Australia entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Emirati passport holders need an approved ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) before flying to Australia. It's a digital link to your passport number, not a visa sticker. Apply online in 2026, get approved within hours, and stay up to 3 months per visit.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa (ETA) applicationETA (Australia): Electronic Travel Authority — a digital visa linked to your passport. Required for all eligible passport holders. Apply via the Australian ETA app ($20 AUD fee) before travel. Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) | Apply for your ETA through the official Australian ETA app — the app is free, but third-party websites charge extra fees. The $20 AUD fee is payable by credit or debit card. Most applications are approved within seconds, but apply at least 48 hours before your flight in case of delays.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Australia. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Australian immigration, but your airline may enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Australia | Immigration officers at Australian airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready. If you plan to overstay, you risk a ban and a fine of up to $10,000 AUD. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter from your host. Immigration rarely asks for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement or credit card showing sufficient funds for your stay. Australian immigration does not publish a minimum amount, but $1,000 AUD per week of stay is a safe benchmark. You won't be asked unless you look like you might work illegally. | Recommended |
Don't use third-party ETA websites
Only apply through the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website or the Australian ETA app. Third-party sites often charge inflated fees (up to AED 200) and may not process your application correctly.
SmartGate speeds up entry
At major Australian airports (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth), UAE passport holders can use SmartGate kiosks. Scan your passport, answer a few questions, and get through immigration in under 2 minutes — no queue at the counter.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website or download the Australian ETA app. Fill in your passport details, personal info, and answer a few health/character questions. Pay the fee (around AUD 20). Approval comes via email — usually within minutes.
2
Check your passport validity
Make sure your UAE passport has at least 6 months left from the day you plan to enter Australia. If it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the ETA.
3
Book your flights and accommodation
Book a return or onward ticket. Book your first night's accommodation and save the confirmation email. Keep screenshots on your phone.
4
Arrive at the airport and check in
At check-in, the airline will verify your ETA is linked to your passport. Have your passport and boarding pass ready. No visa sticker to show.
5
Go through immigration in Australia
At airports like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, use the SmartGate kiosk if available — scan your passport, answer a few questions, get a ticket. Hand it to the officer. You may be asked about your return ticket or accommodation.
Download Australia Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay3 months
Validity12 months from issue
CostAUD 150 (~$100 USD)
Standard option for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay3 months per entry
Validity12 months from issue
CostAUD 150 (~$100 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from issue
CostAUD 510 (~$340 USD)
For young adults (18-30) to work and travel.
Student visa (subclass 500)
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostAUD 620 (~$415 USD)
Requires enrolment in a registered course.
student visa
Student visa (subclass 500)
Up to 5 years (course-dependent)
AUD 620 (~$415 USD)
For full-time study at a registered Australian institution. Requires enrolment and sufficient funds.
Apply work visa
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
Permanent residency
AUD 4,045 (~$2,700 USD)
For skilled workers with an occupation in demand. Requires skills assessment and points test.
Apply investor visa
Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188)
Up to 5 years, leading to permanent residency
AUD 4,045 (~$2,700 USD)
For investors and business owners with significant assets. Requires state nomination and investment.
Apply retirement visa
Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405)
Up to 4 years, renewable
AUD 4,045 (~$2,700 USD)
For retirees aged 55+ with substantial assets and income. Requires investment in Australian bonds.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Single entryStandard tourist visa for short stays. | AUD 150 (~$100 USD) |
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Multiple entryAllows multiple entries within validity. | AUD 150 (~$100 USD) |
| eVisa application feeOnline application fee for eligible passport holders. | AUD 150 (~$100 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | AUD 100 per day (max AUD 5,000) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Australia
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Australian airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Australian visa may enter the country during transit.
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa is required.
Transit hubsSydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) · Melbourne Airport (MEL) · Brisbane Airport (BNE)
Health & vaccines for Australia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaRecommendedCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Ross River virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in rural and coastal areas; use repellent.
Murray Valley encephalitisLow risk
Rare but serious mosquito-borne illness in northern regions.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause dehydration and heatstroke; stay hydrated.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Sydney
Department of Home Affairs – Sydney Office
26 Lee Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
For visa extensions and inquiries; appointments recommended.
Melbourne
Department of Home Affairs – Melbourne Office
2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles visa applications and extensions.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalCanberra
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 3 months. IDP recommended.
Money
CurrencyAustralian Dollar (AUD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.45 AUD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+10
vs New York+15h to +16h depending on state
vs Los Angeles+18h to +19h depending on state
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
IType I — unique Australian plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink everywhere in Australia.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Australia
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Australia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Most applications are approved within minutes to a few hours. Apply at least 24 hours before your flight to be safe. In rare cases, it can take a few days if additional checks are needed.
The official fee is AUD 20 (about AED 50). Only pay through the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website or app. Third-party sites often charge extra fees.
No, the ETA (Subclass 601) does not allow extensions. You must leave before 3 months. If you want to stay longer, you need to apply for a different visa (like a Visitor Visa Subclass 600) before your ETA expires.
Yes, immigration officers can ask to see proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. If you don't have one, you may be refused entry.
No. The ETA is for tourism, visiting family, or short business trips (like meetings or conferences). You cannot work for an Australian employer or get paid for services while on an ETA.
Rejections are rare for UAE passport holders. If rejected, you'll receive a reason. You can apply for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) instead, which involves more paperwork and a longer processing time (weeks to months).
Yes, you still need an ETA even if you're only transiting. The same ETA covers both transit and short stays. Apply online before you travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.