Australia entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
Austrian passport holders need a visa to enter Australia in 2026. The simplest option for short visits is the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which you apply for online before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisitor visa (subclass 651)You need this visa to enter Australia; it's free and applied for online. Online application required | Austrian citizens must apply for an eVisitor visa online before travel. The visa is free of charge and allows multiple entries for tourism or business visitor purposes. Processing typically takes 1-2 days, but apply at least 2 weeks before departure. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport doesn't expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months | Your Austrian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of arrival in Australia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a blank page for the border officer to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for entry stamps. It's recommended to have 2 blank pages to accommodate any additional stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a ticket out of Australia ready in case asked. May be requested | Although not always required, Australian immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket to ensure you intend to leave before your visa expires. Carry a printed or digital copy. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry proof of funds to show you can support yourself during your visit. May be requested | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay, such as bank statements or credit cards. No specific amount is set, but you should have access to at least AUD 1,000 per month of stay. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceProtect yourself against unexpected costs while abroad. Strongly recommended | While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, trip cancellation, and theft is strongly recommended for your stay in Australia. | Recommended |
| Australian Travel DeclarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Austrian citizens entering Australia. The Australian Travel Declaration is not in use. | Not required |
Biosecurity is strict
Australia has some of the world's toughest biosecurity laws. Declare all food, plant material, wood, animal products, and outdoor gear. Fines for undeclared items start at 2,664 AUD. When in doubt, declare it.
Use SmartGate for faster entry
Austrian e-passports are eligible for SmartGate at major Australian airports. You scan your passport at a kiosk, answer a few questions, and go straight to the e-gate — no officer interview needed.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Use the official Australian ETA app (available on App Store or Google Play). Fill in your passport details, answer a few questions, and pay the AUD 20 fee. Approval is usually instant, but allow at least 48 hours for processing.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save to your phone: your ETA approval email, return flight booking, first night accommodation confirmation, and travel insurance certificate. Keep them together.
3
Arrive at the airport in Austria
Check in as normal. The airline will verify your ETA is linked to your passport. No special forms needed.
4
Go through Australian immigration
At major airports like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, use the SmartGate kiosk if eligible (Austrian passports usually are). Scan your passport, answer a few questions on screen, and proceed to the e-passport gate. If not using SmartGate, join the foreign passport queue. The officer may ask about your plans and funds.
5
Collect your bags and clear customs
After immigration, pick up your luggage and walk through customs. Declare any food, plant material, or animal products — Australia has strict biosecurity laws.
Download Australia Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Visitor visa (subclass 600)
Max stayUp to 12 months
ValidityUsually 12 months from date of grant
CostAUD 190
For longer stays or if not eligible for ETA. May include conditions.
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from first entry
CostAUD 650
For Austrians aged 18–30 (or 35 for some countries). Requires application and may have quotas.
Business visitor visa (subclass 600 – Business stream)
Max stayUp to 3 months per visit
ValidityUsually 12 months
CostAUD 190
For business activities not covered by ETA.
work visa
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
Permanent residency
AUD 4,115 (~USD 2,740)
For skilled workers not sponsored by an employer; requires points test and occupation on skilled list. Offers full work and residency rights.
Apply student visa
Student visa (subclass 500)
Up to 5 years (course duration)
AUD 620 (~USD 410)
For full-time study at a registered institution; allows part-time work. Must maintain enrolment and health insurance.
Apply investor visa
Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188)
Up to 5 years, renewable
AUD 5,375 (~USD 3,580)
For investors and business owners with significant assets; requires state nomination and investment in Australia. Pathway to permanent residency.
Apply retirement visa
Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405)
Up to 4 years, renewable
AUD 3,800 (~USD 2,530)
For retirees aged 55+ with substantial assets (AUD 750,000) and income; no work rights. Requires state sponsorship.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) application feePaid online via the Australian ETA app or official website. | AUD 20 |
| Visa application charge (for other visa types)Only if applying for a different visa instead of ETA. | Varies (e.g., Visitor visa subclass 600 starts at AUD 190) |
| Extension of stay (onshore)For applying for a further Visitor visa while in Australia. | AUD 455 |
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
Austrian passport holders transiting through Australia generally require a visa, but the ETA is valid for transit and can be obtained online. If you are transiting airside and not passing immigration, you may be eligible for a transit visa (subclass 771) but the ETA is simpler.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you are an Austrian citizen and hold a valid ETA, you can transit without a separate transit visa.
- If you are transiting airside and your flight is within 8 hours, you may not need a visa if you stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Transit hubsSydney (SYD) · Melbourne (MEL) · Brisbane (BNE)
Health & vaccines for Australia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Ross River virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in rural and coastal areas; risk is low for most tourists.
Murray Valley encephalitisLow risk
Rare but serious mosquito-borne disease in northern regions; avoid mosquito bites.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday sun.
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 extensions and inquiries; appointments recommended.
Melbourne
Department of Home Affairs – Melbourne Office
2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles visa applications and extensions; bring all documents.
Practical information for AT 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 = 1.45 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Australia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Austrian passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) for tourism or business visits up to 3 months. Apply online before you fly.
Most are approved within minutes. But apply at least 48 hours before departure in case of delays or additional checks.
The standard fee is AUD 20 (about 12 EUR). There are third-party websites that charge extra — use the official Australian government site or app to avoid fees.
The ETA does not allow extensions. If you want to stay longer, you need a different visa (e.g., a Visitor Visa subclass 600) before your ETA expires.
Your ETA is linked to your passport number. If you renew your passport, you must apply for a new ETA with the new passport details.
Yes. Immigration can ask for proof of onward travel at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.
No. The ETA is for tourism and business activities like meetings or conferences. You cannot work for an Australian employer. For work, you need a work visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.