It’s certainly not the most exciting thing to think about, but when planning a holiday, visas should be at the top of your priority list. After all, it doesn’t matter how organised you are, if you haven’t correctly filled out your visa application, or worse, completely forgot to apply, you can run into serious trouble upon landing in your holiday destination.
To avoid this worst-case scenario happening, here’s everything you need to know regarding the requirements of some visa-free countries, visa on-arrival countries and countries without visas.
Visa in Advance
Cambodia
If your Cambodian holiday plans involve entering the country through Phnom Penh, Siem Reap or Sihanoukville International Airports, you can apply for an e-visa before you arrive through the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Cambodian tourist visas last 30 days.
Canada
You will need to apply online for an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) to enter Canada – regardless of whether your trip is for tourism, study or work purposes. Once approved though, you can enter Canada as frequently as you like for five years, or until your passport expires.
China
While transit visas for China (which can be issued upon arrival in the country) are available for short-term visits, it’s recommended Australian citizens apply for full visas. You can do this in person or via the mail at least a month in advance through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centres. It takes roughly four business days for approval, and permits visitors to spend up to 30 days in China.
India
It is compulsory for Australian citizens to procure a visa when visiting India, and these can be granted online prior to arrival. Offering 60 days of travel, they are valid at 24 designated airports. If your arrival point is not one of these, you will have to apply for a visa separately through the Indian High Commission, Consulate or Embassy. It is also important to note that the photo you need for your Indian visa is not the standard passport dimensions, so you’ll need to have a special set taken at your local post office.
Russia
To gain entry into Russia you will need to apply for either a tourist or visitor visa through the Russian Visa Application Centre. You will be required to present a tourist confirmation letter and pay a fee of $120. A Russian visa allows for 90 days of travel
Turkey
Any Australian travelling to Turkey for either tourism or business purposes will need to apply for an e-visa online via the Turkish government’s official website prior to arrival in the country. This e-visa grants visitors 90 days of travel.
United States of America
The USA currently has one of the strictest visa policies in the world, which means all travellers to America who are visiting for 90 days or less must apply online via the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). Approval can take up to 72 hours, so it is advised you do it as early as possible. An ESTA will allow you to visit the US multiple times over a two-year period.
Vietnam
The Government of Vietnam stipulates that all Australian citizens entering the country need to apply for an e-visa prior to arrival in order to be granted 30 days of travel.
Visa On Arrival
Egypt
To purchase an Egyptian tourist visa upon arrival in the country you will need American dollars or euros. Pay the fee, and a 30-day visa will be issued.
Fiji
Provided you have a valid passport, a return or on-wards ticket and confirmation of accommodation, you will be issued an entry visa into Fiji upon arrival. This allows you a stay of up to four months.
Jordan
Upon arrival in Jordan, at both the international airports and the Sheikh Hussein/North Border crossing at the Jordan/Israel border, you will receive a single-entry visa. This grants you permission to travel within Jordan for one month.
Laos
Visas to enter Laos can be obtained upon arrival at either Vientiane or Luang Prabang International Airports, and at certain land border crossings. You’ll need two blank pages in your passport and two current passport photos. Approval at this stage will grant you 30 days of travel.
No Visa
Brazil
Have you heard the good news? From 17 June 2019, Australians will no longer need a visa to visit Brazil! As long you have a valid passport, intend to stay no more than 90 days and your trip is leisure travel-related, that is.
Indonesia
Any trip to Indonesia that’s less than 30 days allows for visa-free entry into the country. If you want to stay longer than that though, you will need to apply for one.
Japan
Australian citizens who hold a valid passport, can prove sufficient funds, have a return or on-wards ticket and confirmed accommodation arrangements are eligible to enter Japan visa-free for 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program.
Mexico
While you don’t need a visa to enter Mexico, if you are staying for less than 180 days you will be required to fill in a Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) upon arrival and get your passport stamped by authorities on arrival. Failure to do so could see you detained.
New Zealand
The perks of having close relations with New Zealand means that Australians don’t require a visa to enter NZ. However, if you’ve been deported from another country before, or convicted a crime, you will need to apply for a visa or official permit.
South Africa
If you’re only planning on staying in South Africa for no more than 90 days, you’re in luck, as Australian citizens are not required to have a visa to enter the country.
Thailand
The requirements for Australian citizens to enter Thailand without a visa are as follows: if you arrive through an international airport, you are allowed 30 days in the country, and if you arrive via a land border, you are entitled to 15 days in the country.
United Kingdom
It’s not just New Zealand who offer minimal visa requirements for Australian citizens. The UK make it very easy for Australian tourists to visit, offering six months of visa-free travel.
Please note that visa information is correct at time of publication, and may be subject to change without notice. Always double check the visa requirements of your holiday destination before travelling. For more information on visas, or to apply, click here.
Feature image: Marcus Spiske on Unsplash
