The Australian passport is a versatile travel document that allows holders to access 105 countries without a visa. This makes exploring the whole world easier, though there will obviously still be a handful of travel rules and regulations that must be obeyed.
The following article lists the visa-exempt countries for Australians and how long you can stay. We also detail which countries you’re eligible for an eVisa (Electronic Visa) and VoA (Visa on Arrival). Moreover, we explain who can apply for an Australian passport to enjoy this freedom of movement.
As an Aussie, you can journey across the globe without obtaining prior entry permission, an enviable privilege among the citizens of other countries with less ‘powerful’ passports. Read on to find out where you can go without applying for an entry permit in advance!
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List of Countries That Are Visa-Free for Australians
Here is the full list of 105 countries that Aussies are entry permit-exempt for. We’ve also detailed how long you can stay at each destination, in months unless stated otherwise.
Visa-Free Country |
Eligible to Visit for (in Months Unless Stated Otherwise) |
---|---|
Albania | 3 |
Andorra | 3 |
Antigua and Barbuda | 1 |
Argentina | 3 |
Armenia | 6 |
Austria | 3 |
Bahamas | 3 |
Barbados | 6 |
Belarus | 1 |
Belgium | 3 |
Belize | 1 |
Bolivia | 3 |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | 3 |
Botswana | 3 |
Brazil | 3 |
Bulgaria | 3 |
Canada | 6 |
Colombia | 6 |
Costa Rica | 3 |
Croatia | 3 |
Cyprus | 3 |
Czech Republic | 3 |
Denmark | 3 |
Dominica | 6 |
Dominican Republic | 3 |
Ecuador | 3 |
El Salvador | 3 |
Estonia | 3 |
Eswatini | 1 |
Fiji | 4 |
Finland | 3 |
France | 3 |
Gambia | 3 |
Georgia | 12 |
Germany | 3 |
Greece | 3 |
Grenada | 3 |
Guatemala | 3 |
Guyana | 3 |
Haiti | 3 |
Honduras | 3 |
Hungary | 3 |
Iceland | 3 |
Indonesia | 1 |
Ireland | 3 |
Israel | 3 |
Italy | 3 |
Jamaica | 6 |
Japan | 3 |
Kazakstan | 1 |
Kiribati | 4 |
Kosovo | 3 |
Kyrgyzstan | 2 |
Latvia | 3 |
Lesotho | 2 weeks |
Liechtenstein | 3 |
Lithuania | 3 |
Luxembourg | 3 |
Malaysia | 3 |
Malta | 3 |
Mauritius | 3 |
Mexico | 3 |
Micronesia | 1 |
Moldova | 3 |
Monaco | 3 |
Montenegro | 3 |
Morocco | 3 |
Namibia | 3 |
Netherlands | 3 |
New Zealand | Permanent |
Nicaragua | 3 |
North Macedonia | 3 |
Norway | 3 |
Oman | 2 weeks |
Panama | 6 |
Peru | 183 days |
Philippines | 1 |
Poland | 3 |
Portugal | 3 |
Qatar | 1 |
Romania | 3 |
Saint Kitts and Nevis | 3 |
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 1 |
Samoa | 2 |
San Marino | 3 |
Serbia | 3 |
Singapore | 3 |
Slovakia | 3 |
Slovenia | 3 |
South Africa | 3 |
South Korea | 3 |
Spain | 3 |
Sweden | 3 |
Switzerland | 1 |
Thailand | 1 |
Tunisia | 3 |
Ukraine | 3 |
United Kingdom | 6 |
United States of America | 3 |
Uruguay | 3 |
Uzbekistan | 1 |
Vanuatu | 1 |
Vatican City | 3 |
Venezuela | 3 |
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What Are the Visa Requirements for Australian Citizens to Enter These Countries?
To enter most of these destinations, your passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining. In addition, these nations may also ask to see:
- Proof that you have somewhere to stay, whether that is a hotel reservation or a letter from somebody that is putting you up.
- Evidence that you have enough money to support yourself. That does not mean a wallet stuffed with cash – provide bank statements or traveller’s cheques.
- Your return ticket, showing that you will be leaving within the agreed period of visa-free entry.
- Proof of an active health insurance policy.
Of course, these requirements will vary from country to country. As such, it’s best to check the exact regulations for your destination ahead of arriving there.
What Does “Visa-Free Country” Mean?
“Visa-free country” basically means exactly as it sounds. If you have an Australian passport, you will be able to enter 105 different countries without applying for a formal visa.
Now, do not get too excited. This does not mean that an Australian passport creates a travel free-for-all. In some other countries, you may still need to complete and apply for:
An e-Visa (Electronic Visa) online. This is sometimes referred to as an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation).
Alternatively, you may need to apply for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) at the border. In some cases, this is free, while in others a charge will be levied.
We’ve listed the countries where you’ll need an eVisa or a VoA further below.
In addition, you will still be subject to all the usual restrictions of entering another country. For example, you will be assigned a time limit before you need to leave and go home again.
All the same, even with these restrictions, the clear ‘power’ of the Australian passport is very welcome. It gives you a clear opportunity to see the world, from Europe to Asia to America.
How Can I Stay In a Visa-Free Country Longer?
If you wish to stay longer than the periods outlined in the table above, you will need to apply for an extension or even residency. Check with the embassy of the country you’re visiting, as this is possible in many destinations.
If you overstay the length of your permitted visa-free entry, you face deportation and possibly a fine – or even a custodial sentence. It depends on the laws of the country in question.
Can I Work in a Visa-Free Country Based on My Australian Passport?
No, just as you cannot live in a country visa-free, you cannot work there either. Authorities are likely to turn a blind eye to casual cash-in-hand work for backpackers, but you will not have the automatic legal right to work in any of these countries apart from New Zealand. In NZ, Australian passport holders hold complete freedom to work without restriction.
What Are the eVisa-Eligible Countries for Australian Passport Holders?
The following 23 nations allow Australian passport holders to enter with what’s called an eVisa (Electronic Visa). We’ve also listed how long you can stay for, in months unless stated otherwise.
You apply for and obtain an eVisa online so, while it’s a bit more paperwork than for visa-free countries, it’s still faster and easier than visiting your planned destination’s embassy in person.
Typically, you’ll pay both a fee and have to provide supporting documents to get an eVisa, so be sure to check the regulations of the country you’re visiting. You can apply for most of these eVisas here on Byevisa.com.
eVisa Country |
Eligible to Visit for (in Months Unless Stated Otherwise) |
---|---|
Bahrain | 1 |
Benin | 1 or 3 |
Cambodia | 3 |
Egypt | 3 |
Ethiopia | 1 or 3 |
Gabon | 1, 3, or 6 |
Guinea-Bissau | 3 |
Iran | 45 or 90 days |
Kenya | 3 |
Kuwait | 3 |
Laos | 2 |
Madagascar | 3 |
Malawi | 3 |
Myanmar | 28 days |
Papua New Guinea | 1 |
Rwanda | 1 |
Saudi Arabia | 3 in 1 year |
Sri Lanka | 3 |
Tanzania | 3 |
Turkey | 3 in 6 |
Uganda | 3 |
Zambia | 3 |
Zimbabwe | 3 |
What Countries Are Australians Eligible to Visit with a Visa on Arrival (VoA)?
A Visa on Arrival (VoA) is another type of entry permit that you apply for at the country’s border, typically right after you get off your flight at customs. You fill in the application and pay the official fee there and then, and you’re given entry.
Australians can visit the following 30 destinations with this sort of travel pass. The number of months you can visit for is also given, unless otherwise stated in days.
Visa on Arrival Country |
Eligible to Visit for (in Months Unless Stated Otherwise) |
---|---|
Bangladesh | 1 |
Brunei | 1 |
Burkina Faso | 1 |
Cape Verde | 1 |
Comoros | 45 days |
Iran | 1 |
Iraq | 2 |
Jordan | 1 |
Lebanon | 1 |
Maldives | 1 |
Marshall Islands | 3 |
Mauritania | 1 |
Mozambique | 1 |
Nepal | 3 |
Palau | 1 |
Paraguay | 3 |
Senegal | 3 |
Seychelles | 3 |
Sierra Leone | 1 |
Solomon Islands | 3 |
Somalia | 1 |
Tajikistan | 45 days |
Timor-Leste | 1 |
Togo | 7 days |
Tonga | 31 days |
Trinidad and Tobago | 1 |
Tuvalu | 1 |
United Arab Emirates | 1 |
What Is an Australian Passport?
This is the travel document assigned to Australian citizens, allowing you to leave the country and enter other nations. In many respects, this passport is the same as those issued by other countries. There is one fortunate difference, though: Aussie passport holders can enter 105 other countries without a visa, making this passport among the ‘strongest’ in the world.
When it comes to travel, the ‘power’ of the Australian passport comes in very handy. It means that holders can go overseas without the expense and red tape associated with applying for a visa before entering a foreign country.
The Australian passport enables bearers to journey visa-exempt from the UK to the USA to the EU, and is much sought after by those that immigrate there. Qualifying for one is not an easy process, as you must have the background to back it up.
Who Is Eligible for an Aussie Passport?
If you want an Australian passport, you will need to be an Australian citizen. The idea of a visa-free passport is obviously very appealing, but it is not available to just anybody:
- If you were born in Australia, you can apply by providing your birth certificate.
- If you were born overseas but are an Australian citizen, you will need to present an Australian citizenship certificate.
- Overseas nationals can also apply for an Australian passport through ancestry, but this is a little more complicated. You will need birth certificates from your parents and/or grandparents. If you cannot find these documents, you will need an Australian citizenship certificate that bears your own name.
The Department for Home Affairs in Australia will ask for this evidence. If you are unsure of how to provide the appropriate backup documents, consider making an appointment with the Australian embassy or consulate in your country for help. You can find this with our embassy checker tool.
How Can I Get a Passport Down Under?
As discussed, applicants need to ensure that they meet the strict criteria necessary to obtain this type of passport. Unless you are certain that your application will be successful, it is best not to attempt it. That would waste the time of yourself and the Australian government, and you may even need to pay some non-refundable fees.
You can apply for an Aussie passport by signing up on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website. Follow the steps here. In addition, seek help from the nearest embassy or consulate to ensure that you do not make any mistakes in your application.
It usually takes around 3 weeks to receive your Australian passport if your application is accepted, though a faster-track service is available if you are in a hurry. Just remember that Australia is quite some distance away for those living overseas, so do not expect anything overnight.
Summary
The Australian passport is among the most powerful travel documents in the world. There is no doubt that it offers tremendous freedom to anybody hoping to see more of the world, without the frustrating administration involved with visa applications. Ensure that you are certain which countries are visa-free for you, and enjoy the flexibility afforded.
Whilst the main cities and towns in Australia have a lot to offer, many Australians have a wanderlust and wish to travel all over the world, and even work their way around, if they can find employment wherever they are. As a citizen, you can rely on a warm welcome wherever you go. Enjoy your passport and the freedom it allows you.