Australia entry requirements for Romania 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
Romanian 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.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisitor visa (subclass 651)You need to get this visa before you fly; it's free and done online. Online application required | Romanian citizens must apply for an eVisitor visa online before travelling to Australia. The visa is free of charge and allows multiple visits for tourism or business purposes for up to 3 months per visit. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport needs to be valid for half a year after you leave Australia. Must be valid for 6 months beyond stay | Your Romanian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of departure from Australia. Ensure your passport meets this requirement before applying for the eVisitor visa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure you have a free page in your passport for stamps. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for entry stamps. Although the eVisitor visa is electronic, border officials may stamp your passport on arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIt's a good idea to have a ticket out of Australia ready in case they ask. May be requested at border | Although not a formal visa requirement, Australian border officials may ask to see 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 fundsHave evidence that you can pay for your trip, like bank statements. May be requested at border | You should be able to show you have enough money to cover your stay in Australia. There is no fixed amount, but having access to at least AUD 1,000 per month of stay is a common guideline. Carry bank statements or a credit card. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceInsurance protects you from big bills if you get sick or have an accident. Strongly recommended | While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, trip cancellation, and theft is strongly recommended for your stay in Australia. Healthcare for visitors can be expensive. | Recommended |
| Australian arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra form before you go. Not required | Australia does not require a separate arrival declaration for Romanian citizens. You will complete a standard Incoming Passenger Card (or digital SmartGate) upon arrival. | Not required |
ETA approval is not guaranteed
While most applications are approved quickly, the Australian Department of Home Affairs can refuse an ETA for various reasons. Apply at least a week before your flight to allow time for alternatives.
SmartGate at major airports
If you have an e-passport (most Romanian passports are), you can use the automated SmartGate kiosks at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and other major airports. It's faster than the manual queue.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website or use the official ETA app. Fill in your passport details, answer a few questions, and pay the fee (around AUD 20). Approval usually comes within minutes, but allow a few days just in case.
2
Check your passport validity
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it's close, renew it before applying for the ETA.
3
Book your flight and accommodation
Book a return or onward ticket and your first night's accommodation. Keep confirmations saved on your phone.
4
Arrive at the airport in Romania
At check-in, the airline will verify your ETA is linked to your passport. They may also ask to see your return ticket. Board your flight.
5
Go through Australian immigration
At airports like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, use the SmartGate kiosk if eligible (check the screen). Otherwise, join the queue for a human officer. Have your passport and boarding pass ready. They may ask about your plans and onward ticket.
6
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. Declare any food, plant material, or animal products — Australia has strict biosecurity rules.
Download Australia Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania 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 grant date
CostAUD 145
For longer stays or if not eligible for ETA. May include conditions.
Business Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Business stream
Max stayUp to 3 months
ValidityUsually 12 months
CostAUD 145
For business activities like meetings, conferences, negotiations.
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from first entry
CostAUD 635
For young adults (18–30) from eligible countries; Romania is not currently eligible – check updates.
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 (40 hours per fortnight) and can lead to post-study work visas.
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 occupation on the skilled list and relevant qualifications.
Apply retirement visa
Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405)
Up to 4 years, renewable
AUD 4,045 (~USD 2,700)
For retirees aged 55+ with significant assets (AUD 750,000) and income. Requires investment in state/territory government bonds.
Apply digital nomad visa
No specific digital nomad visa
N/A
N/A
Australia does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers typically use tourist visas or apply for work visas if eligible.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA (subclass 651) application feePaid online via the Australian ETA app or official website. | AUD 20 |
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) application feeFor those not eligible for ETA or seeking longer stay. | AUD 145 |
| Visa extension (onshore) – Visitor visa (subclass 600)If applying onshore for a further stay; subject to conditions. | AUD 455 |
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
Transit visa required
Romanian citizens transiting through Australia generally need a Transit visa (subclass 771) unless they hold an ETA or other valid visa. However, if you are transiting airside and not passing through immigration, you may be exempt in some cases – confirm with the airline.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Australian visa (including ETA) do not need a separate transit visa.
- Citizens of certain countries may be exempt, but Romania is not listed as exempt.
Transit hubsSydney (SYD) · Melbourne (MEL) · Brisbane (BNE)
Health & vaccines for Australia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Ross River virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk in rural and coastal areas, especially during warmer months.
Murray Valley encephalitisLow risk
Rare but serious mosquito-borne disease; risk in northern regions.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid peak 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 08:30–16:30
For visa inquiries and applications; appointments recommended.
Melbourne
Department of Home Affairs – Melbourne Office
2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa extensions and general immigration matters.
Practical information for RO 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
Getting to Australia
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Australia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. You need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) before you travel. Apply online via the Australian Department of Home Affairs website or the official ETA app. The fee is around AUD 20, and approval usually comes within minutes.
The ETA allows stays of up to 3 months per visit. It's valid for 12 months from the date of issue, and you can enter multiple times within that period.
No, the ETA cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you need to apply for a different visa (like a Visitor visa subclass 600) before your ETA expires. Overstaying is a serious offence.
The ETA is linked to your passport number. If you renew your passport, you must apply for a new ETA with the new passport details. The old ETA becomes invalid.
Yes. Australian immigration may ask to see proof of onward travel. Have a return or onward ticket booked before you fly.
No, it's not mandatory, but it's strongly recommended. Australia has no reciprocal healthcare with Romania, so medical costs can be very high.
No. The ETA is for tourism and business visitor activities only (like attending meetings or conferences). You cannot work for an Australian employer or run a business while on an ETA.
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.