How to Obtain a Visa for Australia

The U.S. Department describes Australia as a "highly developed, stable democracy" with many tourist facilities, which makes it an appealing destination for vacationing or even temporary employment. Australia requires passports and visas for any visitors coming from the United States. The process to obtain a visa is not too difficult for the average American citizen.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Internet connection Email address U.S. passport Credit card
Internet connection
Email address
U.S. passport
Credit card

Electronic Travel Authorization

Step 1

Press the "Apply" button on the Australian Electronic Travel Authority website. Australian authorities recommend you do this at least two weeks before you travel.

Step 2

Fill out the online form. A series of prompts will ask you to enter information about yourself and the country in which you live. You will also need to enter the passport identification number and the date of issue and expiration.

Step 3

Record the reference number given after the application is filled out. This will be needed to check the status of the application through the website.

Step 4

Pay the $20 processing fee. The Australian government charges $20 for offering the online service, which will be charged to the credit card.

Step 5

Verify that the visa has been approved. All it should take is the email that should come to the address you provided. If you do not get that email, go back to the site and enter the reference number and the passport ID number to check the status.

Tourist Visa

Step 1

Download out a Tourist Visa form called the 48R from Australia's Immigration and Citizenship Web site.

Step 2

Fill out the form with the relevant information. You will be asked for passport information, your date of birth and personal information such as health history and whether or not you have family in Australia. You will also have to state the reason you plan on traveling there.

Step 3

Mail or deliver the form to the Australian Embassy with payment. It is located in Washington, D.C. The price of an application varies, so you may want to call first to see how much it will cost to process the application. The address is:

Australian Embassy
1601 Massachusetts Ave
Washington DC NW 20036-2273

Tips & Warnings

The U.S. Department of State also encourages all U.S. citizens to register at the U.S. Embassy webpage before traveling to Australia. This will provide protection if you encounter a legal or safety emergency while abroad.

Resources

Article Written By Ray Dallas

Ray Dallas graduated with majors in journalism and English. While in Florida, he wrote freelance articles for "The Alligator" and was the copy editor and a writer for "Orange & Blue." Since moving to California, Dallas has worked as a script reader and for a talent manager, as well as taking numerous industry odd jobs.

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