What are the requirements to travel to Australia?

If you are planning to travel to Australia in the near future, you will need to prepare for your trip by completing some requirements and documents which we will detail for you.

Essential documents*:
1
Document for travel to Australia
Valid passport
2
What do I need to travel to Australia?
Apply for your Australia e-visa!
*The documents presented may differ depending on your nationality.

Like many travellers, you probably dream of visiting Australia. But of course, this type of trip requires meticulous preparation, particularly with regard to the various administrative and legal requirements. To help you prepare for this trip, we suggest that you discover all of these requirements and the different steps to take before your departure.

Documents required to travel to Australia: List of entry requirements

  • To travel to Australia, you need a passport valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry into the country.
  • You also need a visa or an electronic residence authorisation to travel to Australia.
  • The ETA or eVisitor are quick and easy alternatives to a visa for Australia
  • You should complete the formalities for your stay in Australia a few weeks before departure.

Apply for your Australia e-visa!

Passport: An essential travel document for Australia

Of course, if you want to go to Australia, you will first need a valid passport. It is indeed impossible to travel to this country with a simple identity card as this country is not part of the European Union.

If you do not have a passport or if your passport is about to expire, you are strongly advised to apply for one as soon as possible as it can sometimes take a long time to obtain this document.

Remember that your passport must be valid not only at the time of your departure for this country, but also for 6 months after the date of entry into Australia.

To apply for or renew a passport, you must go to a town hall of your choice and bring with you various documents and proof of identity such as an identity document in your name, a copy of your birth certificate, proof of address less than 3 months old and two passport photos that meet the legal standards.

 

What travel document is required to travel to Australia?

While a passport is an essential document for travelling to Australia, it is not the only official document you need to have with you. Entry into Australia also requires an official residence permit, which can be a visa or an electronic permit such as the eVisitor or eTA.

The latter two solutions are much quicker to obtain and cheaper than the traditional visa, but require that certain strict conditions be met. Here are the eligibility criteria for these different schemes:

  • To be part of the countries that are part of the eVisitor or eTA system. Note that the only difference between the eVisitor and the eTA is the nationality. If you are a national of the European Union, the eVisitor system is more suitable.
  • Do not stay in the country for more than 3 months. The electronic travel authorisation scheme for Australia also only works for stays of less than 90 consecutive days in the country.
  • Visit Australia for tourism or business. You will not be able to use this procedure if you plan to work or study in Australia.

If you do not meet these three criteria, you should apply for a visa at the Australian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

Apply for your Australia e-visa!

How do I get an eVisitor or eTA to prepare for travel to Australia?

If you have the option of using the eVisitor or eTA scheme to go to Australia, the process is fairly simple and quick, requiring only a few steps and a few minutes:

  • Start by visiting the website of a provider offering an online eVisitor or eTA application service such as the one we recommend on our website.
  • You will be taken to an online form which you will need to fill in, making sure that you answer all the questions honestly and accurately. You will be asked to fill in your personal details, your passport number, and to answer a series of simple questions about your health, your legal situation or previous travels.
  • Once the form has been filled in, check it carefully to avoid making a mistake and proceed to pay the processing and transfer fees for your application. This payment can be made by credit card or Paypal on a secure server.
  • Your application will then be checked and forwarded to the Australian immigration authorities who will either approve or reject it.
  • On your side, you will not have anything more to do since the answer to your request will be sent to you directly by email on the address indicated in the form and this, at most 72 hours after your request.

Once you have obtained your eVisitor or eTA, you will not need to print it as it will be electronically attached to your passport. The passport is therefore the only document you will need to take with you on your trip to Australia.

  • It should also be noted that the eVisitor or eTA will be valid for one year from the date of issue and can be used for multiple visits to Australia during this period provided that the above conditions and criteria are met.

Apply for your Australia e-visa!

Some additional tips to know before you go to Australia:

Obtaining an eVisitor or eTA for Australia is not the only thing to consider when planning your trip to Australia. Here are some additional tips to help you make the most of your trip.

 

Health and safety requirements in Australia

When preparing for a trip to Australia, it's essential to understand the health and safety requirements, which guarantee not only your well-being but also compliance with the country's health regulations. As a tourist, you'll need to follow certain procedures to enter Australia with complete peace of mind.

One of the first requirements is travel insurance. Although not systematically required for all travellers, Australia does require that you be covered in the event of accident or illness.

For visitors entering on a tourist visa, it is strongly recommended that you take out travel insurance that includes health cover. Medical costs in Australia can be very high, and the absence of insurance could lead to unexpected and costly expenses. Some insurance companies may also include repatriation assistance, which can be very useful in an emergency. It is therefore important to check that your insurance policy covers medical care, hospitalisation and the costs associated with an early return to France.

Another crucial requirement is managing the products you are carrying in your luggage, particularly medicines. Before travelling, it's essential to check the rules on medicines authorised in Australia. Some common medicines, particularly those containing controlled substances, may be subject to strict restrictions.

If you are taking prescription medicines with you, you will need to ensure that you have the necessary documents to present them at Australian customs, in particular a letter from your doctor specifying the treatment and dosage. In addition, it is advisable to carry medicines in their original packaging, with the pharmacy label, to facilitate verification on arrival. Products containing substances such as pseudoephedrine, for example, are particularly closely monitored.

Finally, the question of vaccinations and health precautions should not be overlooked. Although Australia does not require specific vaccinations for tourists from France, it is advisable to check that your basic vaccinations are up to date, particularly against diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis.

In addition, the specific climatic and geographical conditions of certain regions of Australia may require special preventive measures, such as protection against insect bites or managing the risk of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. You should seek advice from a health professional before your departure to ensure that you are well prepared.

To sum up, the health and safety requirements for a tourist trip to Australia mean that you need to be well prepared in terms of insurance, medication and vaccinations. By complying with these requirements, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable stay in this fascinating country.

 

Customs requirements and regulations in Australia

Customs requirements in Australia are strict, and it's important to understand the rules governing the entry of foodstuffs, plants and animals, as well as the management of personal belongings, to avoid any complications when you arrive. Complying with customs requirements not only helps to ensure the safety of the country, but also to protect its fragile ecosystem.

One of the first requirements to take into account concerns food products, plants and animals. Australia has very strict rules on importing these products because of its geographical isolation and its strict environmental conservation policies. In fact, many products may be banned from entry because of the risk of contamination by diseases or parasites. Before you leave, it is therefore essential to check the restrictions applicable to the products you wish to take with you. For example, fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds and plants are generally prohibited, as are certain food products of animal origin. Meat and meat products are particularly closely monitored. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult the Australian customs website or contact the embassy for precise information on the restrictions in force.

Another important requirements concerns the declaration of valuables to Australian customs. When you arrive in Australia, you must declare all valuables, such as expensive electronics, jewellery or watches. This allows the authorities to track the entry and exit of these items and ensure that they are not sold or exported without prior declaration. The declaration is usually made on a form to be completed on arrival at the airport. Failure to declare goods can result in fines or confiscation of the items concerned. It is therefore essential to declare all your valuables to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

As for the policy on liquids and other items in your baggage, it follows similar rules to those in force in many other countries. You are authorized to carry liquids in your hand baggage, but they must be contained in containers of no more than 100 ml, and all containers must be placed in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of one litre. This includes cosmetics, liquid medicines and similar products. The rules are strict to ensure the safety of air passengers, but they generally do not pose a problem if you follow the instructions. If you are carrying more than 100 ml of liquid medication, you will need to produce a prescription and explain the reason for its use.

In conclusion, customs requirements in Australia are rigorous and require particular attention, especially when it comes to foodstuffs, plants, animals and valuable goods. By complying with these rules, you will contribute to the safety of your trip and the protection of the Australian environment.

Apply for your Australia e-visa!

Adeline HARMANT
As a web writer and globetrotter with a passion for travel and tourism, I have acquired in-depth knowledge of the procedures that are essential for travellers. I help travellers to complete all the formalities required for a successful trip, particularly when it comes to obtaining a visa online. With several years' experience in this field, I'd like to offer you some valuable advice to help you discover the world with complete peace of mind.

 

Frequently asked questions

What is the list of documents required to go to Australia?

To travel to Australia, you will simply need to have a valid passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your departure. You will also need an eVisitor, eTA or visa to be able to travel to Australia. It is not necessary to print the eVisitor or eTA as they are electronic documents.

How do I apply for an eVisitor or eTA to go to Australia?

The application process for an eVisitor or eTA eVisa for Australia is done directly online. All you have to do is visit a website that offers this official form in your native language and fill it in carefully. The answer to your application will then be sent directly by email to the address mentioned in the form and within a maximum of 72 hours after submission of the application.

When should I apply for a residence permit for Australia?

If you want to prepare efficiently for your stay in Australia, you need to apply for a travel authorisation on time. For the eVisitor or eTA, the process is quick and you can obtain this document in less than 72 hours. But if you are applying for a visa, you will need to apply several weeks or months in advance.

Document for travel to Australia