Australia entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
If you're a South Korean passport holder, you'll need a visa to enter Australia in 2026. The quickest option for short visits is the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which you can apply for online in minutes. Just remember: your visa must be approved before you board your flight.
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 | You must apply for an ETA before flying to Australia. Download the Australian ETA app on your phone — the official app is free, but third-party websites charge extra fees. The $20 AUD fee is paid in the app, and approval usually comes within seconds.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your South Korean passport must be valid for the whole time you're in Australia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Australia | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight out of Australia ready — they check this at passport control. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel bookings or host invitation | Carry a copy of your hotel reservations or a letter from your host in Australia. Immigration may ask where you're staying — having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your expenses. Immigration rarely asks for this for short visits, but it's smart to have proof available. | Recommended |
Apply for your ETA early
Don't wait until the day of your flight. While most approvals are instant, some applications get flagged for manual review and can take days. Apply at least a week before departure.
Australia's biosecurity is strict
Declare any food, plant material, animal products, or outdoor gear. Fines for undeclared items start at AUD 2,664. When in doubt, declare it or leave it at home.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website or use the ETA app. Enter your passport details, answer a few questions, and pay the fee (around AUD 20). Approval is usually instant, but can take up to 12 hours.
2
Book your flight and accommodation
Once your ETA is approved, book a return flight and your first night's accommodation. Keep digital copies of both confirmations on your phone.
3
Arrive at the airport in South Korea
Check in for your flight. The airline will verify your ETA before issuing a boarding pass. Have your passport and ETA approval email ready.
4
Go through Australian immigration
At airports like Sydney or Melbourne, use the SmartGate kiosk if eligible (South Korean passports are usually accepted). Scan your passport, answer the questions, and get your entry stamp. If not using SmartGate, join the queue for a border officer.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel, then proceed through customs. Declare any food, plant, or animal products — Australia has strict biosecurity laws.
Download Australia Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (subclass 600) – Single entry
Max stay3 months
ValidityUp to 12 months from issue
CostAUD 150 (~USD 100)
For tourism purposes only; no work allowed.
Tourist visa (subclass 600) – Multiple entry
Max stay3 months per visit
ValidityUp to 12 months from issue
CostAUD 150 (~USD 100)
Ideal for frequent visitors.
Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from first entry
CostAUD 510 (~USD 340)
For South Korean citizens aged 18–30; allows work and travel.
Student visa (subclass 500)
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostAUD 620 (~USD 415)
Requires enrollment in a registered course.
work visa
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
Up to 4 years
AUD 1,265 (~USD 845)
For skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer. Requires relevant qualifications and work experience.
student visa
Student visa (subclass 500)
Duration of course (up to 5 years)
AUD 620 (~USD 415)
For full-time study at a registered Australian institution. Allows part-time work.
retirement visa
Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405)
Up to 4 years, renewable
AUD 1,265 (~USD 845)
For retirees aged 55+ with significant assets and income. Requires investment in Australia.
digital nomad visa
No specific digital nomad visa available
N/A
N/A
Australia does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers typically use tourist visas or working holiday visas.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) – single entryFor tourism or business visitor purposes, up to 3 months stay. | AUD 150 (~USD 100) |
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) – multiple entryAllows multiple entries up to 12 months, each stay up to 3 months. | AUD 150 (~USD 100) |
| Stay extension (onshore)Apply via ImmiAccount before current visa expires. | AUD 150 (~USD 100) |
| 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%
Incomplete application20%
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
South Korean passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Australian airports, provided they remain in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the transit area or passing through immigration, a visa is required.
Transit hubsSydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) · Melbourne Airport (MEL) · Brisbane Airport (BNE)
Health & vaccines for Australia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaRecommendedCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus)Low risk
Risk is low for most tourists; use insect repellent in rural areas.
Sun exposure and skin cancerModerate risk
Australia has high UV levels; use sunscreen and protective clothing.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe; food hygiene is generally excellent.
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
Appointments recommended; bring all original documents.
Melbourne
Department of Home Affairs – Melbourne Office
2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Public transport accessible; allow extra time for security.
Practical information for KR 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
Most ETAs are approved within minutes, but it can take up to 12 hours. Apply at least a few days before your flight to be safe. The fee is about AUD 20.
No, the ETA is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, apply for a different visa like a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) before you travel.
Renew your passport first, then apply for a new ETA. The ETA is linked to your passport number, so a new passport means a new application.
It's not a standard requirement for South Korean passport holders with an ETA, but it's wise to have a credit card or bank statement handy if asked.
Yes, South Korean passport holders are eligible for SmartGate at major airports like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. It's faster than the regular queue.
You will be denied boarding by the airline. There is no visa-on-arrival option for South Korean passport holders. You must have an approved ETA before you fly.
Not mandatory, but strongly recommended. A simple hospital visit can cost AUD 200–500, and an overnight stay can run into thousands. Insurance also covers trip cancellation and lost luggage.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.