Do American citizens need a visa for Australia?
The official link goes to immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. NUM isn’t a government agency or a visa service. Rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay or travel.
Australia entry rules for American citizens.
| Verdict | Travel authorisation before you fly |
|---|---|
| Document | Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) |
| Fee | AUD 20 (app service fee; no visa application charge) |
| Stay | 3 months per visit |
| Validity | 12 months, multiple entry |
| When to apply | Before travel, while outside Australia; usually quick but allow several days |
| Checked | Verified on an official page · 2026-10-11 |
The rest of the trip for an American passport, from the arrival form to customs and travelling with children: Australia entry requirements.
The details for an American passport.
Apply through the official 'Australian ETA' app (iOS/Android); airlines and many US travel agents can also apply for you (State Dept). ETAs cannot be applied for on websites, and third-party sites charging more than AUD 20 are not official. No work allowed. ETA-eligible passport under Migration (IMMI 18/084) instrument (in force). US State Dept: ETA covers tourism/business stays under 90 days; passport must be valid at entry; 1 blank page.
How long it must be valid.
Passport must be valid for the whole planned stay (no fixed 6-month rule); US/Canada guidance: valid on the day of entry. Airlines may apply stricter rules.
Recent changes in Australia.
- 2026-07-01 — Visa application charges rose about 25% for most visas (Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026): Visitor 600 lodged offshore AUD 200 -> 250 (secondary sources); Student 500 AUD 2,000 -> 2,500 (AUD 2,050 for ASEAN-10 and Pacific passports and ELICOS/non-award study); Partner 309/100 and 820/801 AUD 11,710; Working Holiday 417/462 AUD 840 first visa (secondary sources); National Innovation 858 AUD 6,235; Skills in Demand 482 AUD 4,015 (secondary). Temporary skilled migration income threshold set at AUD 79,423.
- 2026-07-01 — Working Holiday (417) upper age raised to 35 for Cyprus, Finland, Germany and Republic of Korea passport holders.
- 2026-07-13 — ABF announced the digital Australia Travel Declaration will replace the paper Incoming Passenger Card nationally (all airports/seaports before end-2027); Qantas app pilot running since Oct 2024.
The short answers.
Do American citizens need a visa for Australia?
No visa, but yes to a form: American citizens need the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) approved before they fly for stays of 3 months per visit.
How much does it cost for American citizens?
AUD 20 (app service fee; no visa application charge). Fees change, so confirm on the official site before you pay.
How long can American citizens stay in Australia?
3 months per visit. Longer stays need a different visa.
When should American citizens apply?
Before travel, while outside Australia; usually quick but allow several days.
Where do American citizens apply?
On the official site, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. NUM links it and never charges for the link.
Does NUM issue Australia visas?
No. Only the government issues them. NUM explains the rule for your passport, links the official site, and can file the form for you where its desk covers it.