Do Australians Need A Visa For The United States? 

By Bec Milligan.

Planning a trip to the USA and wondering, ‘do Australians need a visa for the United States?’ 

You’re not alone, especially as the answer is a little more nuanced than a simple yes or no. 

Never fear, here’s everything you need to know before you jet off to the land of the free. 

Do Australians need a visa to enter the USA?

Not a traditional one, no. Australia is one of 42 countries participating in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which means Australians can visit the United States for up to 90 days for tourism, business or transit without applying for a visa.

What you do need is an approved ESTA. The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) is a pre-travel authorisation that determines whether you’re eligible to travel to the USA under the VWP. Or in simpler terms, it’s an online form that takes about 15 minutes to complete and is linked electronically to your passport.

And while it’s not the same as a visa (there’s no embassy appointment, no interview and no stack of paperwork), you do need it. Literally. You cannot board a flight to the USA without an approved ESTA, so sorting this before you travel is essential.

Of course, if you are planning to spend more than 90 days in the US, or if you’re travelling there to work or study, you will need a visa. Australians have access to the E-3 visa, a dedicated work visa category available only to Australian citizens, which is worth looking into if that’s your situation.

How much is ESTA for Australians?

The current ESTA fee is USD $40.27 per person, roughly AUD $62. 

This fee is made up of two parts. A US$4.00 processing fee is charged to all applicants regardless of outcome, and a US$36.27 authorisation fee is charged only if your application is approved. This means if your ESTA is denied, you only pay US$4.00.

Every single person travelling to the US needs their own individual ESTA, including children and babies. So if you’re travelling as a family, factor that into your budget.

One very important warning: Only apply through the official US government portal at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Third-party websites charge AUD $100 to $150 for the same application, and that extra money goes straight to them, not the US government.

How early should I apply for ESTA?

The general rule is to apply at least 72 hours before your departure. Most applications are approved within minutes, though processing can take up to 72 hours in some cases. 

But applying well in advance gives you time to seek alternative arrangements if something goes wrong. In fact, you can apply for an ESTA months before your trip, and given your ESTA is valid for up to three years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first) and covers multiple trips to the USA within that validity period, it makes sense to get it sorted early and travel with peace of mind. 

Helpful tip: There are a few situations where you’ll need a new ESTA even if yours hasn’t expired, like if you are issued a new passport for any reason or if you travel to certain countries after your ESTA was issued (including Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen).

What documents do I need to travel from Australia to the USA?

Beyond your approved ESTA, here’s what you’ll need:

• - A valid Australian biometric e-passport. Your passport must be an e-passport with an embedded electronic chip. All Australian passports issued since 2005 are e-passports, so if yours was issued in the last two decades, you’re good to go. You can identify one by the small rectangular chip symbol on the front cover. Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the USA.
• - Proof of onward or return travel. You’ll need to show you have a return ticket or confirmed onward travel out of the USA. This demonstrates to border officials that you intend to leave within the 90-day period.
• - Proof of sufficient funds. US border officers may ask how you plan to fund your trip. A credit card and a recent bank statement are usually sufficient. There’s no fixed amount required, but you should be able to show you can cover your accommodation and expenses for the duration of your stay.
• - Your accommodation details. Have the name and address of where you’re staying on your first night in the USA ready to provide at the border if asked.
   

A couple of things worth noting at the border: Having an approved ESTA does not guarantee entry into the USA. A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer makes the final call on arrival, and they may ask questions about your trip. Answer honestly and have your documents accessible. And if you’re travelling with medication, make sure it’s in its original packaging and that you carry a copy of your prescription.

​​​​​Entry requirements can change. Always check the latest advice at Smartraveller and the US Embassy in Canberra before you travel.​​​​​

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