How to Get an Australian Tourist Visa

Before you can enjoy one of Australia's many beaches, you must first obtain a tourist visa.

Thousands of Americans visit Australia every year to spend leisure time on one of the many beaches or to explore the Outback. But without a visa, no citizen of the United States would be allowed to enter Australian territory. Therefore, it is essential to have the right visa to ensure that you can enjoy a holiday in Australia.

Things You'll Need

• Valid U.S. passport
• 1 passport-sized photo
• Form 48
• Flight itinerary
• Fee

Instructions

1. Purchase a flight ticket. U.S. tourists are allowed to enter Australian territory on an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for stays of less than three months. Purchasing an airline ticket will allow an American traveler to automatically obtain an ETA through their airline or travel agent. The ETA is free. If your travel agent or airline does not offer this service, proceed to Step 2.

2. Apply for your ETA online. The Australian government provides an online service for foreigners who qualify for the ETA, which includes U.S. citizens. Click on the "Apply for ETA" button at the top of the page on the right-hand corner. You will be asked to provide all relevant information, including valid passport information, as well as contact, flight and travel information. As of 2010, applying online for your ETA is $20.

   If you are staying for longer than three months, you must apply for tourist visa, subclass 676. The subclass 676 visa will allow you to say longer than three months and up to 12 months. If you need to apply for the subclass 676 visa, proceed to Step 3.

3. Apply online. The online application will allow you to submit your subclass 676 tourist visa online. You will be asked to provide your passport information, contact information inside and outside of Australia, basic health information, whether or not you have a criminal record, have ever been asked to leave or have been forcefully removed from a country.

4. Pay the fee. As of 2010, the online application fee for tourist visa subclass 676 was $105. If you would rather apply in person, proceed to Step 5.

5. Apply in person. Fill out "Form 48" tourist visa application. Sign and date. Go to an Australian consulate and submit your application. Be sure that you have a valid U.S. passport, good for at least 6 months, your Form 48 application, a recent passport-sized photograph, flight information and your application fee. As of 2010, the in-person application fee was $105.

Tips & Warnings

• The Australian government reserves the right to request a medical exam for tourists staying in Australia longer than three months. If you are asked to submit to a medical exam, you will be notified upon application submission and directed to a clinic or medical professional who can examine you.

• Obtaining a visa does not guarantee entry into the country. Australian immigration reserves the right to stop you at the border.

References

• Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship: Tourists

Resources

• Australian Government: Australian Electronic Travel Authority
• Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship: Form 48 (online application)
• Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship: Form 48 (hard copy)