US Visa Requirements: Do Australians Need a Visa for the USA?

USA Entry and Visa Requirements: Do Australians Need a Visa to Visit the USA?

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Visa Requirements
USA Visa Requirements

USA visa requirements for Australian citizens may vary depending on the type and length of your trip to the United States. Australians travelling to the US for tourism or business for a period of up to 90 days can enter visa-free under the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). To travel without a visa under the VWP, you must have a valid Electronic System for Travel authorisation (ESTA) approval prior to arriving in the US.

If you're travelling to the US from Australia for tourism beyond the visa-free travel period, work, or study, you will need to obtain the relevant visa and travel documents. Knowing these travel requirements for the US will help you better plan your trip and ensure smooth entry into the US.

Any advice is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, or needs. As entry and visa requirements for the US may change over time, it is your responsibility to verify entry and visa requirements with the official government authorities including the US Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs, the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the US Embassy in Australia or your local US Consulate.

Table of Contents

Expand our table of contents to navigate to a specific section of our USA entry and visa requirements guide, or read on to learn more.

US Visa Exemption Program
Electronic System for Travel Authorisation
How to Apply for ESTA
Global Entry Program
How to Apply for the US Global Entry Program
US Visa Requirements
US Visitor Visa
US Temporary Work Visa
US Student Visa
US Exchange Visitor Visa
How to Apply for a US Visa
How Long Can I Stay in the US With a Visa?
How Much Does a US Visa Cost?
Travel Insurance for your Trip to the US

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Summary of US Entry and Visa Requirements

Visa Exemption for the US

Australian citizens can enter the US visa-free for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program for tourism or business purposes, provided they apply for an Electronic System Travel Authorisation (ESTA) at least 72 hours before arrival to the US.

Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA)

ESTA is required for all VWP countries entering by air, land, or sea. Travellers under the VWP must apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before arrival and hold a valid passport. It's valid for 2 years or until passport expiry.

US Global Entry Program

Australian citizens are eligible for the Global Entry program for expedited border clearance, with applications for Phase Two expected to open in late 2025.

US Visa Requirements

For stays longer than 90 days or purposes other than tourism or business, Australian citizens must obtain the appropriate visas before travelling to the US.

US Passport Requirements

Australians need to have a passport valid for their intended period of stay in the US.

Proof of Onward or Exit Travel

You may need to provide proof of your travel itinerary or other evidence showing your planned departure from the US. .

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Customs Border Protection officers may ask you to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay in the US, which may be tied to your specific visa.

Customs Declaration (CBP Form 6059B)

Fill out the online customs declaration form prior to landing in the US where you can declare currency or monetary instruments and goods you are bringing into the US.

Can Australians Enter the USA Without a Visa?

Yes, Australian citizens can travel to the US without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes under the Visa Waiver Program. Upon entry, CBP officers will issue your Form I-94 (an arrival/departure record), which determines your authorised length of stay. However, travellers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel authorisation (ESTA) approval prior to travelling to the US under the VWP. This pre-approves you for travel and is valid for a period of two years, as well as for multiple entries.

What is the US Visa Waiver Program?

The US Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of 42 participating countries, including Australia, to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. To be eligible for visa-free entry into the USA, your trip must be for the following tourism or business purposes permitted under the US Visa Waiver Program.

Tourism Purposes Permitted Under the VWP

Tourism
Vacation (holiday)
Visiting with friends or relatives
Medical treatment
Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organisations
Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
Enrolment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)

Business Purposes Permitted Under the VWP

Consulting with business associates,
Attending a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
Attending short-term training (you may not be paid by any source in the United States with the exception of expenses incidental to your stay)
Negotiating a contract

Travel Purposes Not Permitted Under the VWP

Below are some examples of travel purposes which are not permitted under the US Visa Waiver Program. This means you cannot enter the US visa-free if you intend to:

Study, for credit toward a degree
Be employed in the US
Work as foreign press, radio, film, journalists, or other information media
Be a permanent resident in the US

What Happens if you Travel to the US Without a Visa?

If you aren’t eligible for the Visa Waiver Program or arrive without the required ESTA authorisation, you may be refused entry into the US, and potentially detained while US Customs and Border Protection arrange your return to Australia. It's essential to ensure you have proper travel authorisation before departure.

Can I Get a Visa on Arrival in the US?

The United States does not offer visa on arrival services for Australian citizens. You must either qualify for visa-free entry under the Visa Waiver Program with ESTA approval, or obtain the appropriate visa before travelling to the US.

What is the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) in the USA?

ESTA is an automated system operated by US Customs and Border Protection that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. It is mandatory for all VWP travellers arriving by air, land, or sea. Unless an ESTA is revoked, it is valid for two years from the date of authorisation, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. A valid ESTA allows multiple trips during the 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This means you don’t have to reapply for an ESTA for multiple trips within a 2 year period, provided your passport has not expired.

What is the Difference Between an ESTA and a Visa?

It is important to note that ESTA is not a visa but a travel authorisation that screens eligible travellers before they board a carrier to the US. An approved ESTA does not substitute a visa where a United States visa is required by law. Australians who hold a valid visa will still be able to travel to the US on that visa for the purpose for which it was issued and will not be required to apply for an ESTA.

However, Australians travelling to the US visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program, are required to hold an approved ESTA. A key benefit of ESTA is that when entering the US for less than 90 days, you can complete the online form rather than having to go through the various steps associated with the US visitor visa.

What are the requirements for ESTA?

To apply for ESTA, Australians must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Be a citizen or eligible national of a Visa Waiver Program country
You must not hold a visitor’s visa when applying for ESTA
Your travel to the US is for 90 days or less
You plan to travel to the US for business or pleasure (tourism)
You have a return or onward ticket

What do I Need to Apply for ESTA?

To apply for ETSA, Australians will need the following:

Valid passport from a Visa Waiver Program country
Your valid email address
Your home address and phone number
Your emergency contact’s phone number and email address
Valid payment method (MasterCard, VISA, American Express, Discover or PayPal)
Application fee of USD $21 (approximately AUD $33)

The following information may also be required if applicable:

Your photo or selfie
Your aliases or other names
Your national ID or Personal ID number
Your Global Entry/NEXUS/SENTRI ID number
Your employer’s address and phone number
Your US point of contact name, address and phone number

How do I Apply for ESTA?

To apply for ESTA online, visit the official ESTA application website and begin a new individual or group application following the steps below:

Read and answer disclaimers
Enter the applicant’s passport and citizenship information
Enter the applicant’s personal information
Enter the applicant’s travel information
Answer eligibility questions
Review your ESTA application details for accuracy
Pay the ESTA fee (around AUD $33)

What is the US Global Entry Program?

The Global Entry program is a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveller Program (TTP) that allows faster immigration and customs clearance for eligible Australians who have been pre-approved when entering the United States. The program is available at major US airports and reduces paperwork and processing times. The Global Entry program is valid for 5 years for approved members.

Australians must meet the following eligibility criteria to enrol in the Global Entry program:

Be 18 years of age or older (minors require a parent or legal guardian's consent), and
Be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of Australia.

As of January 2025, eligible Australians had access to Phase One of the Global Entry program. Phase One is now closed and Australia has paused application processing. Phase Two of the Global Entry Program for Australia is expected to open later in 2025.

How do I Apply for the US Global Entry Program?

While application processing for the Global Entry program is currently paused in Australia, Phase Two is expected to open in late 2025. Once applications open for Phase Two, Australian citizens will be able to apply for the Global Entry program online through the CBPs Trusted Traveller Program. The online application process for Australians involves background checks by CBP and Australian governmental authorities.

Below is a step-by-step application process for the Global Entry program, once applications reopen for Phase Two in late 2025.

Submit a Global Entry Application

Visit the Trusted Traveller Program website, submit the application and pay the application fee which is USD $120, approximately AUD $187).

Australian Background Check

Once you complete the application on the TTP website you will receive an invitation from the Australian Department of Home Affairs to complete an application for, and consent to, an Australia background check.

Check Application Status

Check your Global Entry program application status on the TTP dashboard. Your status may be pending risk assessment, conditionally approved, or denied.

Enrolment Interview

If your application is conditionally approved, follow instructions to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrolment Centre in the US or use the Enrolment on Arrival (EoA) option which is available when entering the US from Australia. To complete the interview, you must bring documents that show your current residence address and photo ID including:

A valid passport
Documents providing evidence of residency such as a driver’s license, mortgage statement, rental payment instalment or utility bill (this is not required for minors)
A permanent resident card (if applicable)

Eligibility Confirmation

After your interview, the CBP will send an email and/or notification to your TTP dashboard regarding your final eligibility determination.

What are the USA Visa Requirements for Australian Citizens?

Whether you're exploring the entertainment districts of Las Vegas, attending a business conference in New York, or studying in California, your visa requirements will depend on the purpose and length of your visit to the US.

Generally, most US visas will require the following documents to be submitted with the visa application so make sure to prepare them in advance:

Visa Application Form

Complete the relevant application form for your specific visa. For non-immigrant visas, you can go directly to the online non-immigrant application form DS-160.

Valid Passport

Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your intended stay in the US. To take steps toward a smooth entry into the United States, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended period of stay in the US.

Passport Photos

Provide recent photographs meeting US visa photo requirements.

Visa Interview

While interviews are not always required, consular officers have the discretion to request an interview for a visa applicant. For example, those aged 13 and younger, or 80 and over are generally not required to sit for the interview, but a consular official may request it. Those in the age bracket between 14-79 must attend the interview.

During the interview you must prove that you meet the legal requirements to receive a visa.

The consular official will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa and may take biometric data including ink-free, digital fingerprint scans as part of the application process.

Purpose Specific Documents

Additional documents may be required to establish if you are qualified for the visa based on your visa type and purpose of travel (business letters, resume or curriculum vitae, work contracts, university acceptance, etc.).

Pay Required Visa Fees

Generally non-petition based non-immigrant visas to the US cost about AUD $288, while petition-based visa categories such as temporary work visas cost about AUD $320.

Below is a breakdown of common US visa categories and their specific visa requirements for Australians travelling to the US.

USA Visitor Visa

The US B-1 and B-2 visitor visas are non-immigrant visas that allow Australians to travel to the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or tourism (B-2). These visas are for Australians who plan to stay in the US for longer than the 90-day visa-free period or who don't qualify for the Visa Waiver Program.

USA Tourist Visitor Visa

The B-2 tourist visitor visa covers tourism, vacation, visiting friends and relatives, medical treatment, participation in social events, and amateur entertainment activities. This visa is for Australians who plan to stay in the US for longer than the 90-day visa-free period or who don't qualify for the Visa Waiver Program.

USA Business Visitor Visa

The B-1 business visitor visa allows participation in business activities including consulting with business associates, attending a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference, settling an estate and negotiating a contract.

What are the Requirements for a US Visitor Visa?

To apply for a US visitor visa, the visa application must include the documents outlined in the US visa requirements above, as well as any other specific requirements for your particular visitor visa including information and documents relating to:

The purpose of your trip,
Your intent to depart the United States after your trip, and/or
Your ability to pay all costs of the trip, and
Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.

For detailed requirements for specific visitor visas, visit the US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs website for more information.

US Temporary Work Visas and their Requirements

The US has multiple categories of temporary work visas for individuals travelling to the United States for work. If the employment is for a fixed period, the applicant can apply for a temporary employment visa. Most applicants for temporary worker visas must have an approved petition. This means your prospective employer in the US must file the petition on your behalf which will be reviewed by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

To apply for a temporary work visa, the visa application must include the documents outlined in the visa requirements above, as well as any other specific requirements for your particular visitor visa. For detailed requirements for specific temporary worker visas, visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs temporary workers visa page or the USCIS temporary (non-immigrant) workers visa page.

US Visa for Specialty Occupation Workers from Australia

The US offers the E-3 Specialty Occupation Workers from Australia visa, which is specifically for specialty occupation workers from Australia. Australians on an E-3 visa can initially stay in the United States for up to two years. Extensions are possible if they continue to meet eligibility requirements and maintain their employment.

Along with the us visa requirements outlined above, additional specific requirements for the requirements for the E-3 visa include:

Being a national of Australia
The applicant must be travelling to the US solely to perform services in a speciality occupation
The applicant must have a legitimate offer of employment in the United States
The applicant will fill a position that qualifies as a specialty occupation
The specialty occupation requires theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialised knowledge and the attainment of a bachelor's or higher degree in the specific specialty, or its equivalent
The applicant possesses the necessary academic or other qualifying credentials
Employer petition Form I-129 which should include the following documents:
- Labor Condition Application (LCA) certified by the Department of Labor
- Academic or other credentials demonstrating qualifications for the position
- Job offer letter or other documentation from the employer establishing that you will be engaged in a specialty occupation and that you will be paid the higher of the actual or prevailing wage
- If required, before you may commence employment in the specialty occupation, you must have the necessary license or other official permission to practice in the specialty occupation

US Student Visa

The US offers 2 categories of student visas, allowing Australian students to pursue education at Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved institutions in the United States.

F Visas

Education in university or college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory, or another academic institution, including a language training program.

M Visas

Vocational or other recognised non-academic institution, other than a language training program.

For short periods of recreational study, a visitor (B) visa is appropriate as it allows enrolment in a short recreational course of study, which is not for credit toward a degree or academic certificate.

What are the Requirements for a US Study Visa

Before you can apply for an exchange visitor visa, you will need acceptance into a SEVP approved school. Follow the steps below to apply for enrolment with a SEVP school:

Apply for Enrolment with a SEVP Approved School: Visit the Study in the States website to learn more about SEVP approved schools.
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Registration: Once you are accepted into a qualifying SEVP school, you will automatically be registered in the SEVIS.
Pay the SEVIS Fee: Once you have been registered, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee if it is required by your Student Exchange Visitor Program.

Along with the us visa requirements outlined above, additional requirements for a student visa include:

Acceptance at a SEVP-approved institution
Certificate of eligibility from your SEVP approved school, Form I-20:
- Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students, or
- Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students
Your academic preparation including:
- Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended
- Standardised test scores required by your US school
Your intent to depart the United States upon completion of the course of study
How you will pay all educational, living and travel costs

For detailed requirements for specific student visa categories, visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs student visa page.

US Exchange Visitor Visa

The J-1 Exchange Visitor visa allows Australians to participate in approved exchange categories including summer work travel, short term scholars, interns, specialists, teachers, trainees and more.

What are the Requirements for a US Exchange Visitor Visa

Before you can apply for an exchange visitor visa, you will need acceptance into an Exchange Visitor Program. Follow the steps below to apply for an Exchange Visitor Program.

Apply through Pre-Approved Organisation: Visit the J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program website to learn more about qualifying exchange programs, such as the Summer Work Travel Pilot Program for Australians.
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Registration: Once you are accepted into a qualifying exchange program, you will automatically be registered in the SEVIS.
Pay the SEVIS Fee: Once you have been registered, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee if it is required by your Student Exchange Visitor Program.

To apply for a US exchange visitor visa, the visa application must include the documents outlined in the visa requirements above, as well as any other specific requirements including but not limited to:

Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, Form DS-2019. Once you are registered with the SEVIS database, you will receive the DS-2019 form
Training/Internship Placement Plan, Form DS-7002 for visa applicants participating in Trainee and Intern categories

For detailed requirements for specific exchange visitor categories, visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs exchange visitor visa page.

Do I Need to Apply for a Visa to the US?

Australian travellers planning to stay in the US for 90 days or less for tourism or business can enter visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program with ESTA authorisation. However, if your visit involves temporary work, study, or stays longer than 90 days, you will need to complete a visa application through the US Embassy, local US Consulate, or online. Ensure you allow enough processing time and have all required documents ready to avoid delays.

How to Apply for a US Visa from Australia

Follow the steps below to apply for a visa to the US from Australia.

1. Identify the Visa Type

Determine which visa category matches your travel purpose using the US Department of State Visa Wizard.

2. Gather Supporting Documents

Collect all required documents based on your visa type, including completed forms, passport, photos, financial documents, and purpose-specific paperwork as outlined in the directory of visa categories.

3. Visa Application Methods

In Person Application

Schedule an interview at the US Embassy in Canberra or US Consulates in Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth. Standard processing time is ten business days from receipt of all required documentation.

Online Application

Complete the DS-160 form online, pay visa fees, and schedule your in person interview. Some visa renewal candidates may qualify for interview waivers.

4. Pay the Visa Fee

Generally non-petition based non-immigrant visas to the US incur a fee of USD $185, or about AUD $288, while petition-based visa categories such as temporary work visas incur a visa fee of USD $205, or about AUD $320. Fees may vary by visa type and additional services such as expedited processing may incur extra charges.

5. Wait for Processing

Generally, US visa processing times range from 3-6 weeks in Australia. However, processing times may vary depending on factors like the specific visa type, scheduling and completing your visa interview and additional administration.

How Long Can I Stay in the US with a Visa?

The length of time Australians can stay in the US depends on the visa type and the purpose of the visit. If you arrive in the US under the Visa Waiver Program, you cannot extend your stay beyond 90 days and must depart on or before the date on your admission stamp.

Below is a breakdown of different visa options in the US, their period of validity, and extensions.

Visa Type	Period of Validity	Extension
Visa Exemption (VWP/ESTA)	Up to 90 days	No extensions permitted
Tourist Visitor Visa (B-2)	Up to 180 days (determined at entry)	Possible with application
Business Visitor Visa (B-1)	Up to 180 days (determined at entry)	Possible with application
Temporary Worker Visa (E-3)	Usually 2 years	Renewable with application
Exchange Visitor Visa (J-1)	Program duration	Limited extensions possible
Student Visa (F or M)	Duration of studies	Possible for program completion

Extending Your Visa for the US

If you enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, you cannot extend your stay beyond the initial 90-day period. For other visa types, extensions may be possible if you file the appropriate application with USCIS before your authorised stay expires.

To apply for an extension of your US visa, you will need to complete Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change non-immigrant Status) and have the following documents and information on hand:

Filing fee payment
Evidence supporting your extension request
Proof of maintained status
Valid passport

What Happens if I Overstay my Visa in the USA?

Overstaying your authorised period in the US can result in serious consequences administered by US Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security including:

Being held at a federal detention centre while authorities arrange your return to Australia
Barred from re-entering the US for 3-10 years depending on overstay length
Future visa applications may be denied
Removal proceedings and deportation
Loss of eligibility for Visa Waiver Program

How Much Does a US Visa Cost?

Below is a general breakdown of US visa costs for Australians. Additional fees may apply for expedited processing, premium services, or other consular services. Always check current fee schedules on the US Embassy website as fees may change.

Visa Type	Visa Cost
Tourist and Business Visitor Visa	AUD $288
Work Visas	AUD $320 but may vary by category
Student Visa	AUD $288 plus the SEVIS fee which may vary depending on the visa category
Exchange Visitor Visa	AUD $288 plus the SEVIS fee which may vary depending on the visa category

Travel Insurance for your Trip to the US

When planning your trip to the United States, it's important to consider travel insurance to help protect against some of the unexpected situations, such as medical emergencies. Depending on the policy chosen, it can also provide some protection for many other unexpected situations such as lost luggage, trip cancellation and many activities you might be planning on participating in on your trip. With Fast Cover, you can customise your travel insurance policy to suit your travel plans to the US.

It is important to note that your travel insurance policy may not provide cover if you do not comply with US visa or other entry requirements. To help ensure you are prepared for your trip, you should research and understand the relevant entry conditions before you travel to the US.

Eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits apply. Consider the PDS prior to deciding on which policy is right for you and your needs.

Ready to Embark on your US Adventure?

Explore the benefits and cover options available with Fast Cover’s travel insurance for your trip to the USA.

FAQs about US Entry and Visa Requirements

Can Australians go to the US without a visa?

Yes, Australian citizens can travel to the US without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business under the Visa Waiver Program, provided they have ESTA authorisation.

Does the US have a visa exemption for Australians?

Yes, the United States includes Australia in the Visa Waiver Program. Under the Visa Waiver Program, Australians staying in the US for less than 90 days for tourism or business purposes won't need to apply for a visa before entering the United States, provided they have a valid ESTA authorisation.

Can you get a US visa online?

The visa application process begins online with the DS-160 form, but most applicants must attend an in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. ESTA applications for visa-free travel can be completed entirely online.

How much is a US visa for Australian citizens?

Generally, non-petition based non-immigrant visas to the US cost about AUD $288, while petition-based visa categories such as temporary work visas cost about AUD $320. Fees may vary by visa type and additional services such as expedited processing may incur extra charges. ESTA applications cost about AUD $33.

Visa fees may change over time so it is recommended to check the US Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs website for up to date visa fees. Keep in mind currency conversion rates will also impact the cost of US visas for Australians.

Are Australians eligible for the US Global Entry Program?

Yes, Australian citizens are eligible for the US Global Entry program. However Phase One of the program has currently closed and application processing has paused. Phase Two of the Global Entry program is expected to roll out in late 2025 in Australia. The program allows faster immigration and customs clearance for eligible Australians who have been pre-approved when entering the United States.

How long does it take to get a visa for Bali from Australia?

Processing times for visas to Bali from Australia vary by visa type:

eVOA: Typically processed within 1-3 business days
Tourist visas: Usually 3-5 working days
Business visas: Approximately 5-7 working days
Work and student visas: About 2-4 weeks

Applying well in advance of your travel date is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons when processing times may be longer.

Do you need an ESTA to enter the US?

A valid ESTA is mandatory for all VWP travellers entering the US by air, land, or sea. Children of all ages need their own ESTA approval.

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