Australia entry requirements for Colombia 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
Colombian passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to visit Australia for tourism or business. Apply through the official Australian ETA app before you travel — it costs $20 AUD and usually comes through in seconds. This requirement is in place for 2026.
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 an ETA via the official Australian ETA app (not the website — third-party sites charge extra fees). The app is free, the visa costs $20 AUD, and approval usually comes through in seconds. You must have a valid passport and an email address to complete the application.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Colombian passport | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Australia. Australia does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but airlines may still enforce this — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Australian airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Airlines also check this before boarding. | 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 Australian host. Officers rarely ask 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 you can cover your stay. There is no fixed minimum amount, but around $1,000 AUD per week is a safe benchmark. Officers may ask if you look underfunded. | Recommended |
Transit visa required
Colombian passport holders need a Transit visa (subclass 771) to transit through Australia, even if you stay airside. Apply before travel. Exceptions: if you hold a valid Australian visa, permanent residence, or a valid New Zealand visa or residence.
ETA application — use the official app only
The only way to apply for an ETA is through the official Australian ETA app (available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store). Third-party websites charge extra fees and may not be legitimate. The app costs $20 AUD and approval is usually instant.
Overstay penalties are severe
Overstaying your visa in Australia costs $100 AUD per day, with a maximum cap. It can also lead to visa cancellation and a ban from re-entering Australia for up to 3 years. Always apply for an extension before your visa expires.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA
Download the official Australian ETA app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Pay the $20 AUD fee with a credit card. Approval is usually instant — you'll get an email confirmation. Do not use third-party websites; they charge extra fees.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save digital copies of your passport, ETA confirmation, return ticket, and first night's accommodation. Keep them easily accessible — not buried in your luggage.
3
Arrive at the airport in Colombia
Check in with your airline. They'll verify your passport validity and ETA. Have your return ticket ready if asked. Boarding passes are issued once everything checks out.
4
Arrive in Australia
At Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth airports, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Present your passport and ETA (linked digitally). The officer may ask about your stay, funds, and return plans. Answer clearly and briefly. You'll get a stamp or digital entry record.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. If you have nothing to declare, use the green 'Nothing to Declare' channel. If unsure, use the red channel — penalties for undeclared goods are steep.
Download Australia Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (subclass 600) – single entry
Max stay3 months
Validity12 months from issue
CostAUD 150 (~USD 100)
Standard tourist visa for short stays.
Tourist visa (subclass 600) – multiple entry
Max stay3 months per entry
Validity12 months from issue
CostAUD 150 (~USD 100)
Allows multiple visits within validity.
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from first entry
CostAUD 510 (~USD 340)
For young adults (18–30) to work and travel; limited places.
Student visa (subclass 500)
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostAUD 620 (~USD 415)
Requires enrollment in a registered course and sufficient funds.
student visa
Student visa (subclass 500)
Up to 5 years
AUD 620 (~USD 415)
For full-time study at a registered Australian institution. Requires enrollment, sufficient funds, and health insurance.
Apply work visa
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
Up to 4 years
AUD 1,330 (~USD 890)
For skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer. Requires occupation on skilled list and relevant qualifications.
Apply investor visa
Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188)
Up to 5 years, renewable
AUD 4,990 (~USD 3,340)
For investors and business owners with significant assets. Requires state nomination and investment in Australia.
Apply retirement visa
Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405)
Up to 4 years, renewable
AUD 3,990 (~USD 2,670)
For retirees aged 55+ with substantial assets and income. Requires investment in designated state/territory.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) – single entryStandard fee for tourist visa application. | AUD 150 (~USD 100) |
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) – multiple entrySame fee as single entry; multiple entries allowed up to 12 months. | AUD 150 (~USD 100) |
| Stay extension (onshore)Apply via ImmiAccount before current visa expires. | AUD 150 (~USD 100) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; overstay can lead to visa cancellation and bans. | AUD 100 per day (~USD 67) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Transit visa required
Colombian passport holders need a Transit visa (subclass 771) to transit through Australia, even if staying airside. Apply before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Australian visa or permanent residence may transit without a transit visa.
- Holders of a valid New Zealand visa or residence may also be exempt.
Transit hubsSydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) · Melbourne Airport (MEL) · Brisbane Airport (BNE)
Health & vaccines for Australia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of South America).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaConsider
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 virus 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
Appointments required for most services; check online.
Melbourne
Department of Home Affairs – Melbourne Office
2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Bring all original documents and copies.
Practical information for CO 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
Yes. Colombian passport holders need a Transit visa (subclass 771) even if you stay airside. Apply before travel. Exceptions: if you hold a valid Australian visa, permanent residence, or a valid New Zealand visa or residence.
The ETA allows stays of up to 3 months per visit. It's valid for 12 months from the date of issue, and you can enter multiple times within that period.
Yes, you can apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) extension onshore before your current visa expires. The fee is $150 AUD. Overstaying without permission incurs fines of $100 AUD per day and can lead to visa cancellation and bans.
The ETA does not allow work. For work, consider the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) — $1,330 AUD, up to 4 years. For study, apply for a Student visa (subclass 500) — $620 AUD, up to 5 years. Both require sponsorship or enrollment.
Insufficient funds (30% of rejections), no return ticket (25%), incomplete documents (20%), overstay history (15%), and suspicious travel patterns (10%). Make sure you have a return ticket and bank statements ready.
Yellow fever vaccine is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (parts of South America). Otherwise, routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio) are recommended. Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. No other vaccines are mandatory.
The Department of Home Affairs has offices in Sydney (26 Lee Street, Sydney NSW 2000, +61 2 9274 0000), Melbourne (2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, +61 3 9235 0000), Brisbane (295 Ann Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, +61 7 3360 0000), and Perth (45 Francis Street, Perth WA 6000, +61 8 9415 0000). All open Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00. Appointments are recommended.
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.