Australia entry requirements for United Kingdom 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
You need a visa to enter Australia. Most UK passport holders get an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) – an online visa valid for short stays up to 3 months. The ETA is linked electronically to your passport and costs AUD 20.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA (subclass 601) 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 | Apply for your ETA through the official Australian ETA app — the website version is run by third parties who charge extra. The app is free to download, and the $20 AUD fee is paid inside the app. Approval usually comes through in seconds, but apply at least a few days before your flight just in case.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your 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 your passport expires before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Australia | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof you're leaving Australia within your visa validity. A return flight to the UK or a ticket to your next destination works. Budget airlines like Jetstar and Tigerair check this strictly at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Immigration rarely asks for it, but if you're arriving without a plan, they may want to see where you're staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a bank statement showing at least AUD $1,000–$2,000 for a short trip, or a credit card with a decent limit. Immigration officers rarely check this for UK passport holders, but it's smart to have it in your bag. | Recommended |
Apply for your ETA well before your flight
While most ETAs are approved in minutes, some take up to 12 hours or longer. Never wait until you’re at the airport. Apply at least a week before departure. If you’ve had visa issues before, allow even more time.
ePassport gates for UK passport holders
If you have a biometric UK passport and are aged 10 or over, you can use Australia’s SmartGate kiosks at most major airports. This speeds up immigration – no paper form needed. Just scan your passport and look at the camera.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Download the Australian ETA app (available on iOS and Android) or visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website. Fill in your passport details, travel plans, and answer a few health and character questions. Pay the AUD 20 fee by credit or debit card. Most applicants get an instant decision.
2
Check your ETA status
After applying, you’ll receive a confirmation. Double-check that the ETA is linked to your passport number. If you don’t get instant approval, it may take a few hours or up to a day – apply at least a week before travel just in case.
3
Arrive at the airport
At check-in, the airline will verify your ETA. You don’t need to print anything – it’s all electronic. Have your passport ready. When you land in Australia (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane), go to the ePassport gates if you’re 10+ years old and have a biometric UK passport. Otherwise, join the general queue.
4
Go through immigration
At the ePassport gates, scan your passport, look at the camera, and you’re through – no forms to fill. If you used the regular queue, an officer will ask about your trip, accommodation, and onward travel. Answer honestly. Keep a copy of your flight itinerary handy.
Download Australia Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom 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) – single entry
Max stay3 months
Validity12 months from issue date
CostAUD 150 (≈ USD 100)
Standard tourist visa; must apply before travel.
Visitor visa (subclass 600) – multiple entry
Max stay3 months per entry
Validity12 months from issue date
CostAUD 150 (≈ USD 100)
Allows multiple visits within validity.
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) – subclass 601
Max stay3 months per entry
Validity12 months from issue date
CostAUD 20 (≈ USD 13)
For short-term tourism or business; online application.
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.
work visa
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
Up to 4 years
AUD 1,265 (~USD 840)
For skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer. Requires relevant qualifications and work experience.
Apply student visa
Student visa (subclass 500)
Duration of course (up to 5 years)
AUD 620 (~USD 410)
For full-time study at a registered Australian institution. Allows part-time work and dependents.
Apply retirement visa
Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405)
Up to 4 years, renewable
AUD 4,045 (~USD 2,700)
For retirees aged 55+ with substantial assets and income. Requires investment in Australian state/territory government bonds.
Apply digital nomad visa
No specific digital nomad visa available
Varies
Varies
Australia does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers typically use visitor visas or working holiday visas.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) – single entryStandard tourist visa for short stays. | AUD 150 (~USD 100) |
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) – multiple entryAllows multiple entries within validity. | AUD 150 (~USD 100) |
| Stay extension (onshore)Apply via ImmiAccount before current visa expires. | AUD 370 (~USD 245) |
| 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
UK 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 flight within 8 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 8h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa is required.
- If transiting for more than 8 hours, a visa may be needed.
Transit hubsSydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) · Melbourne Airport (MEL) · Brisbane Airport (BNE)
Health & vaccines for Australia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Ross River virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne virus present in rural areas; symptoms include joint pain and rash.
Murray Valley encephalitisLow risk
Rare but serious mosquito-borne disease 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 enquiries 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 immigration matters.
Practical information for GB 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
Up to 3 months per visit. The ETA is valid for 12 months from the date of issue, and you can enter multiple times (as long as each stay doesn’t exceed 3 months). You cannot extend the 3-month stay on an ETA – if you need longer, you’ll need a different visa.
AUD 20 (approximately £10). You pay when you apply online. There are no extra fees. Beware of third-party websites that charge more – use the official Australian ETA app or the Department of Home Affairs website.
No. You must have an approved ETA before you board your flight to Australia. Airlines will check it. There is no visa on arrival for UK passport holders.
Possibly not. The ETA application asks about criminal convictions. If you have a conviction, you may be required to apply for a visitor visa (subclass 600) instead, which involves a proper assessment. Be honest – lying can lead to a ban.
No. It’s linked electronically to your passport number. However, it’s a good idea to keep a copy of the approval email or a screenshot, just in case the system has a glitch.
You can apply for a standard Visitor Visa (subclass 600) which costs AUD 145 (approximately £75) and takes a few weeks. This visa allows longer stays and is assessed individually. Check the Australian immigration website for details.
Not for entry, but if you’ve been in a country with yellow fever in the days before you travel, you may need a vaccination certificate. For most UK travellers, no special vaccines are required.
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.