Practical tips to prepare including entry and visa requirements, customs and travel essentials.
Frequently asked questions
Will my customers require a visa to enter Australia?
All visitors to Australia need a visa, with the exception of Australian and New Zealand passport holders and permanent residents.
New Zealand citizens will be given an incoming passenger card on their flight and granted a Special Category Visa (SCV: subclass 444) electronically on arrival in Australia. Proof of sufficient funds for the period of stay may be requested. An SCV allows the holder to travel, study and work in Australia indefinitely. This visa is subject to meeting certain health and character requirements. Bookmark the Visa and Immigration FAQs on the Australian High Commission: New Zealand website, as a useful resource when planning your customer’s visit.
If your customer is not a New Zealand citizen, different regulations and procedures apply depending on the visitor’s country of origin. Agents and their customers should check the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website and the website of their closest Australian Embassy or High Commission for details.
What is the electrical voltage in Australia, and will I need an adapter?
The electrical voltage is 240 volts, and most visitors will require an electrical adapter for their hairdryers and device chargers.
Where can I find a list of national/public and school holidays?
School holiday periods are very busy periods for domestic travel in Australia. School holidays vary between each State & Territory. Public/national holidays are also busy periods. The Australia Government site provides a run down on the current and next year's school term dates for Australia's state and territory government schools.
What currency is used in Australia?
Australia's currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). $1 = 100 cents. Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5 denominations.
What is the legal age to consume alcohol in Australia?
The legal age to consume alcohol in Australia is 18 years.
Can my customers take their medication into Australia?
Travellers are permitted to bring no more than three months supply of prescribed medicines into Australia. The medicines should be declared on arrival, in the original packaging and accompanied by a doctor's prescription. There may be restrictions on this, so it is best to refer your customer to the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website, and the Customs and Quarantine fact sheet.
Do my customers require vaccinations to enter Australia?
No, unless they have visited a country infected by yellow fever within six days of arrival. The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website has more information.
Are there any limits on taking cigarettes/tobacco into Australia?
Yes. Visitors can only bring 50 cigarettes or 50 grams of cigars/tobacco products into Australia. The Customs and Quarantine fact sheet has more information.
Can my customers take food into Australia?
There are very tight quarantine restrictions in place and Australian authorities take this extremely seriously. Luggage will usually be scanned on arrival, and food items will typically be confiscated. It is best that visitors do not bring food items into Australia. The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website has more information.
