Want to visit Australia in 2025? Find out what visas are available for tourists, how to apply correctly, what to declare upon entry, whether insurance is required and how to avoid problems at the border. Current rules for travelers from around the world - in one guide

Australia remains one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations, offering a rare mix of wild nature, coastal cities, desert landscapes, and unique wildlife. In 2025, the country is fully open for tourism, and its visa and entry rules are more structured than ever. Whether you're dreaming of Sydney's opera skyline or the coral colors of the Great Barrier Reef, here's everything you need to know before packing your bags.

Choose a reliable health insurance policy from Visit World to travel abroad safely.

Who Needs a Visa to Visit Australia?

Australia requires a visa or electronic travel authorization for almost all foreign visitors. There are three main options for tourists:

1. eVisitor Visa (subclass 651)

 Free of charge, this visa is available to passport holders of the European Union and a few other European countries. It's valid for 12 months and allows multiple short visits of up to three months each. It must be obtained before arrival and is not extendable.

2. ETA – Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)

Available to travelers from countries like the USA, Canada, Japan, and several others. It's valid for 12 months with multiple entries and allows stays of up to three months at a time. A small processing fee applies, and applicants must apply through the Australian ETA app, including uploading a selfie.

3. Visitor Visa (subclass 600)

For travelers not eligible for the above options, the Visitor Visa is the most flexible. It allows stays of 3, 6, or even 12 months. The application process is slightly longer and includes a visa fee. Supporting documents such as proof of funds, accommodation, and travel intent are often required. A 600 visa is required for representatives of many countries around the world, including citizens of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Cuba, and Israel.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Tourist Visa to Australia

Step 1 – Determine your visa type via the official Visa Finder on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Step 2 – Create an ImmiAccount, where you can manage and track your application.

Step 3 – Prepare documents, including a valid passport, digital photo, itinerary, financial proof (like bank statements), and travel insurance.

Step 4 – Apply online for eVisitor or Visitor visa; for ETA, use the official ETA app.

Step 5 – Pay fees if applicable (eVisitor is free, ETA around AUD 20, Visitor Visa varies).

Step 6 – Wait for approval – eVisitor and ETA are usually processed within days, while Visitor Visa can take 2-4 weeks.

Step 7 – Receive a digital visa grant notice. There is no physical sticker; your visa is linked to your passport.

Passport and Document Requirements

1. Your passport must be valid at least until the day you enter Australia (no 6-month rule).

2. It should be in good condition and have at least one blank page.

3. Children traveling without both parents may require additional consent documentation.

4. If carrying more than AUD 10,000 in cash, you must declare it upon entry.

Health, Insurance & Safety Considerations

Although there are no health-related entry bans, visitors are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance. This should include emergency medical coverage, hospital treatment, and medical evacuation. For travelers aged 75 and over, having insurance is often mandatory for visa approval.

Australia's healthcare system is excellent but expensive for non-residents. A simple emergency room visit can cost hundreds of dollars, making insurance a smart move.

Biosecurity & Customs Rules: What You Can and Cannot Bring

Australia is famously strict when it comes to protecting its natural environment. All travelers must comply with strict biosecurity laws, and failure to declare items can result in heavy fines or prosecution.

What do I must declare when entering Australia?

- Any food, meat, dairy, seeds, or plants. 

- Wooden items, including souvenirs. 

- Animal products or items made from natural materials. 

What is prohibited from being imported into Australia?

- Fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs. 

- Soil or items with soil residues (e.g. camping gear). 

- Any illegal substances or protected wildlife products. 

Tip: When in doubt, declare it. Australia operates on a zero-tolerance policy.

Entry Process: What Happens at the Airport?

On arrival, you will go through:

- SmartGates for passport control if you're aged 16+ and have an e-passport from a participating country.

- A short customs and baggage screening – even if you have nothing to declare, you may be selected for inspection.

- Ensure your Incoming Passenger Card is filled accurately and truthfully. These are still required in paper format as of mid-2025.

What is a passenger card? A passenger card is a document that identifies a passenger and is the actual proof of a person's entry into Australia. Passengers entering Australia must complete an Entry Passenger Card (IPC).

Travelling with Children or Special Cases

If a minor is traveling alone or with one parent, immigration officers may request a notarized parental consent letter from the absent parent(s). All documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations.

Can You Extend a Tourist Stay in Australia?

eVisitor and ETA visas are not extendable inside Australia. You must leave and apply again from abroad.

Visitor Visa (600) can be extended under certain conditions, but a new application is required.

Overstaying your visa is a serious offense and can lead to detention, fines, and bans on re-entry.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Entry

- Apply for your visa early, ideally at least one month before departure.

- Ensure your passport and supporting documents are ready and valid.

- Read and follow the customs and declaration rules.

- Buy travel insurance covering health, cancellations, and baggage.

- Never assume you're eligible for visa-free entry – check your country’s requirements beforehand.

Australia in 2025 is as welcoming, wild, and unforgettable as ever—but it demands that visitors come prepared. From strict biosecurity to digital visa processes, the rules are clear, but they are easy to follow with proper planning. Whether you're diving the reefs, hiking the Outback, or sipping coffee in Melbourne, your adventure begins the moment your visa is approved.

For the latest updates, visit the official Australian immigration portal at: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

When planning a trip abroad, be sure to take care of a travel insurance policy that will protect you from unforeseen situations during your trip and compensate for unplanned expenses - for medical treatment, in case of lost luggage, flight cancellation, etc.

Buy a reliable travel insurance policy from trusted insurance agents on the Visit World portal!

Reminder! Australia’s immigration system is changing in 2025. We’ve already covered how the new visa rules affect skilled workers, international students and family migration, as well as the new points system, English language requirements, partner visas and how to increase your chances of success.

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