Australia entry requirements for Germany passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 2026·View sources
Visa 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
German passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before flying to Australia. As of now, the ETA is free and usually processed within minutes, though it's smart to apply a day early. This policy is expected to continue through at least 2026, but always double‑check the latest rules before booking.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA (Australia) applicationElectronic 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 website version is a third-party service that charges extra. The app costs $20 AUD and approval usually comes through in seconds. You must have this approved before you board your flight to Australia.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your German passport needs to be valid for the whole time you're in Australia. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers in Australia will deny boarding if it expires before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Australia | Immigration officers at Australian airports routinely ask for proof you're leaving. Have a printed or digital copy of your onward flight, bus, or boat ticket ready. If you're overlanding to another country, show the booking. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a copy of your hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter from your host. Immigration rarely asks for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement showing enough money to cover your stay. There's no fixed minimum, but around $1,000 AUD per week is a safe benchmark. Immigration can ask to see it at the border. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival
Australia does not offer any visa or ETA on arrival for German citizens. You must have your ETA approved before you board your flight. Airlines will check for a valid ETA at check‑in.
Use only official channels for ETA
The official Australian ETA app (available on Apple App Store and Google Play) or the Department of Home Affairs website are the only free, safe ways to apply. Third‑party sites charge unnecessary fees and may not process correctly.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the ETA online
Use the official Australian ETA smartphone app (iOS/Android) or the Department of Home Affairs website. Enter your passport details, answer a few questions, and submit. Approval comes by email – usually in minutes, but sometimes up to 24 hours.
2
Check your ETA status
You can check the status online using your application reference number. Make sure the ETA is granted before you book non‑refundable flights.
3
At the airport in Germany
Present your German passport at check‑in. The airline will verify your ETA electronically. They might ask for a return ticket, so have it handy. Boarding passes are issued as normal.
4
Arrival at Australian airport
Go through immigration using the e‑Passport gates (SmartGates) if eligible – most German passports are. Otherwise, see a border officer. They may ask your purpose of stay and where you're staying.
5
Departure from Australia
No exit formalities other than security. Your ETA becomes invalid once you leave. If you plan to return, you'll need a new ETA.
Download Australia Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Tourist stream (single entry)
Max stayUp to 3, 6, or 12 months (as granted)
ValidityUp to 12 months from date of grant
CostAUD 150 (~USD 100)
Standard tourist visa; must apply before travel.
Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Tourist stream (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 3 months per visit (as granted)
ValidityUp to 12 months from date of grant
CostAUD 150 (~USD 100)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travelers.
Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)
Max stay12 months (extendable up to 2 years under certain conditions)
Validity12 months from first entry
CostAUD 510 (~USD 340)
For young adults (18–30) to work and travel; German citizens eligible.
Student visa (subclass 500)
Max stayDuration of course (up to 5 years)
ValidityDuration of course plus up to 2 months
CostAUD 710 (~USD 475)
Requires enrollment in a registered course; allows part-time work.
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 relevant qualifications and English proficiency.
Apply student visa
Student visa (subclass 500)
Duration of course (up to 5 years)
AUD 710 (~USD 475)
For full-time study at a registered Australian institution. Allows part-time work and family accompaniment.
Apply retirement visa
Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405)
Up to 4 years, renewable
AUD 3,800 (~USD 2,540)
For retirees aged 55+ with significant assets (AUD 750,000) and income. Requires investment in designated assets.
Apply digital nomad visa
No specific digital nomad visa; use Working Holiday or Visitor visa
Varies
Varies
Australia does not offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers typically use a Visitor visa (up to 3 months) or Working Holiday visa (if eligible).
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) – single entryFor tourism or business visits up to 3 months, non-extendable. | AUD 150 (~USD 100) |
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) – multiple entryAllows multiple entries up to 12 months, each stay up to 3 months. | AUD 150 (~USD 100) |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | AUD 100 per day (max AUD 5,000) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
German 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
- Must hold a valid visa for the final destination
- Transit without visa only applies to airside transit; if leaving the airport, a visa is required
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 Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Ross River virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease found in rural areas; symptoms include joint pain and rash.
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
For visa inquiries and applications; appointments recommended.
Melbourne
Department of Home Affairs – Melbourne Office
2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions and general immigration matters.
Practical information for DE 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 = 1.4 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, absolutely. German passport holders cannot travel to Australia without a valid ETA (or another visa). You must apply and receive approval before your flight. There is no visa‑on‑arrival for tourism.
The ETA is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. During that period you can make multiple short trips, each stay up to 90 days.
No. The ETA does not allow extensions. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa (e.g., Visitor Visa subclass 600) before your ETA expires.
Yes, the official Australian ETA app and website charge no fee. Beware of third‑party sites that ask for payment – only use the Australian Government channels.
You will be denied boarding by the airline in Germany. If you somehow reach Australia without one, you will be refused entry and placed on the next flight home at your own expense.
No. The ETA is for tourism, short‑term business (e.g., meetings, conferences) and visiting family. To work or study you need the appropriate work or student visa.
No. The ETA is linked to your passport number. When you renew your passport, you must apply for a new ETA using the new passport details.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.