What do you need to travel to Australia?

Exotic, surprising, and authentic, Australia features all of the ingredients intrepid travellers expect from a dreamy destination. Yet, organizing a trip in such a vast country from the other side of the planet can be daunting, even if you love planning trips. That’s whywe’ve shared everything you need to know about documents to travel to Australia. 

Requirements to visit Australia

Passports

Just like many other countries on the planet,the Australian government requires international travellers to hold a passport that’s valid for at least six months from the date the traveller arrives in Australia. This means that if you’re planning to travel to Australia on the 1st of January 2024, your passport should be valid until at least the 2nd of June 2024.

Visa

You’ll need a Australia Visa to enter the country, regardless of your country of origin. However, there are a few different types of Australian visas, and the one you should apply for during your Australia visa application will depend on the reason for your trip. 

Note that Australians are very strict when it comes to visas, and you won’t be able to board your plane if you don’t hold an adequate visa. 

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance isn’t mandatory. However, it’s strongly recommended. Health care-related services are extremely costly in Australia, and an injury could cost thousands of dollars. So, make sure you select an adequate travel insurance that will cover you for the activities you’re planning to carry out.

Currency 

Australia’s national currency is the Australian dollar (AUD). While you can easily exchange money in big cities, Australia is a technological hub, and as such, digital payments are widely accepted, even in remote towns.

Things you need to know when travelling to Australia

Vaccines, health, and COVID restrictions

Since the 1st of November, 2021, the country’s borders have reopened to international travelers. All COVID-related restrictions have been lifted, meaning travellers don’t need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter the country. Australia is a safe country when it comes to health. However, here are some recommended vaccines you should be up to date with regardless:

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• Shingles
• COVID-19
• Hepatite B
• Japanese encephalitis
• Measles
• Rabies

Is Australia open to tourists? 

Yes, Australia is open to tourists, and there are no restrictions for entry.

Do I need a transit visa to stop in Australia? 

If you’re planning to transit through Australia for less than 72 hours, you’ll need to apply for a transit visa. However, note that you won’t need a transit visa if you’re staying for less than 8 hours, aren’t planning to leave the transit area, and are from an eligible country. 

How to travel around Australia 

Australia is a vast country, and as such, flying is the most popular and sometimes affordable way to travel around. The main airlines are Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia. 

If you have time and are planning to explore a specific region, renting a car or a camper van could be a great solution. There are many options available, including Apollo, Europcar, or Thrifty. 

Another great way to travel along the East Coast is to purchase a hop-on/hop-off pass with the Greyhound Australia bus line. This will allow you to explore all of the natural wonders of the East Coast at your own pace. 

Best time to travel

Australia is a continent that encompasses a variety of climates. This means that it’s always warm and sunny somewhere!

If you’re chasing good weather and want to enjoy a beach holiday and outdoor adventures, the spring and summer months between September and February are the best months to explore the south of the country, including the following regions:

• New South Wales
• ACT
• Victoria
• South Australia
• The southern part of Western Australia
• Tasmania

During the fall and winter months, from March to August, the northern parts of the country, including Queensland, the Northern Territory, and the northern part of Western Australia, are the best destinations for a warm and sunny holiday. 

Safety

Australia boasts a lower crime rate than the majority of countries. In fact, it’s regularly ranked among the ten safest countries in the world, along with its neighbor, New Zealand. 

With a stable political climate, a low crime rate, and a law-abiding mentality, Australia is, without a doubt, one of the safest destinations on Earth for travelers.

Travel tips 

• The train system isn’t well-developed in Australia due to the country's enormous size, so flying is the best way to travel from one region to another. 
• Australia’s UV radiation levels are higher than anywhere else on the planet (except for New Zealand) so make sure to apply sunscreen regularly during your trip. 
• Australians are law-abiding citizens and expect travellers to comply with rules as well. Reporting misconduct is common.
• If you love skiing, you’ll love visiting the south of Australia in winter! That’s right, the south of the country features alpine regions, including Mount Buller and Perisher, that experience heavy snowfall between April and August and provide a breeding ground for snow adventurers. 
• There isn’t any reception in the Outback, so purchase a satellite phone and a first aid kit if you plan a trip there. Some of the most dangerous species found in the country live in the Outback, so be extremely careful. Always seek advice regarding road conditions, and never drive on closed roads.