What You Need to Know about Traveling to Australia

What is required by immigration when visiting Australia?

There are a few basic requirements to speak of for visiting Australia. First off, travelers must obtain an Australian Visa, otherwise known as an Electronic Travel Authority (or, ETA). This is an electronic version of a visa which is issued by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. It is a requirement that you obtain one outside of the country before you depart for Australia. It is also advisable to obtain one in advance from an online Australian Visa specialist as more likely than not, you will save money and have it done in a timely matter (usually a few hours or a day).

You will want to apply up to 12 months for an Australian visa, but no later than 2 days in advance before departing for Australia. Here is an example of a popular Australian visa application, which can be filled out in less than 5 minutes.

An Australian ETA is actually a fantastic system as it replaces the need for a visa label or stamp in a passport. It does not require a lengthy application form and enables tourists to pass through immigration lines quickly and effectively. Upon arrival, immigration officials will simply swipe your passport, verify your ETA exists, and you’ll be on your way to customs.

Keep in mind that Australian ETA visas are only available for citizens of one of the following ETA eligible countries. However, if you are carrying a passport from an ETA eligible country, then you will save time and money by applying online versus at the airport or with the DIAC.

Any additional question regarding Australian travel, please visit Australian ETA information and FAQs for more information.

When is the best time to travel to Australia?

Usually the best time to travel to Australia is the summer months (December-February). However, keep in mind that where you go is just as important as when you go. The country is extremely large in land mass and there are a lot of different regional conditions that may affect the best time to visit.

In general, the northern top third of the country can be extremely tropical feeling during the peak summer months (hot, humid weather with seasonal cyclones). Most of the visitors who head north often land themselves in Cairnes to visit the Great Barrier Reef. Cairnes is an excellent coastal city with lots of water sports to offer, but if you aren’t much of an ocean dweller then you’re best bet may be to either stay south or travel during an off-peak months. The summertime also draw mild crowding in larger cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Cairnes. So, if you your goal is to avoid crowds and still enjoy some decent weather, then the most favorable time may actually be the shoulder season (October-November & March-May) or to even visit in the winter if you don’t mind a bit of rain in the south.

Do I need any shots for Australia?

You may want to seek out a medical professional if you plan on visiting a forested area on your trip, whether it’s before or during your time spent in Australia. But under normal circumstances, you are not required to obtain any preliminary shots before travelling to Australia.