Australia entry requirements for Romania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
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 |
|---|---|---|
| ETA (Australia) 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 (subclass 601) | Apply for your ETA through the official Australian ETA app — not through third-party websites that charge extra fees. The app costs $20 AUD and approval usually comes through in seconds. You must have this before you board your flight to Australia.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Romanian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Australia. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Australia | Immigration officers at Australian airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel bookings or host invitation | Keep your hotel confirmations or a letter of invitation from your host accessible. Border officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. Australian immigration does not set a fixed amount, but expect to show at least AUD 1,000 per month of your trip if asked. | Recommended |
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 June 1, 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)
Standard option for tourism; must apply online via ImmiAccount.
Tourist visa (subclass 600) – Multiple entry
Max stay3 months per visit
ValidityUp to 12 months from issue
CostAUD 150 (~USD 100)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from first entry
CostAUD 510 (~USD 340)
For young adults (18-30) to work and travel; limited to certain nationalities.
Student visa (subclass 500)
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostAUD 620 (~USD 415)
Requires enrollment in a registered course; allows part-time work.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Single entryStandard tourist visa for short stays. | AUD 150 (~USD 100) |
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Multiple entrySame fee as single entry, allows multiple visits within validity. | 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
Transit visa required
Romanian passport holders need a Transit visa (subclass 771) to transit through Australia unless they hold a valid Australian visa or are exempt. Airside transit without passing through immigration is not allowed without a visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Australian visa (e.g., visitor visa) do not need a separate transit visa.
- Holders of a valid New Zealand passport may transit without visa.
Transit hubsSydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) · Melbourne Airport (MEL) · Brisbane Airport (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 = 1.39 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 June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.