does my child automatically become an Australian citizen if born to an Australian parent in the USA?

No.  You must apply for citizenship through the Department of Home Affairs (www.homeaffairs.gov.au).  You cannot lodge a passport application until the applicant has become an Australian citizen. 

RENEWING YOUR PASSPORT

Can i renew my passport before it expires.

Yes, you can renew your passport at any time.

Will my new passport have the same number as my old passport?

No, your new passport will be a new booklet and will have a new number.

Can I get more pages added to my existing passport?

No. You must apply for a new passport or a replacement passport (valid up to the same date as your existing passport.)

Do I need to renew if I'm not planning to travel?

No.  If you do not plan to travel and/or do not need a passport right now, you do not have to renew your passport before it expires. There is no penalty or fine if your passport expires. 

Renewing a passport is a personal choice.  However, you cannot leave the United States without a valid passport so if you have international travel planned, or need a passport for another reason, we encourage you to apply now.

What if I need to travel unexpectedly due to an emergency?

Please apply for an emergency passport as soon as possible.  We can generally issue an emergency passport in about 2 working days. If you need to travel more quickly, please call your lodging office to discuss your situation. 

Will I lose Australian citizenship if my passport expires?

No.  The status of your passport has no effect on your Australian citizenship. 

Will I need a longer application form if I let my passport expire?

It depends.  Adults may have to complete a longer form if their last passport was issued before 2006, or was lost/stolen, or they are changing the details on their passport.  Children complete the same form regardless of whether their passport is expired. 

What happens to my old passport?

Your current passport may still be valid when you apply for a new one but it will be cancelled on the date your new one is issued.  Once you’ve applied for a new passport, the Australian Passport Office recommends you don’t travel. This is because your current passport may be cancelled while you are overseas.

We do not cancel any visas inside your passport.  However, you should be aware that not all countries accept visas in passports that are no longer valid. Please check with the embassy of the country that issued your visa for specific advice. 

Can you help with replacing my foreign visa?

No.  We cannot assist you with any enquiries on foreign visas. You must contact the embassy of the country that issued the visa.

For US visas, we encourage you to consult with your visa sponsor and/or immigration lawyer for information about your particular situation. We also encourage you to contact U.S. immigration authorities:

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):  https://www.uscis.gov  or tel.: +1 800 375 5283. 
• U.S. Department of State, Visa Services: https://travel.state.gov or tel.: +1 202 485 7600.

Will my US visa be valid in a cancelled passport?

We do not cancel US visas so in most cases the visa will still be valid.  However, you should contact US immigration to discuss your particular situation especially if your passport is damaged. You should not assume that a visa in a badly damaged passport is valid.

What if I may have lost my Australian citizenship?

All citizenship enquiries should be directed to the  Department of Home Affairs in Australia  on 011 612 6196 0196. You may be eligible to become an Australian citizen again if you lost your citizenship because of acquiring the citizenship of another country, or renounced or gave up your Australian citizenship.

Can you recommend any places that do Australian-style photos?

To assist clients living in the United States, we have provided details of photographers recently used by our clients with good results:  Map of photographers .

If you do not live near these photographers, you will need to find a local photographer and provide them with the Australian passport  photo specifications . You may wish to go to a shop that specialises in photos as its core business as our clients generally report that these shops are able to make the necessary adjustments to meet the Australian specifications.  However, there are many places capable of producing acceptable photos for Australian passports.  Each store is different so you will need to talk to your photographer to make sure he/she can take the type of photo you need.  Just because one particular store is able to produce a compliant photo does not mean that all photos produced by that chain will be acceptable. Check that the photographer uses studio lighting so that there are no shadows under your chin or behind your ear, and no flash reflection on your face. 

We do not guarantee the work of any individual photographer or store, so it is important that you check the photographs yourself to make sure they meet all requirements.

Why are my professionally-printed photos grainy or low resolution?

This is a common problem, usually caused when the photos are printed on an inkjet printer.  Please make sure your photographer is using a dye sublimation printer. 

The best way for you to check whether your photo is high resolution is to use a magnifying glass.  If you see stripes, grains, pixels or distortions, then the photo is not high resolution and will be rejected.

Please refer to the Australian Passport Office's camera operator guidelines .

Can I keep my glasses on for the photo?

No.  You must remove them for your passport photo, even if you wear them all of the time.   

What is the 'crown of head'?

The 'crown of head' is where the top of your skull would be if it were visible. It is not the top of your hair or the start of your hairline.  Picture yourself bald and measure your skull from the top of your skull to the tip of your chin.

Can I use a standard 2 x 2 photo?

Yes, provided the image inside meets our  photo requirements .

Should I trim the photos to the correct size?

No. We will do that for you.

COMPLETING AND PRINTING THE APPLICATION FORM

Why won’t the system accept my overseas address.

The Australian website cannot verify overseas addresses. This message is just a warning. As long you are satisfied that the address you have entered is correct you can proceed by pressing the 'next' button.  You should use your current US address for this section (unless you are a tourist passing through the United States).

What if I do not have A4 size paper?

It does not matter. Please print your online application onto US letter size paper. Be careful to shrink the images to fit onto letter size paper as we cannot accept an application form with the top or bottom of the pages cut off. 

Can I print out a blank form online?

No. Only completed applications can be printed from the website. If you require a blank application form, please contact the office where you will be lodging your application and one will be mailed to you. Blank forms cannot be faxed. 

Can I print my form in black and white?

Yes. You can print your form in either black and white or colour.

What if I don't have an Australian driving licence?

Section 16 of the adult application form asks you to list the details of your Australian driving licence if you are using them as part of your ID combination.  This section is optional.  If you do not have these documents, leave Section 16 blank. Remember that you will still need to submit a full  ID combination   with your adult application. For child applications, the lodging parent must submit government-issued photo/signature ID and proof of address.

What if all my original documents are in Australia or another country?

You have two options.  You can either have them sent to you in the United States so that you present them at your interview, or you can  have a friend/relative present the original documents on your behalf .

Should I sign my form in front of a Passport Officer?

No.  Please make sure all sections of the form are signed before you attend your interview.  We cannot witness your consent or act as your guarantor.

Can the Passport Office witness the parents' consent in Section 15?

No.  Please make sure your form is fully completed and witnessed before coming to the Passport Office for your interview.  We cannot witness your signature.

Do you accept notarised copies of documents at interview?

No. You must provide the originals of all documents required at your interview. 

The original documents can be  presented by a third party at any Australian passport office worldwide . They do not have to be presented at the same office where you are appearing for your interview. 

I have just done my passport application online. Did you receive it?

No.  It is not possible to apply for your passport electronically. If you have prepared your application online, you should print it and follow the instructions on our website about How to Apply. 

Can someone at the Passport Office be my guarantor?

What if i cannot find an australian citizen to be my guarantor.

You do NOT need an Australian citizen as a guarantor. You have two options:

• a non-Australian who is currently employed in one of these occupation groups ; OR
• a current Australian passport holder.

What if no one in the USA has known me for more than a year?

If you do not know anyone in the USA who can be your guarantor, then you will need to obtain a guarantor from your previous country of residence. You will need to send them the guarantor page from your application form plus one of your photos. Once they have filled in the documents as outlined on the application form, they must return the original documents to you so that you can submit them with your application. 

We cannot accept faxes or emails from your guarantor.  They must send the originals back to you for lodgement. If you need to travel in the next few weeks, please make sure you have the documents sent to/from your guarantor by courier so that you receive them in time to lodge your application.  

Does my Australian guarantor need 2 years remaining on their passport?

No.  The passport needs to have at least two years validity from when it was issued - i.e. it cannot be a temporary passport that was issued for under two years. It does not matter if there is less than two years validity remaining on the passport now, so long as there was at least two years when it was issued.   

Do I need a guarantor if I am just renewing?

If you are using the one page renewal form, called the Australian Passport Renewal Application (PC7), you do not need a guarantor. 

If you are using the Application for an Australian Passport Overseas (PC8) form, then you must provide a guarantor.

Does my guarantor need to be the same person that witnesses the parent’s signatures in Section 15 for child applications?

No, you can use a different person.

TRAVELING TO AUSTRALIA

Do i have to enter australia on an australian passport.

Yes, if you are an Australian citizen.  You are not entitled to a visa, even if you are also a citizen of another country. There is more information about this on the  Australian Border Force website  or you can call the Department of Home Affairs in Australia on 011 613 6196 0196.

Can I travel on a passport in which the name is different from my ticket?

Generally passengers travelling to/from the USA must have a passport that exactly matches the name on their airline ticket.  If you are concerned, you should contact your airline to see if they will carry you and the immigration department of all countries to which you are travelling to ensure you will be able to fulfil their immigration/customs requirements.

Does my passport need 6 months validity to travel to Australia?

Your Australian passport must be valid (not expired) on the day of your arrival in Australia.  It does  not  need to have six months remaining validity to enter Australia unless you are passing through a third country that requires it. 

If you are travelling to a different country, you can review the entry/exit requirements for your intended destination on Australia's  Smartraveller site  or contact the embassy of that country for specific advice. 

Search Smartraveller

Passport services.

Are you planning to travel overseas this year? Renew or apply for your passport early as passport demand remains high.   You’ll need to allow at least six weeks to get your passport. Where possible, don't book flights without a valid passport. If you can't wait at least six weeks for your passport, you can use the priority processing service. If you've already booked your trip and need a passport, please call 131 232 to let the Australian Passport Office know your travel dates. For more information on how passport applications are prioritised, visit the Australian Passports Office website  or contact the office via their online enquiries form . 

You need a valid passport to travel overseas. If you're an Australian citizen, or a  dual citizen  wanting to travel as an Australian, you need a valid Australian passport. Every person travelling must have their own passport, including  children .

Your Australian passport is an important proof of your identity and citizenship.

Explore this page to learn the basics of:

How to get a passport

Passport validity.

• Protecting your passport

Passport damage

Emergency passports.

• ePassports and SmartGates

Dual citizenship and passports

Passport assistance overseas.

Be prepared. Check what to do before you go, and what you must do if something happens to your passport overseas.

The  Australian Passport Office , part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, issues Australian passports. You can complete your application online and lodge it at a participating Australia Post outlet, or at an Australian embassy or consulate overseas .

To get an Australian passport, you need to prove your identity and Australian citizenship. The steps in the application process are:

• gather original documents
• ask someone to be your referee or guarantor
• complete your application
• print your application
• get passport photos
• lodge your application and pay the fee

Start the process well before you travel. It can take time to gather what you need and apply. You'll have to pay an additional fee if you want to fast track your application.

For detailed information about how to get a new passport, or renew your passport, see the  Australian Passport Office website.

Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for six months after you plan to leave that country. Some airlines also impose this rule on their own initiative. It can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over. Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. You can receive conflicting advice from different sources. Getting it wrong can mean being stranded.

Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Protecting your passport and identity

Your passport is a valuable document. It's your proof of identity and citizenship overseas. You are responsible for ensuring your passport isn’t damaged, and it should be stored securely.

Some people may trick you into handing over your passport. It's attractive to people who want to use your identity to commit crimes.

To protect your passport:

• always know where your passport is
• keep it in a safe place
• keep it dry

More tips and information for  protecting your passport .

If you've been the victim of identity theft, you can contact IDCARE for support.

Normal wear and tear to your passport shouldn't be a problem. More serious damage can stop you from travelling. It's important that:

• there are no tears or cuts in the passport pages, especially the photo page
• everything on the photo page is legible and clear
• there are no marks across your photo or in the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) on the photo page
• no pages have been removed
• there is no alteration or tampering

If you’re not sure about the condition of your passport, call the Australian Passport Office on 131 232 or contact your nearest Australian embassy or consulate overseas .  We may need to see your passport to assess it.

If you’re overseas and have a genuine and urgent need to travel, you can apply for an   emergency passport at an  Australian embassy or consulate overseas .

Emergency passports are only valid for up to 12 months and don’t have a chip. Because of this, there are restrictions on using them in some countries. Check the visa requirements of any country you plan to enter or transit via our travel advice.

You can apply for a new passport at the same time as you apply for an emergency passport, and collect the new passport when you get home.

SmartGates, eGates and ePassports

All Australian passports, except for emergency passports , are ePassports. An ePassport contains an electronic chip that helps to confirm your identity.

International airports in Australia, and some overseas, allow Australians with ePassports to use automated passport control machines. Australia calls these machines SmartGates. Other countries might call them eGates. They use facial recognition technology and your ePassport to check your identity and authenticate your passport.

The Australian Border Force is responsible for SmartGate operations in Australia.

Learn more about  using ePassports with SmartGates  from the  Australian Border Force .

If you're a dual citizen, you may have two passports. This can affect your ability to access consular help in some countries.

Australians, including dual nationals, should depart and enter Australia on their Australian passport. If you have a passport from another country, you can use that for travel once you have left Australia if you wish.

Consider which passport you want to travel on. Read our advice for  dual nationals .

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

What we can do

We can help you if your passport is lost, stolen or damaged while you're overseas.

We can issue a new passport, emergency passport or provisional travel document to help you get back to Australia.

If you need help overseas, call your nearest Australian embassy or consulate , or call our 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.

If you're an Australian living overseas, we can process passport renewal applications. Contact your nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

What we can't do

We can't give consular help to  dual nationals  who aren't travelling on an Australian passport in some countries. Consider which passport you travel on.

If you need an Australian passport, visit the  Australian Passport Office .

Final tips before you go

Prepare before you travel:

• check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date you will depart your destination
• apply for a passport early, if you don't already have one
• research entry and exit requirements in your destination country
• apply for a visa, if required
• if you're a dual national, research local laws and decide which passport you will travel on
• Learn about  visas
• Read key entry and exit requirements for all your  destinations
• Get  travel insurance  before you go
• See our  before you go checklist
• What to do if your passport is lost, stolen or damaged overseas
• See our advice for  dual nationals
• Learn more about  travelling with children
• Consular Services Charter
• Find an  Australian embassy or consulate overseas
• Learn more about  using ePassports with SmartGates  from the  Australian Border Force
• See the  Australian Passport Office  (APO)'s 7-step guides on  adult  or  child  passport applications
• Read the APO's advice on how to  renew your passport  and see their  frequently asked questions

Related content

Many Australians hold two or more nationalities. If you're travelling to the country of your other nationality, find out how your citizenship can impact you.

Guide to the 6-month passport rule — what is it?

Editor's Note

It may sound trivial, but one of the best rules you can follow as an international traveler is to remember to check your passport validity before you book flights and hotels.

Why? Because the requirements for entry differ from country to country. In the midst of planning my 2024 travel, I realized my U.S. passport expires in April, which could mess with my plans abroad.

Thankfully, I use a travel checklist to avoid disruptions to my travel itinerary.

I immediately started the passport renewal process online and had my photo taken at my local Walgreens — although you can DIY your passport photo if you prefer — so I could send out my application as quickly as possible. I also opted to expedite the processing time for an additional $60 fee and sent my application on its way.

If you're also in the middle of planning 2024 travel or simply want to know the ideal time to begin getting ready to renew your passport, the TPG team has you covered.

We collected information from the U.S. Department of State website and the United Kingdom's government website to create a one-stop cheat sheet examining a range of nations that typically require you to have a passport that lasts longer than your trip — whether by one, three or six months.

Note that certain countries deviate from the standard six-month requirement. These findings are also only related to passport validity dates — we're not covering visa requirements here. Those can vary depending on where you're going and where you're coming from.

Schengen countries in Europe

Many European countries are signers of the Schengen Agreement . As a result, they follow the 3+3 Rule, meaning your passport must be valid for three months beyond your three-month entry visa or for a total of six months, regardless of the duration of your initial stay.

While some Schengen countries only require passports to be valid for three months beyond your intended stay, others assume you may stay the full 90 days of your visa validity — thus the six-month time period.

The signers of the Schengen Agreement are Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Bulgaria and Romania will join the group March 31, 2024.

The countries listed below abide by the usual six months of passport validity unless otherwise noted.

Non-Schengen countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East

Abide by the usual 6 months of passport validity.

• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• New Caledonia
• North Korea
• Saudi Arabia
• Turkmenistan
• Turkey (British passports must be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive in the country)
• United Arab Emirates
• West Bank/Gaza Strip

Passport must be valid 3 months beyond the scheduled departure date

Passport must be valid 1 month beyond the date of your intended stay, passport only needs to be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.

• Central African Republic
• Cote d'Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Morocco (British passports must be valid for at least three months on the date of entry)
• Sao Tome and Principe
• South Africa (passports must also have 30 days beyond your intended date of exit from the country)
• South Sudan

Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Dominican Republic
• Trinidad and Tobago

Central and South America

• El Salvador

Passport must be valid 3 months beyond arrival

• Brazil (British passports need to be valid six months beyond arrival)

South Pacific

• American Samoa
• French Polynesia
• Marshall Islands
• Papua New Guinea
• New Zealand

Bottom line

When examining the rules, note that some countries have a slight distinction: They may require validity to be either six months from the date of entry or six months from the date of intended departure . For simplicity, we've taken the conservative approach and assumed that for any country with a six-month rule, like most of the ones above, you should ensure your passport is valid six months past the date of intended departure just in case.

Of course, the list above only includes just a few popular destinations worldwide. If your intended destination isn't on the list, it's always best to check with your relevant passport issuer.

Countries, economies and regions

Select a country, economy or region to find embassies, country briefs, economic fact sheets, trade agreements, aid programs, information on sanctions and more.

International relations

Global security.

• Australia and sanctions
• Australian Safeguards and Non-proliferation Office (ASNO)
• Counter-terrorism
• Non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control
• Peacekeeping and peacebuilding

Regional architecture

• Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
• Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
• East Asia Summit (EAS)
• Australia and the Indian Ocean region
• Pacific Islands regional organisations

Global themes

• Child protection
• Climate change
• Cyber affairs and critical technology
• Disability Equity and Rights
• Gender equality
• Human rights
• Indigenous peoples
• People Smuggling, Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery
• Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment
• Australia’s treaty-making process

International organisations

• The Commonwealth of Nations
• United Nations (UN)
• World Trade Organization

Foreign Arrangements Scheme  

Trade and investment, about free trade agreements (ftas).

• The benefits of FTAs
• How to get free trade agreement tariff cuts
• Look up FTA tariffs and services market access - DFAT FTA Portal
• Discussion paper on potential modernisation – DFAT FTA Portal

About foreign investment

• The benefits of foreign investment
• Investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS)
• Australia's bilateral investment treaties
• Australia's foreign investment policy

For Australian business

• Addressing non-tariff trade barriers

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai

Stakeholder engagement.

• Ministerial Council on Trade and Investment
• Trade 2040 Taskforce
• First Nations trade

Australia's free trade agreements (FTAs)

• ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand (AANZFTA)
• Chile (ACLFTA)
• China (ChAFTA)
• Hong Kong ( A-HKFTA & IA)
• India (AI-ECTA)
• Indonesia (IA-CEPA)
• Japan (JAEPA)
• Korea (KAFTA)
• Malaysia (MAFTA)
• New Zealand (ANZCERTA)
• Peru (PAFTA)
• Singapore (SAFTA)
• Thailand (TAFTA)
• United Kingdom (A-UKFTA)
• USA (AUSFTA)
• Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)
• European Union (A-EUFTA)
• India (AI-CECA)
• Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
• Australia-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

Trade and investment data, information and publications

• Fact sheets for countries and regions
• Australia's trade balance
• Trade statistics
• Foreign investment statistics
• Trade and investment publications
• Australia's Trade through Time

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Passport - policy

Australian passports.

The principle object of the Australian Passports Act 2005 (the Passports Act) is to provide for the issue and administration of Australian passports, to be used as evidence of identity and citizenship by Australian citizens who are travelling internationally (section 3 of the Passports Act).

The Australian Passport Office (APO), part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, issues Australian passports to Australian citizens in Australia and overseas. The APO also issues travel-related documents to Australian (and occasionally Commonwealth) citizens in certain situations and to eligible non-Australian citizens living in Australia (in line with Australia’s international obligations).

An Australian passport represents the holder as an Australian citizen and requests that the bearer be afforded freedom of passage and every assistance and protection of which he or she may stand in need. An Australian travel-related document does not provide this. Collectively, Australian passports and travel-related documents are known as Australian travel documents (ATDs).

ATDs must be issued in forms that are approved by the Minister for Foreign Affairs (subsection 53(2) of the Passports Act). This power is delegated to Senior Executive Officers in the APO, but in practice the Minister approves all new forms of travel documents.

Current forms of Australian passport

Ordinary, Diplomatic and Official Passports are machine-readable (Biometric) travel documents, indicated by the ePassport logo on the front cover.

These passports are designed to meet the internationally agreed standards for biometric travel documents agreed and set out by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The ICAO standards ensure that biometric travel documents are secure and work across border systems globally. Australia continues to play a key role is setting these international standards.

Biometric travel documents do both of the following:

• include a tamper-proof passport chip as a security measure (and, as such, are a condition of some countries' visa waiver programs)
• facilitate the use of automated border systems (such as Australia's SmartGate).

Ordinary passports

Ordinary Australian passports are issued to adults and children.

The maximum validity of an ordinary Australian passport is set out in subsection 17(2) of the Passports Determination:

• 10 years for an adult
• 10 years for a child aged 16 or 17 years
• 5 years for a child 15 years or under
• 5 years (optional) or 10 years for an adult aged 75 or over.

These maximum validities may be reduced depending on the circumstances.

A Limited Validity Passport (LVP) is an ordinary passport issued with less than the maximum validity for a passport of its kind. Usually, LVPs are issued in Australia to meet the urgent travel needs of customers who cannot meet full application requirements, but their identity, citizenship and entitlement can be established. LVPs are issued with a maximum validity of 1 year.

A Reduced Validity Passport is an ordinary passport issued with a reduced maximum validity, determined by legislation, following the loss or theft of 2 or more of the customer’s travel documents in the 5 years immediately prior to making the application (subsection 17(2) item 10 of the Passports Determination). See also: Lost and stolen passports .

A Replacement Passport is an ordinary passport issued with the same expiry date as the passport being replaced or, in the case of a Replacement Passport to upgrade a Limited Validity Passport, the expiry date the LVP would have had if it had been issued with full validity initially. See (subsection 17(2) items 11 to 17 of the Passports Determination). See also: Replacement Passports .

Concurrent Passports may be issued to adults and children in specified circumstances. The maximum validity of a Concurrent Passport is 3 years (subsection 17(2) item 5 of the Passports Determination). See also: Concurrent Passports .

An Ordinary passport with a maximum of 1-year validity may also be issued in particular circumstances (these are distinct from LVPs) (subsection 17(2) Items 7 to 9 of the Passports Determination).

Diplomatic and Official Passports

Diplomatic and Official Passports are issued to facilitate the travel of Australian citizens who are travelling for diplomatic or official purposes, as approved by the Minister for Foreign Affairs under the Ministerial Schedules: Sponsored Passports [PDF] .

Diplomatic and Official Passports are also known as sponsored passports because in most cases the government authority that the holder will represent, sponsors the passport. The sponsoring authority must provide a Sponsorship Letter and the holder must sign a Sponsored Passports Conditions Acknowledgment .

Diplomatic and Official Passports do not award the holder any special rights or privileges. Individual countries may confer this at any time and at their discretion.

Emergency Passports

Emergency Passports (EYs) are issued at overseas posts to facilitate the urgent travel of Australian citizens who meet all requirements but cannot wait the standard turnaround time for the issue of a full validity passport.

The current Emergency Passport (EY) (P series) has:

• a dark grey cover
• only six Visa pages
• no Passport Chip (EYs are not Biometric travel documents).

Not all countries accept Emergency Passports. Some countries exclude emergency and non-biometric passports from their visa-waiver or visa on arrival programs. The holder of an Emergency Passport is responsible for checking with each destination country that an Emergency Passport is accepted for entry, exit and transit. The maximum validity of an EY is 1 year (subsection 17(2) item 6 of the Passports Determination). EYs are intended to meet the immediate travel needs of the holder and may be issued with less than the maximum validity. See also: Emergency Passports .

Travel document series

Approximately every five years, the APO issues a new series of ATDs, with updated security features. In addition, every second series (released approximately every 10 years) has new design features, including new visa pages.

Due to the advanced security features of Australian travel documents (ATDs) and the integrity of the APO's rigorous assessment process, ATDs are among the most secure and trusted identity and travel documents in the world.

Australian travel-related documents

Australian travel documents (ATDs) are issued under the Australian Passports Act 2005 (the Act) and related legislation.

In addition to Australian passports, the Australian Passport Office (APO), part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), issues the following Australian travel-related documents:

• Convention Travel Documents (CTDs)
• Certificates of Identity (COIs)
• Documents of Identity (DOIs)
• Provisional Travel Documents (PTDs).

CTDs and COIs, and DOIs in certain circumstances, are issued to non-Australian citizens in accordance with Australia’s obligations under international law.

Current forms of Australian travel-related document

Collectively, Australian passports and travel-related documents are known as Australian travel documents (ATDs). An Australian passport represents the bearer as an Australian citizen. In most cases, an Australian travel-related document does not.

CTDs and COIs are issued to eligible non‑Australians living in Australia (refugees and persons who are stateless or unable to obtain a travel document from their country of nationality).

Important: The issue of a CTD or COI does not award the holder any right to return to Australia without a valid Australian visa with re-entry rights.

DOIs may be issued to Australian citizens in certain circumstances where an Australian passport is unnecessary or undesirable or to citizens of other Commonwealth countries who are unable to obtain a travel document from their country of nationality (for example, in emergency situations overseas).

PTDs are a temporary travel document issued to Australian citizens overseas in countries without an Australian consular presence, who need to cross a border to get to an Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate and apply for a new ATD.

CTDs and COIs are machine-readable (biometric) travel documents and meet the internationally agreed standards set out by the International Civil Aviation Organization ( ICAO Doc 9303 Machine Readable Travel Documents ). Biometric travel documents include a tamper proof passport chip as a security measure.

DOIs issued overseas and PTDs do not include a passport chip. For this reason, travel on an emergency Travel-related document issued overseas may require a visa, even where Australian citizens can usually travel visa free.

Application for an Australian passport

An application for an Australian passport must be in the approved form and must be lodged in person.

Subsection 7(3) of the Australian Passports Act 2005 provides that an application for an Australian passport must be made in the form approved by the Minister (or delegate) and accompanied by the applicable fee (if any).

Eligible customers can complete a passport application online then print it for lodgement. In person lodgement is mandatory and a key requirement to meet the highest level of identity assurance under the National Identity Proofing Guidelines.

Streamlined renewal is only available to adults applying online because generating the application relies on verification of the customer’s previous passport record. There is no hardcopy form for streamlined renewal. In Australia, hardcopy passport application forms are available on request from Australia Post outlets that are accredited to offer passport services.

Customers can complete a passport application online, then print and lodge it at one of the participating Australia Post outlets across Australia.

Overseas, hardcopy forms are only available on request from an Australian diplomatic mission or consulate (overseas post). Passport officers at overseas posts provide passport lodgement services and issue emergency travel documents to Australians overseas.

Each Australian State and Territory capital city also has a Passport Office (STO), where urgent passport applications can be lodged in compelling or compassionate circumstances.

Customers can book an appointment to lodge at a STO through the Australian Passport Office Contact Centre (APOCC). Appointments at STOs are only available to customers who:

• need to travel urgently due to compelling or Compassionate circumstances
• are applying for a diplomatic or Official Passport or
• are applying for a Travel-related document (CTD or COI).

APOCC provides a telephone helpline for passport clients in Australia and to some locations overseas. Applicants for an Australian travel-related document must call APOCC to obtain an application form.

Almost all Australian passports are personalised in Australia at one of two bulk printing/personalisation centres. This includes all Ordinary passports issued to applicants in Australia and overseas.

Completed passports are sent directly to the customer by registered mail (in Australia) or to the post for sending on to the customer (overseas). Customers may also choose to collect their passport from a STO or overseas post.

Information on applying for an Australian passport is also available on the passports website.

Application for a travel-related document

Australian travel-related documents may be issued to eligible non-Australian citizens living in Australia. Applications must be in the approved form and lodged in person.

Subsection 9(3) of the Australian Passports Act 2005 provides that an application for an Australian travel-related document must be made in the form approved by the Minister (or delegate) and accompanied by the applicable fee (if any).

There is currently no online application option for Convention Travel Documents (CTDs) or Certificates of Identity (COIs). Customers applying for these document types must complete a hardcopy PC5 Form. In Australia, customers must call the Australian Passport Office Contact Centre (APOCC) to obtain this form.

CTD and COI applications must be lodged at a State or Territory Passport Office (STO). Australia Post outlets do not accept CTD and COI applications. Customers must call APOCC to book an appointment to lodge their application. As is with Australian passports, every application for a CTD or COI must be lodged in person.

Overseas, CTDs and COIs are only available in certain circumstances, to customers who have held a previous Australian CTD or COI. Forms are available by arrangement with an Australian diplomatic mission or consulate (overseas post).

Specially trained Passport Case Officers establish the identity of the customer, confirm the customer’s identity and visa status against their Department of Home Affairs record and assess their eligibility against the criteria for issue of a CTD or COI.

Information on applying for a Convention Travel Document (CTD) or Certificate of Identity (COI) is also available on the passports website.

Cardinal and supporting documents

An application for a passport must be supported by Original documents to confirm the applicant’s identity and citizenship, as required.

A customer applying for an ATD for the first time should present their original cardinal (or commencement of identity) document (not a copy) issued by an RBDM or Home Affairs.

Customers must also present originals of any other documents needed to confirm their identity, including current personal details and citizenship.

Throughout their life, the identity of a person born or living in Australia is managed by the RBDM where they were born or live. Usually, a document issued by an RBDM is required to confirm any changes to their personal details.

For customers born overseas, foreign documents may be presented for particular purposes (such as to show evidence of their place of birth and/or gender) or in particular circumstances only (for example, where the customer was born and lives overseas and cannot access an RBDM to update their details).

At lodgement, the lodgement officer will examine the integrity of the original documents presented and make certified copies to be attached to the customer’s passport record. During processing, Australian birth certificates, name change certificates and citizenship certificates will be verified with the issuing agency.

The presentation of original documents and the verification of cardinal and name change documents are necessary to meet the highest level of assurance (Level 4, previously ‘Gold Standard’) for the verification of a person’s identity under the National Identity Proofing Guidelines .

Information on documents you need is also available on the passports website.

Establishing identity

Confirming a customer’s identity is essential to the security and integrity of the Australian passport system. Under sections 8 and 10 of the Passports Act , before issuing an Australian passport or Travel-related document to a person, the Minister (or Minister’s delegate) must be satisfied of the identity of the person.

ICAO Doc 9303 Part 4 specifies that the holder’s name, DOB, sex (gender), photo and signature are all mandatory fields to confirm identity. Inclusion of the place of birth (POB) is a decision for issuing States. Australia considers POB to be a key identity attribute and includes it as a mandatory field.

These key identity attributes, or personal details, will appear on the ATD, along with the customer’s biometric identifiers (photo and signature).

Establishing a client’s identity is essential to the security and integrity of the Australian passport system. As the Australian passport is a primary evidence of identity document, robust processes must be followed to establish a customer’s identity. A customer applying for an Australian travel document (ATD) for the first time must present their original cardinal (or commencement of identity) document (not a copy) issued by an RBDM or Home Affairs, plus originals of any other documents needed to confirm their current personal details:

• Date of Birth (DOB)
• Place of Birth (POB)
• Sex (gender).

At lodgement, the lodgement officer will examine the integrity of the original documents presented and make certified copies to be attached to the client's passport record. During processing, Australian birth certificates, name change certificates and citizenship certificates will be verified with the issuing agency.

An adult applying for an Australian Travel Document (ATD) for the first time must present evidence of their identity in the community (or social footprint) by presenting Personal Identity Documents (PIDs) and a referee who has known them for at least 12 months and who can confirm their identity. For children, the lodging parent must provide their PIDs. They are not required for the child. These measures provide additional confidence that the identity is legitimate.

All customers aged 16 and above must attend lodgement in person , whether applying for the first time or renewing. The lodgement officer will compare the customer’s photo to the customer in person (and/or take a photo of the customer for Facial Recognition (FR) purposes or to appear in the ATD).

These identity requirements meet the highest level of assurance (Level 4, previously ‘Gold Standard’) for the verification of a person’s identity under the National Identity Proofing Guidelines [PDF] . This means that Australian passports are issued with a very high level of confidence in the claimed identity. In person lodgement is a key requirement to meet this level of assurance and one of the reasons the Australian passport is so highly regarded internationally.

Information on identity is also available on the passports website.

Name on Australian travel document

The ICAO specifications for machine-readable passports set out in ICAO Doc 9303 ensure that all passports meet agreed standards and can be accepted and processed across borders. ICAO Doc 9303 Part 4 specifies that the holder's name is a mandatory field.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has no authority to register names or name changes. In Australia, that is the responsibility of the relevant Australian State or Territory Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (RBDM) or the Department of Home Affairs.

Unless an exception applies, the name to appear on an Australian passport must be the customer’s most recent name exactly as it appears on the customer’s Australian birth, Australian citizenship or Australian RBDM name change certificate (subsection 53(5) of the Passports Act).

In certain circumstances, it may appear exactly as it appeared on the customer’s previous Australian passport.

The customer’s surname only may be updated to reflect a surname that appears on their RBDM marriage or registered relationship certificate if it is their most recently recorded surname.

For Convention Travel Documents (CTDs) and Certificates of Identity (COIs), the customer’s name must be their most recent name recorded for them by Home Affairs .

These requirements help to prevent a person from obtaining official documents and potentially operating in society in different identities.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs (or a delegated officer) may accept another name in exceptional circumstances or refuse a name (or signature) that is unacceptable, inappropriate or offensive.

Information on names and name change is also available on the passports website.

Unacceptable names or signatures

Under subsection 53(4) of the Passports Act, the Minister (or an appropriate delegate) may also refuse a name or signature that is unacceptable, inappropriate or offensive.

Examples of names or signatures that may be deemed unacceptable, inappropriate or offensive include, but are not limited to, name or signatures that include:

• an expletive
• a racial or ethnic slur or implication
• an obscene or offensive term, symbol or picture
• a political statement or slogan such as “all rights reserved”, "signed on behalf of", trademark ™ or copyright ©, an official title, position or rank that the person does not hold
• the name of, or reference to, a public institution or public office
• a title, award or decoration that is not awarded directly to, or conferred directly on the customer by the Crown or under a law of the Commonwealth
• a term that could mislead people into believing that the bearer has been awarded or conferred a title, award or decoration (see the note above)
• a string of words that would not commonly be recognised as a name
• a name that cannot be established by repute or usage
• any other term that is contrary to the public interest
• a symbol without phonetic significance
• characters that the Minister or delegate considers are inconsistent with the international standards and recommended practices and procedures for travel documents adopted under the Convention on International Civil Aviation 1944 (the Chicago Convention).

Date of birth on Australian travel document

In accordance with ICAO Doc 9303 Part 4 , Australian travel documents (ATDs) must record the holder’s date of birth (DOB).

The date of birth (DOB) on an Australian passport should appear exactly as per the customer’s full original Australian birth certificate or Australian citizenship certificate.

The DOB on a Convention Travel Document or Certificate of Identity (for non-Australian citizens) should appear exactly as per the customer's visa evidence or Home Affairs record.

The DOB must appear on the ATD in the following format: DD MMM YYYY (for example, 07 JUN 1979).

In most cases, the customer’s DOB must be confirmed against original documents. There are exceptions for customers who genuinely cannot obtain original evidence of their DOB.

Place of birth on Australian travel document

ICAO Doc 9303 Part 3 specifies that inclusion of the holder’s place of birth (POB) on a travel document is a decision for issuing States. Australia considers POB to be a key identity attribute and includes it as a mandatory field.

Australian travel documents (ATDs) must record the holder's place of birth (POB).

Usually POB refers to the customer’s suburb, town or city of birth, but may also be a village, province, district, state or other overseas equivalent for customers born overseas.

The customer’s suburb, town or city of birth or overseas equivalent is printed on the ATD. Unless there is no other place of birth known, the country of birth (COB) is not printed on the ATD but is recorded in PICS for identity purposes.

In most cases, POB is recorded exactly as per the customer's full original Australian birth certificate, foreign birth certificate or foreign passport.

There are exceptions for:

• customers who genuinely cannot present a birth certificate or foreign passport (for example, customers born overseas in a war-torn country)
• foreign place names with commonly used English translations (the English place name will appear on the passport)
• places that have changed names due to geographical renaming (the customer may request their POB be updated to reflect the new name)
• countries that are not recognised by Australia.

Sex (gender) on Australian travel document

In accordance with ICAO Doc 9303 Part 4 , Australian travel documents (ATDs) must record the holder’s sex. Consistent the Australian Government Guidelines on the Recognition of Sex and Gender , the Australian Passport Office (APO) interprets sex on the ATD to mean gender.

Under the Australian Government Guidelines on the Recognition of Sex and Gender , the Australian Government is primarily concerned with a person’s identity and social footprint. As such, the preferred approach is for Australian Government departments and agencies to collect information on a person's gender. Consistent with these guidelines, APO interprets sex on the ATD to mean gender.

ICAO Doc 9303 Part 4 specifies that the holder’s sex (gender) is a mandatory field. This field cannot be left blank. Customers who identify as a gender other than male or female (intersex, indeterminate, unspecified, non-binary) may request that the gender in their ATD appear as X.

ATDs will record sex/gender as one of the following:

• X (intersex/indeterminate/unspecified/non-binary).

In most cases, gender is recorded exactly as per the customer's full original Australian birth certificate, foreign birth certificate or foreign passport.

Sex and Gender Diverse (SGD) customers may also present a Form B-14 or letter from a Registered medical practitioner or psychologist to support their preferred gender.

Photo and signature (biometrics)

ICAO Doc 9303 Part 4 specifies that the passport customer's photo and signature are mandatory fields.

The customer must present two identical passport photos that meet APO specific requirements.

The photo to appear on the Australian travel document (ATD) must bear a good likeness to the customer and be of a high enough quality to allow for automated Facial Recognition verification.

This increases the efficiency and integrity of the issuing process and enables eligible customers to access streamlined renewal.

A high-quality photo in a biometric (machine-readable) travel document (or ePassport) enables travellers to access automated border processing, such as SmartGates at the Australian border and similar systems overseas.

Poor quality photos decrease the chances of successful automated processing, meaning the customer may be referred to the primary line for manual processing.

Information on photo requirements is available on the passports website.

Signatures provide an extra biometric security feature on the travel document, in addition to the customer's photo and are a mandatory element for persons over 10 years of age.

Subsection 53(4) of the Australian Passports Act 2005 (the Passports Act) provides that the Minister (or delegate) may refuse any name or signature that the Minister or delegate considers to be unacceptable or inappropriate. In addition to being scanned and printed on the ATD, an adult’s signature on the application form is a legal declaration by the customer that:

• the statements they have made and the information they have provided in, or in connection with, their application are true and correct
• they have read and understood the information provided about the collection, use and disclosure of their personal information.

The lodging person signs this declaration for child applications.

The adult customer or lodging person’s signature is also compared to the signature on their Personal Identity Documents (PIDs) presented at lodgement, to help confirm their identity.

Confirming citizenship

Only Australian citizens are entitled to an Australian passport. Before issuing an Australian passport to a person, the Minister (or a person delegated to exercise the Minister’s power to issue an Australian passport under the Australian Passports Act 2005 (the Passports Act) must be satisfied that the person is an Australian citizen.

Under section 8 of the Passports Act, before issuing an Australian passport to a person, the Minister (or delegate) must be satisfied that the person is an Australian citizen.

As the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) does not determine citizenship, a customer must provide original evidence to confirm their Australian citizenship with their passport application.

In accordance with the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 , acceptable evidence of Australian citizenship will depend on whether the customer was born:

• in Australia before 20 August 1986
• in Australia on or after 20 August 1986

The Department of Home Affairs is the department responsible for determining Australian citizenship (not DFAT). If there is any doubt, the customer must obtain an Australian citizenship certificate from the Department of Home Affairs, unless the customer is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

An Australian citizenship certificate is not a requirement for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander customers. Alternative options apply in these cases.

Information on citizenship is also available on the passports website.

Children and consent

A child application should include the written consent of each person who has parental responsibility for the child or an Australian court order that permits the child to have an Australian Travel Document (ATD), travel internationally or live or spend time with a person outside Australia.

The Minister (or their delegate) must not issue an Australian Travel Document (ATD) to a child unless one of the following criteria is met (subsection 11(1) of the Passports Act):

• an application has been lodged with the full consent of all persons with the parental responsibility for the child (paragraph 11(1)(a) of the Passports Act)
• an Australian court order has been presented that permits the child to have an ATD, travel internationally or live or spend time with a person outside Australia (paragraph 11(1)(b) of the Passports Act).

The Minister (or delegate) may consider an application without full consent or an Australian court order that permits issue under the circumstances in subsection 11(2) of the Australian Passports Act 2005 and the Special circumstances in subsection 10(3) of the Australian Passports Determination 2015.

These applications are managed by the Specialised Case Management Section (SCM) and/or specially trained and accredited Passport Case Officers.

Alternatively, a person with parental responsibility may request that a child application be considered under the special circumstances provisions set out in subsection 11(2) of the Passports Act and section 10 the Australian Passports Determination 2015. Certain delegates may consider applications without full consent or an Australian court order under these legislated special circumstances only.

Even when considered under special circumstances, there is no guarantee that a child application without full consent or an Australian court order will be approved. The delegate assessing the case may decide to issue, not to issue (because no special circumstances exist) or to refuse to exercise their discretion to issue under special circumstances because the matter should be dealt with by a court.

Child passport applications without full consent or an Australian court order generally take six to eight weeks to process. Normal turnaround times do not apply. If an ATD is not issued the application fee is generally not refunded.

Information on applying for a child passport is also available on the passports website, as well as supplementary forms and publications relevant to certain types of child applications.

The issue of an ATD to a child, even under special circumstances, does not equate to permission for the child to travel internationally.

Competent authority requests

The Minister may, at the request of a competent authority, cancel or refuse to issue an Australian travel document (ATD) to a person for law enforcement and security reasons.

The Australian Passports Act 2005 (the Passports Act) provides that the Minister may, at the request of a competent authority, cancel or refuse to issue an ATD to prevent a person from travelling internationally. These provisions are intended to:

• support law enforcement and security, including international law enforcement cooperation, by ensuring that a person is unable to travel internationally to avoid prosecution or to potentially commit a crime or endanger others
• prevent avoidance of repaying a debt arising out of assistance provided by Australian consular services.

A competent authority may make a refusal/cancellation request for the following reasons:

• Australian law enforcement matters (section 12 of the Passports Act 2005)
• international law enforcement matters (section 13 of the Passports Act 2005)
• potential for harmful conduct (section 14 of the Passports Act 2005)
• consular debt (section 16 of the Passports Act 2005).

All decisions following a competent authority request are made by the Minister, even where decisions are delegable and delegated. This is because a decision to restrict a person's freedom to travel is a serious decision and should be made at the highest level.

The only decision that does not require Ministerial sign off is the decision to refuse to issue an Australian passport under subsection 12(2) of the Passports Act, as there is no discretion in this decision -if a competent authority makes a request under subsection 12(1) or 12(1A), the Minister must not issue an Australian passport to the person, but may issue a travel-related document (for example, to facilitate return to Australia).

Refusal to process an application (fraud or dishonesty)

Qualified investigators are referred all cases with suspicions of fraud or dishonesty in relation to an application for an Australian travel document (ATD).

The Minister (or a delegated officer) may refuse to process an application for an ATD if there are reasonable grounds to suspect fraud or dishonesty in the application.

Under subsection 19A(2) of the Passports Act, if the Minister or delegate decides to refuse to process the application due to fraud or dishonesty, all Application Fees paid are forfeited and non-Refundable .

Under subsection 19A(3) of the Passports Act, if the person concerned still wishes to be issued an Australian Travel Document (ATD), a new application is required.

This does not limit the offence provisions in sections 29, 30 and 31 of the Passports Act (making false or misleading statements, giving false or misleading information or producing false or misleading documents in relation to an application or ATD).

The relevant offence provisions (relating to false or misleading statements, information or documents) may also apply.

Information on passport fraud is also available on the passports website.

Refusal to issue an Australian travel document

An Australian travel document (ATD) will not be issued if the application is incomplete, the applicable fee is not paid or identity, citizenship or entitlement cannot be confirmed.

An Australian citizen is entitled, on application, to be issued with an Australian passport (subsection 7(1) of the Australian Passports Act 2005).

• their entitlement is not affected by another section of the Passports Act
• their application is in the approved form
• they pay the applicable fee (if any).

There is no entitlement to an Australian travel-related document, but in accordance with Australia’s obligations under the UN Convention related to the Status of Refugees and the UN Convention related to the Status of Stateless Persons , Australia issues these documents to persons who meet the eligibility criteria set out in sections 6 or 7 the Australian Passports Determination 2015.

An application for an Australian travel-related document must also be in the approved form and accompanied by the applicable fee (if any) (subsection 9(3) of the Passports Act).

Entitlement to be issued an Australian travel document (ATD) is affected by sections 8 and 10 of the Passports Act (identity and citizenship must be established) and Part 2 Division 2 of the Passports Act ‘Reasons the Minister may refuse to issue an Australian Travel Document’ (subsection 7(2) of the Passports Act).

Other reasons the Minister may refuse to issue an ATD include reasons relating to are:

• children without parental consent or a court order permitting issue (section 11 of the Passports Act)
• law enforcement and security (sections 12 to 14 of the Passports Act)
• repeated loss or theft, consular debt or concurrently valid or suspended ATDs (sections 15 to 17 of the Passports Act).

If a delegate has reasonable grounds to suspect fraud or dishonesty in an application for an ATD, the application will not be processed and a decision on entitlement will not be made (section 19A of the Passports Act).

Lost or stolen Australian travel documents

Lost or stolen Australian travel documents (ATDs) must be reported as soon as practicable and cancelled immediately. Repeated loss or theft may result in a Reduced Validity Passport.

Lost and stolen travel documents can provide criminals with the potential to assume another identity, to carry out criminal activity in another name and to travel illegally. Fraudulently obtained travel documents are a key enabler for serious crime such as drug trafficking, people smuggling and terrorism.

The legislation and policy in relation to lost and stolen ATDs aim to encourage persons to take all reasonable steps to protect their ATD and to report any lost or stolen ATD immediately. ATDs reported as lost and stolen are cancelled immediately to help protect the holder’s identity and prevent the document’s illegal use.

The Australian Government has a Memorandum of Understanding with some countries and Interpol which allows the sharing of information on lost and stolen travel documents. ATDs that have been reported as lost or stolen are regularly reported to Interpol and appropriate border control authorities.

Where a person has had more than one ATD lost or stolen in a 5 year period, they will only be entitled to a Reduced Validity Passport, unless they can demonstrate they took all reasonable steps to protect their ATD and the loss or theft was out of their control.

For customers with repeated lost or stolen travel documents, subsection 17(2) item 10 of the Australian Passports Determination 2015 mandates a reduction in validity to a maximum of:

• five years where the customer has lost or had stolen two travel documents in the previous five years
• two years where the customer has lost or had stolen three or more travel documents in the previous five years.

This is a legislative requirement. The relevant ordinary passport application fee applies, even if the passport is to be issued with reduced validity.

Information on lost and stolen passports is also available on the passports website.

Damaged Australian travel documents

An Australian travel document (ATD) is an important document and all due care should be taken to ensure it is protected. Damage can cause delays while travelling or render an ATD invalid.

For the purposes of subsection 20(2) of the Australian Passports Act 2005 (the Passports Act), section 18 of the Australian Passports Determination 2015 provides that an ATD ceases to be valid if it is damaged such that the Minister (or delegate) is satisfied that it is no longer usable:

• as evidence of the identity and citizenship of its holder or
• to facilitate international travel.

Section 24 of the Passports Act authorises an officer (as defined in section 6 of the Passports Act) to demand the surrender of an invalid ATD, including a damaged document, particularly if the damage is serious or suspicious.

This is intended to protect the holder from experiencing potentially costly and distressing delays if prevented from entering a country due to the condition of the document while travelling and to mitigate fraud.

An ATD that is badly damaged and cannot be recognised as an ATD or presented at lodgement, will be treated as lost or stolen.

A travel document with only minor damage may continue to be used, but the holder may encounter difficulties, particularly if the condition of the document deteriorates while travelling. Customers should be advised to replace it as soon as possible.

A damaged passport may be used to support a streamlined renewal application, or an application for a minor damage replacement, provided it is not so badly damaged that it cannot be used to confirm the identity of the holder (or the damage is suspicious).

The damaged passport must also have more than two years validity remaining to be eligible for the lower cost replacement passport (with the same expiry date as the passport being replaced).

An ATD that is found to be faulty, for example to have a faulty chip, will be replaced without the need for a new application or application fee.

If the ATD or chip has been damaged while in the control of the customer, unless exceptional circumstances exist, the customer is responsible for the replacement.

Information on damaged and faulty passports is also available on the passports website.

Invalid Australian travel documents

An Australian travel document (ATD) ceases to be valid on the date specified (the expiry date) or when it is cancelled or in certain circumstances. These circumstances may be specified in an observation on the document (for example, valid for one-way travel only). They also include where the document is seriously damaged or the holder loses their Australian citizenship or dies.

Under section 20 of the Australian Passports Act 2005 (the Passports Act), an ATD ceases to be valid when the first of the following occurs:

• at a time or when a circumstance occurs that is specified by the Minister in the Australian Passports Determination 2015 as invalidating an ATD (such as serious damage to the travel document or death or loss of citizenship of the holder)
• at the time specified on the document (that is, the expiry date) or
• when the document is cancelled.

An ATD is not valid while it is suspended under section 22A of the Passports Act. See: Suspended Australian travel documents below.

It is important to remove invalid travel documents from circulation so that they cannot be used for illegal activities.

Where a document ceases to be valid at a time or in a circumstance specified in the Passports Determination as invalidating an Australian travel document, the document must be recorded as invalid in the passport system.

It should also be recovered and cancelled wherever possible. This protects the integrity of Australian travel documents and enhances national and international security. Where a document expires or is cancelled the risk of misuse is lower.

Cancelled Australian travel documents

Australian travel documents (ATDs) may be cancelled by an appropriate delegate under the Australian Passports Act 2005 (the Passports Act) for specified and unspecified reasons.

Subsection 22(1) of the Passports Act provides a broad discretion for the Minister (or an appropriate delegate) to cancel an ATD in unspecified circumstances.

Subsection 22(2) of the Passports Act sets out a number of specified circumstances in which the Minister (or delegate) may cancel an ATD.

These include where:

• the document is still valid when the holder applies for, or is issued with, another Australian travel document
• the document has been lost or stolen
• the holder dies
• a competent authority requests the document be cancelled
• the Minister (or delegate) becomes aware of a circumstance that would have required or permitted the Minister to refuse to issue the travel document had the Minister been aware of the circumstance immediately before the document was issued.
• circumstances specified in the Passports Determination exist (paragraph 22(2)(g)).

Most of the Minister’s powers to cancel an ATD under section 22 of the Passports Act are delegated. However, these delegations vary depending on the reason for the cancellation. Before cancelling an ATD, officers must ensure they have the appropriate delegation to cancel the document for the relevant reason.

A decision to cancel an ATD under section 22 of the Passports Act is reviewable (paragraph 48(c) of the Passports Act).

Australian Travel Documents (ATDs) must be cancelled in the passport system. They are no longer physically cancelled. Cancellation in the passport system remains the single source of truth.

Where a travel document is not sighted prior to cancellation, it must be voided (electronically cancelled in the passports system) and marked for impound (‘V and I’ status).

Section 22AA of the Passports Act provides that the Minister must cancel an Australian passport that has been issued to a reportable offender where a competent authority makes a refusal/cancellation request in relation to the person.

A decision to cancel an Australian passport under section 22AA of the Passports Act is not reviewable (as there is no discretion in this decision).

Suspended Australian travel documents

Provisions under the Australian Passports Act 2005 (the Passports Act) and the Foreign Passports (Law Enforcement and Security) Act 2005 (the Foreign Passports Act) mitigate the security risk to Australia and Australians from persons travelling overseas to engage in terrorist activities.

An Australian travel document (ATD) may be suspended for 14 days based on a request by the Director-General of Security of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) relating to security risk (section 22A of the Passports Act).

Similarly, a foreign travel document may be demanded up for 14 days based on a request by the Director-General of Security relating to security risk (sections 15A and 16A of the Foreign Passports Act).

These provisions enable the Australian Government to proactively mitigate the security risk to Australia and Australians from persons travelling overseas to engage in terrorist activities.

Demand for surrender

Under the Australian Passports Act 2005 (the Passports Act) and the Foreign Passports (Law Enforcement and Security) Act 2005 (the Foreign Passports Act) authorised officers may demand the surrender of Australian travel documents (ATDs) and impound them in specified circumstances.

Sections 23 to 25 of the Passports Act and sections 16 to 17 of the Foreign Passports Act provide for an officer under the Passports Act or an enforcement officer under the Foreign Passports Act to demand the surrender of a person’s travel documents in specified circumstances.

Once surrendered, the travel documents are impounded—that is taken into the Australian Government's possession.

The ability to demand the surrender of a person's travel documents:

• supports Australian and international law enforcement
• helps protect children from international parental child abduction
• protects the security and integrity of the Australian passports system by preventing the illegal use of Australian travel documents.

It is an offence if a person does not immediately surrender their Australian and/or foreign travel documents if demanded to do so by an authorised officer. Penalties can include imprisonment or a fine, or both.

Under section 26 of the Passports Act, a Customs officer may also seize an ATD or other document that is not in the possession or control of any individual and the officer suspects on reasonable grounds that the document is suspicious.

Offences under the Australian Passports Act 2005 (the Passports Act) and the Foreign Passports (Law Enforcement and Security) Act 2005 (the Foreign Passports Act) carry penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment or 1,000 penalty units or both.

Offences relating to Australian travel documents (ATDs) are provided for under Part 4 of the Passports Act.

Offences relating to foreign travel documents are provided for under Part 3 of the Foreign Passports Act.

The offence provisions are intended to:

• combat the trafficking of lost, stolen and false travel documents for use in connection with criminal activities, such as people smuggling, drug smuggling and terrorism
• prevent fraud concerning the issuance and use of ATDs
• deter the abuse of public office in the issuance and administration of ATDs.

In some instances, penalties for the offences are cumulative. For example, if a person sells two genuine or false ATDs, the maximum penalty set out in section 33 of the Passports Act is doubled (i.e. 20 years imprisonment or 2,000 penalty units or both).

These penalties are consistent with other offences in the Criminal Code Act 1995 and the Migration Act 1958 that aim to prevent the use of false identity and citizenship documents in Australia.

In addition to the criminal aspects, people who are victims of passport and identity crime often suffer emotional and financial costs. For victims of identity crime, IDCARE is available for support and advice.

Privacy and disclosures

The Australian Passport Office (APO) handles and protects the personal information of customers in accordance with the Australian Passports Act 2005 (the Passports Act), the Privacy Act 1988 (the Privacy Act), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and the Freedom of Information Act 1982 .

An officer who breaches the provisions in the Passports Act or the Privacy Act may face a criminal or civil penalty, or both. DFAT’s Privacy Policy and systems also protect personal information from misuse, interference and loss, and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

The collection, use and disclosure of personal information is permitted under the Passports Act:

• in relation to the operation of the Act (for example to establish identity, citizenship and entitlement to an Australian travel document (ATD))
• to mitigate the risk associated with lost, stolen or otherwise suspicious ATDs
• for specified purposes such as law enforcement, family law and related matters and to assist border management and facilitate international travel.

Customers applying for an ATD must declare they have read the Notice about the collection, use and disclosure of their personal information, which sets out how their information may be collected, used or disclosed according to the law.

Information about Collection, Use and Disclosure of Personal Information is also available on the passports website.

Review of decisions

Only those decisions specified as reviewable under passports legislation are eligible for administrative review. Certain decisions are not reviewable. A person affected by a reviewable decision made by the Minister or following internal review may request review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).

Section 48 of the Australian Passports Act 2005 and section 30 of the Australian Passports Determination 2015 set out the decisions relating to Australian travel documents (ATDs) that are reviewable.

Section 23 of the Foreign Passports (Law Enforcement and Security) Act 2005 sets out the decisions relating to foreign travel documents that are reviewable.

These decisions are reviewable under administrative law, either by the department or the AAT. The department and the AAT can only review those decisions that the law specifically states are reviewable.

Review under administrative law is merits based, that is, the decision can be overturned if the reviewer does not think the original decision resulted in the best outcome, even if the decision was legally made. This differs from judicial review, which looks only at the legality of a decision.

Some decisions are specifically not reviewable. Where the legislation specifies that decisions are not reviewable, it is usually because they are procedural in nature and not discretionary. However, certain decisions relating to children are also not reviewable. These are matters better dealt with by the Family Court than the administrative appeals regime.

Information on Review of decisions is also available on the passports website.

Delegations and authorisations

The Minister is designated to exercise most of the powers and functions under the Australian Passports Act 2005 (the Passports Act) and the Australian Passports Determination 2015 (the Passports Determination). Most of these functions are delegated to officers in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade under the Minister’s Authorisations and Delegations instrument.

Section 51 of the Passports Act provides that the Minister for Foreign Affairs (the Minister) may delegate to an officer (as defined in section 6 of the Passports Act) any or all of the Minister’s powers and functions under specified provisions of the Passports Act.

Section 52 of the Passports Act provides that the Minister may also, in writing, authorise other persons to perform specified functions of an officer under the Passports Act.

Section 29 of the Passports Determination specifies further powers and functions that the Minister may delegate.

Section 23A of the Foreign Passports (Law Enforcement and Security) Act 2005 provides that the Minister may delegate one power under that Act to a Senior Executive Service (SES) officer only.

Endorsements and observations

An endorsement or observation may be used to provide information relevant to the identity of the holder and/or the purpose of their travel. It must not alter any details on the Australian travel document (ATD).

Section 55 of the Australian Passports Act 2005 authorises the Minister (or delegate) to endorse, make an observation or specify such particulars on an ATD as the Minister (or delegate) thinks fit (section 26 of the Australian Passports Determination 2015).

An endorsement or observation may be used to provide information relevant to the identity of the holder and/or the purpose of their travel.

An endorsement or observation must not conflict with, or be used to try to alter, any personal details on the bio-data page of the ATD.

An endorsement or observation may be printed directly onto the observation page when the ATD is issued. It may also be printed on a label that is placed on the observation page of an ATD with a stamp/seal after the ATD has been issued.

A fee applies to applications for observations that are made after an ATD has been issued. See also: Passport fees .

Fees, waivers and refunds

Unless a fee waiver applies, application fees must be paid at lodgement for an application to be accepted and processed.

The Australian Passports (Application Fees) Act 2005 (the Application Fees Act) imposes fees in relation to Australian travel documents (ATDs) and for related purposes.

Sections 5 and 6 of the Australian Passports (Application Fees) Determination 2015 (the Application Fees Determination) set out the application fees for ATDs and additional fees for priority processing and overseas lodgement.

Passport fees are adjusted on 1 January each year, in line with the movement in the Australian Consumer Price Index (CPI). The amount of each fee is worked out with reference to an indexation factor set out in Section 5 of the Application Fees Determination.

Section 56 of the Australian Passports Act 2005 and Sections 27 and 28 of the Australian Passports Determination 2015 provide for the waiver or refund of these fees in certain circumstances.

Passport application and other fees may be refunded due to an administrative error, including where an incomplete application has been accepted that cannot be processed.

Fees charged in error are generally Refunded under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act (administrative Refunds).

Information on passport fees and refunds is also available on the passports website.

Priority, compelling and compassionate issue

In Australia, customers with compelling or compassionate circumstances may qualify for priority processing (two business days) for an additional fee. Customers with urgent travel in other locations and who have compelling or compassionate circumstances may apply for an Emergency Passport.

Eligible customers in Australia can pay the Priority Processing Fee (PPF). This ensures their Full Validity Passport will be ready to collect (or for the Australian Passport Office (APO) to send to them) within two business days of the APO receiving the application and all required documents. This is provided all requirements are met.

Customers in Australia who need a passport more urgently (that is, in less than two business days ) due to compelling or compassionate circumstances can contact the Australian Passport Office Contact Centre (APOCC) to discuss their circumstances. If they meet the compelling or compassionate criteria, an urgent passport will be issued as soon as possible. Again, this is provided all requirements are met. The PPF still applies in compelling cases, but does not apply in compassionate circumstances.

Depending on the circumstances and urgency, Overseas posts will usually be able to issue an Emergency Passport (EY) on the same or next business day, once the customer has provided all of the required documentation.

Emergency passports are not issued in Australia. Overseas Posts only have the capability to print emergency documents and cannot issue a Full Validity Passport in two business days, as these are produced in Australia.

Information on urgent applications is also available on the Passports website.

Alerts are internal notifications of information that might affect entitlement to an Australian travel document (ATD). They do not prevent travel.

An alert is an internal warning or notification placed on a customer’s record to draw attention to a matter that may affect the person’s entitlement to be issued an ATD at their next application.

Alerts can be placed on a customer’s record for a wide variety of reasons. If an individual does not have a passport record, one can be created for the purpose of adding the alert.

If an alert has been placed on a person's record and the person applies for a travel document, the alert warns the officer processing the application that certain information must be considered or that a travel document must not be issued.

Alerts must be actioned or resolved before an ATD may be issued.

Alerts relate only to the issue of an ATD. They have no relevance to a person's movements in or out of Australia. They cannot prevent travel where a person already holds a valid Australian or foreign travel document or is able to obtain a foreign travel document.

Most alerts have an expiry date. When alerts are created, a period of time must be specified. For example, a child alert that is not supported by a court order will expire after 12 months. A child alert that is supported by a court order will expire at the time specified in the order or, if no time is specified, when the child turns 18.

Information on child alert requests is also available on the passports website.

Note: A child alert relates only to the issue of an ATD, it does not prevent travel .

• AustraliaDreamer
• Travel To Australia Passport Less Than 6 Months

Planning a trip to Australia? It's important to be aware of the country's passport requirements to ensure a smooth travel experience. In this article, we will discuss the implications of traveling with a passport valid for less than 6 months and provide you with essential information and tips to make your journey hassle-free.

Australia's Passport Requirements

Implications of traveling with a passport valid for less than 6 months, steps to take if your passport expires soon, alternative travel documents to consider, important considerations before traveling to australia, tips for a smooth travel experience, 1. can i travel to australia with a passport that expires in less than 6 months, 2. are there any exceptions to the 6-month passport validity rule, 3. what should i do if my passport expires soon and i have already booked my trip to australia, 4. are there any alternative travel documents i can use instead of a passport.

Australia has specific passport requirements for visitors entering the country. As a general rule, your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. This means that if your passport is set to expire within 6 months of your arrival date in Australia, you may face difficulties at immigration.

Traveling to Australia with a passport that expires in less than 6 months can lead to potential issues. Immigration authorities may deny you entry into the country, or you may face difficulties during the immigration process. It is crucial to ensure that your passport meets the validity requirements to avoid any complications during your trip.

If your passport is set to expire soon and you have already booked your trip to Australia, it is advised to renew your passport before your departure. Contact your local passport office or embassy and follow their instructions on the passport renewal process. Remember to allow sufficient time for the renewal process, as it may take several weeks.

If you are unable to renew your passport in time or face unexpected circumstances, there are alternative travel documents you can consider. One option is an Emergency Travel Document (ETD), which can be issued by your country's embassy or consulate in Australia. However, it is important to note that an ETD may have limitations and could affect your ability to travel to other countries after leaving Australia.

• Check your passport's expiration date well in advance of your trip to Australia.
• If your passport is set to expire within 6 months of your intended stay, renew it before your departure.
• Allow sufficient time for the passport renewal process, as it may take several weeks.
• If you are unable to renew your passport in time, consider obtaining an Emergency Travel Document.
• Ensure you have all necessary travel documents, such as visas or permits, in addition to a valid passport.

To ensure a smooth travel experience when visiting Australia, follow these tips:

• Double-check your travel documents well in advance of your trip.
• Arrive at the airport early to allow sufficient time for immigration procedures.
• Be prepared to answer any questions regarding the validity of your passport.
• Stay updated on any changes to Australia's passport requirements by checking official government websites or consulting with your embassy or consulate.

Traveling to Australia with a passport valid for less than 6 months can lead to potential difficulties and complications. It is essential to ensure that your passport meets the validity requirements to avoid any issues during your journey. If your passport is set to expire soon, take the necessary steps to renew it or consider alternative travel documents. By being prepared and following the tips provided, you can have a smooth and enjoyable trip to Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

While it is possible to travel to Australia with a passport that expires in less than 6 months, it is not recommended. You may face difficulties at immigration, and it is advised to renew your passport before your departure.

There are no general exceptions to the 6-month passport validity rule for entering Australia. It is always best to ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.

If your passport is set to expire soon and you have already booked your trip to Australia, it is recommended to renew your passport before your departure. Contact your local passport office or embassy for guidance on the renewal process.

If you are unable to renew your passport in time, you can consider obtaining an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) from your country's embassy or consulate in Australia. However, an ETD may have limitations and could affect your ability to travel to other countries after leaving Australia.

Australian Tourism Planning A Trip To The United States

Travel To Australia As A Student

Travel To Australia On A Uk Passport

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New Zealand Can Travel To Australia

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Australia travel advice

Latest updates: Natural disasters and climate – removed information on Tropical Cyclone Megan

Last updated: April 10, 2024 05:31 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, australia - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in Australia.

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Violent crime is low.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs mostly in larger cities. Vehicle break-ins are common.

Robberies of safe-deposit facilities are common at inexpensive hotels and hostels.

• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Never leave personal belongings, such as money, credit cards, cell phones and other electronics, unattended
• Exercise caution in popular tourist areas

Online scam

Scammers have duped tourists into transferring money to an overseas bank account in exchange for renting accommodation in Australia.

When renting accommodation, beware of online scams.

Overseas fraud

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

There is a threat of terrorism. The Government of Australia maintains a national terrorism threat advisory system. Individuals or groups have developed both the intent and capability to conduct a terrorist attack in Australia. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Australian National Security – Government of Australia

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Water activities

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides are common and can be dangerous. Several drownings occur each year.

In certain areas, sharks, crocodiles, jellyfish and other wildlife pose a risk to swimmers.

• Avoid unsupervised beaches
• Follow the instructions and warnings of lifeguards
• Respect the flag warning system, which provides notice of water conditions and safety risks on beaches

Beach safety – Government of Australia

Diving and snorkelling

You must provide a medical declaration for diving or snorkelling.

Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities.

Safety information for divers and snorkellers – Government of Australia

Trekking and mountaineering

Weather conditions may be dry during the summer. You should be prepared for hot weather.

If you intend on trekking or mountaineering:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes

Remote areas

Some regions in Australia’s interior are very isolated and have small populations. Services are scarce.

You may have difficulty getting adequate mobile phone coverage if you travel there by car.

• Avoid travelling alone
• Inform relatives of your itinerary

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are very good throughout the country. Exercise caution when driving in rural areas at night. Drivers often drive at excessive speeds. Roaming animals and road trains pose further hazards.

Access to some remote locations may be impossible during severe weather conditions. Due to the great distances between settlements and the isolation of many outback areas:

• avoid travelling in extreme heat conditions
• plan your overland route carefully
• provide a friend or relative with your itinerary, and ensure that your vehicle is in good repair
• carry a first-aid kit and personal medication
• carry sufficient fuel, water, and food supplies
• bring a satellite phone or an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB)

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Australian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid on the day of entry into the country.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days Business visa: required Student visa: required

Canadians entering Australia without a visa need to get an electronic travel authority (ETA) to visit Australia. Ensure that you travel with the same passport used to apply for your ETA.

A health examination might be necessary to obtain certain visas.

• Electronic Travel Authority – Government of Australia
• Department of Home Affairs – Government of Australia

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to endemic areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

• In this country, risk of  dengue  is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Health care is excellent. Service is available throughout the country.

Payment is expected at time of service.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Canada and Australia are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Australia to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Australian authorities. This process can take a long time and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Imports and exports

There are very strict rules and quarantine measures regarding the importation of food and animal products. Information about items which you can and cannot bring to Australia is available from Australia’s Department of Home Affairs.

Immigration and Citizenship – Government of Australia

Traffic drives on the left.

Local authorities accept your overseas driving licence if the names on your licence match exactly those in your passport.

You must apply for a local licence if you intend to stay in Australia longer than 3 months.

Permits are required when travelling on Aboriginal territory.

You should carry an international driving permit.

• Driving with an overseas licence – Government of Australia
• More about the International Driving Permit

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Australia.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Australia, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Australia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Australia, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Australian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Australia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

The currency of Australia is the Australian dollar (AUD).

Bush and forest fires

Bush and forest fires are common between October and April, particularly in areas covered by bushes, long grass or coastal scrub. Elevated fire danger ratings and alert levels may be applied to affected areas. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a major fire:

• stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• be prepared to modify your travel arrangements or even evacuate the area on short notice
• follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

For current information, consult the relevant state or territory authorities.

Fire services

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• South Australia
• Western Australia

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from November to April. Severe flooding occurs annually, especially in the inland parts of the following states: 

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged. 

• Monitor local news and weather reports
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Australia Rainfall and river conditions – Bureau of meteorology, Australian government

Cyclones usually occur from November to April. They may occur along the coastal areas of Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

During this period, even small storms can quickly develop into major cyclones. These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to Australia during the cyclone season:

• know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• Bureau of Meteorology – Government of Australia
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad

Seismic activity

Australia is located in a seismic zone. Earthquakes may occur.

Local services

Dial 000 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Guam, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Northern Marianas, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu

New South Wales, Queensland and Northern Territory

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in Australia, in Canberra, or the Consulate General of Canada in Sydney and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

When does your passport expire?

If your passport expires in six months or less, you may need a new one. 

Some foreign governments need visitors to carry passports with at least six months validity (beyond their planned stay) or they may be refused entry.  

This includes popular destinations for Australian travellers, such as Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Fiji, Samoa and Vanuatu.  

To check the entry requirements of the countries you’re visiting, contact the foreign diplomatic and consular representatives of the country you’re visiting , or ask your travel agent. 

We recommend you allow a minimum of six weeks to get your new passport and don't book your trip until you have it. 

If you can’t wait at least six weeks for your passport, you can use our priority passport processing service. For more information, visit our  urgent applications  page. 

For more tips on planning your travel, visit smartraveller.gov.au