Australia entry requirements for Latvia 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
Latvian passport holders need a visa to enter Australia in 2026. The most common option for short visits is the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which you apply for online before you travel. Plan ahead — processing can take a few days, and you'll need a valid passport with at least six months remaining.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisitor visa (subclass 651)You need to get this visa approved before you fly – it's free and done online. Online application required | Latvian citizens must apply for an eVisitor visa online before travelling to Australia. The visa is free of charge and allows stays of up to 3 months per visit within a 12-month period. Apply well in advance of your planned travel. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire too soon – it needs to be valid for half a year after you arrive. At least 6 months remaining | Your Latvian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of arrival in Australia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou'll need a clean page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for entry stamps and visa labels (if applicable). | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a ticket out of Australia helps show you're a genuine visitor. May be requested at border | Although not always required, Australian immigration officers may ask to see proof of a return or onward ticket to ensure you intend to leave before your visa expires. It is strongly recommended to have one. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry bank statements or a credit card to prove you can support yourself during your visit. May be requested at border | You should be able to show you have enough money to cover your stay in Australia. The amount is not fixed, but you should have access to funds for accommodation, food, and other expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra forms before you go – just the usual arrival card on the plane. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Latvia passport holders entering Australia. You will complete the standard Incoming Passenger Card (or digital declaration) on arrival. | Not required |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Australia, not from when you leave. If it expires sooner, renew your passport before applying for the ETA.
ETA is electronic — no stamp needed
The ETA is linked to your passport number. You don't need to print anything, but it's smart to have a copy on your phone or a printout just in case.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website or download the ETA app. Fill in your passport details, personal info, and answer a few health and character questions. Pay the fee (around AUD 20). Approval usually comes within minutes to a few days — check your email.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save to your phone: your ETA approval email, passport, return ticket, first night accommodation booking, and travel insurance certificate. Keep them easily accessible in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at the airport in Australia
At the airport, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Immigration'. Use the SmartGate kiosks if available — they scan your passport and take your photo. If not, join the queue for a border officer. Have your passport and ETA ready. You'll likely be asked your purpose of visit and how long you're staying.
4
Collect your luggage and clear customs
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. You'll pass through customs — declare any food, plant material, or animal products. Australia has strict biosecurity laws. If unsure, declare it or ask an officer.
Download Australia Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia 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) – Tourist stream
Max stayUp to 12 months
ValidityUsually 12 months from date of grant
CostAUD 475
For longer stays or if you do not qualify for an ETA. May include conditions (e.g., no work).
Business visitor visa (subclass 600) – Business stream
Max stayUp to 3 months per visit
ValidityUsually 12 months
CostAUD 475
For business activities like meetings, conferences, or negotiations. Not for paid work.
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from first entry
CostAUD 650
For Latvian citizens aged 18–30 (or 35 for some countries, but Latvia is 30). Allows work and study. Requires a valid passport and meeting health/character requirements.
student visa
Student visa (subclass 500)
Up to 5 years
AUD 620 (~USD 415)
For full-time study at a registered Australian institution. Requires enrollment, health insurance, and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
Apply work visa
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
Up to 4 years
AUD 1,330 (~USD 890)
For skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer. Requires relevant qualifications and English proficiency. Pathway to permanent residency.
Apply investor visa
Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188)
Up to 5 years
AUD 6,050 (~USD 4,050)
For business owners or investors 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 4,045 (~USD 2,700)
For retirees aged 55+ with substantial assets and income. Requires investment in designated Australian bonds. No work rights.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA (subclass 651) application feePaid online via the Australian ETA app or the Department of Home Affairs website. | AUD 20 |
| Visa application service charge (if applying via a travel agent or third party)Optional; not required if you apply directly. | Varies (typically AUD 20–50) |
| Visa extension (onshore) – Visitor visa (subclass 600) application feeOnly if you are already in Australia and need to extend your stay; not applicable for ETA holders who must leave before the ETA expires. | AUD 475 |
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
Latvian passport holders transiting through Australia are generally exempt from a transit visa if they hold a valid ETA or another valid Australian visa. However, if you are not eligible for an ETA or do not hold a visa, you may need a Transit visa (subclass 771) for airside transit.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you are not eligible for an ETA (e.g., due to criminal record or health issues), you must apply for a Transit visa (subclass 771) before travel.
- If you plan to leave the airport transit area, you must hold a valid visitor visa (e.g., ETA or subclass 600).
Transit hubsSydney (SYD) · Melbourne (MEL) · Brisbane (BNE)
Health & vaccines for Australia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Ross River virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease in rural areas; avoid mosquito bites.
Murray Valley encephalitisLow risk
Rare but serious mosquito-borne illness in northern regions.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause dehydration and heatstroke.
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 required for visa extensions; bring passport and application receipt.
Melbourne
Department of Home Affairs – Melbourne Office
2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits; book online.
Practical information for LV 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. Latvia is not on the visa-waiver list for Australia. You need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or another visa before you travel. The ETA is the simplest option for tourism or business visits up to 3 months.
Download the Australian ETA app (available for iOS and Android) or apply through the Department of Home Affairs website. You'll need your passport, a credit or debit card, and an email address. The fee is about AUD 20. Approval is usually quick — often within minutes, but allow a few days just in case.
The ETA allows stays of up to 3 months per visit. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa (like a Visitor Visa subclass 600) before your ETA expires. Overstaying can lead to bans, so plan ahead.
Denials are rare but can happen if you have a criminal record or a serious health condition. You'll receive a letter explaining why. You can then apply for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) which involves a more detailed assessment. Contact the Australian embassy in Riga or the nearest consulate for guidance.
If you're transiting through an Australian airport and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you may need a Transit Visa (subclass 771) unless you're from a visa-waiver country. Latvia is not on that list, so check with your airline. For most transits, a standard ETA covers you.
Have your passport (valid 6+ months), ETA approval email (printed or on your phone), return ticket, first night accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in your carry-on. At immigration, you'll be asked your purpose and length of stay — answer honestly.
No, it's not required for entry. But healthcare in Australia is expensive — a hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day. Travel insurance covering medical expenses is strongly recommended. Some ETA applications ask if you have insurance, but it's not a deal-breaker.
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.