What is a visa and how does it work?

In case you need to know, here’s some quick info on visas and how they work.  

Key takeaway: 

• Visas are official permits that let Australians enter, transit, or stay in a country or region for a set purpose and time. 

• Visa requirements differ by country and have conditions including how long you can stay, how many times you can enter, the purpose of your visit and what documents you need to provide for your application.  

• Visa application methods vary between countries and can include applications through an embassy or consulate, online electronic Visas, and visas on arrival at the border. 

A visa is an official authorisation granted by a country that allows you to enter, stay, or transit through the country or region for a specific travel purpose such as tourism, business, work, study, or transit for a specific period of time. 

Some countries have visa exemptions for Australian citizens and eligible residents, allowing them to enter the country visa-free. Other countries may require Australians to obtain a relevant visa before entering the country. The type of visa you might need depends on the purpose you are travelling for and how long you will stay. 

Common types of visas

Common types of visas include: 

• Tourist visas: for leisure travel 

• Business visas: for work trips and meetings 

• Work visas: for temporary or long-term employment 

• Student visas: for study programs 

• Transit visas: for stopovers in certain countries 

Visa conditions

Visas typically contain the following conditions: 

• Length of stay or validity period: e.g., 30, 60, or 90 days 

• Number of entries: single or multiple entry 

• Purpose of visit: visas usually have approved travel purposes such as tourism, business, work (for some visas you must not engage in certain activities such as paid employment or study exceeding a certain course duration) 

• Required documents: to apply for the visa you will often have to provide documents such as below and depending on the situation you might be asked to provide additional documents: 

  • a valid passport 

  • proof of funds to support yourself during your stay (such as bank statements) 

  • return or onward tickets (itinerary) 

  • documents related to your travel purpose (for example you would likely need an employment contract or letter of offer for a work visa, and an acceptance or enrolment letter from an educational institution for a student visa) 

How to apply for a visa 

There are a number of ways to apply for a visa including: 

• Applying through an embassy or consulate: Applying for a relevant visa through the respective country’s embassy or consulate is a common application method, particularly for longer-term or specialised visas. 

• Applying online for an electronic visa (e-visa): Many countries have implemented digital systems allowing visitors to apply for an e-visa online. 

• Visas issued on arrival: Some countries provide visas on arrival meaning that eligible Australians receive authorisation at the border without having to apply online before arrival. 

Visa vs electronic travel authorisation

Some countries offer visa exemptions, allowing Australian travellers to enter the country visa-free for a set period of time. In some cases, visa-exempt Australians may be required to apply for and obtain a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the country.  

Many travellers mistake an ETA for a visa. While many travellers consider an ETA to be a faster, lighter version of a visa, an ETA is not a visa and does not replace the entry requirements needed for some visas. Instead, an ETA is a type of travel document that acts as a pre-screening or registration process for visa-exempt travellers. 

Here’s a brief comparison between visas and ETAs to help you understand the difference between visas and Electronic Travel Authorisations. 

Key visa & entry requirement changes

Here’s an overview of key visa changes for Australian travellers you should know.

Bali: Tightened immigration rules for tourists doing unpaid work or collaborations

What has changed?

Indonesian immigration has issued a clarification confirming that tourist visas are strictly for tourism and that “unpaid” does not automatically mean “permitted”. Authorities have increased checks on foreign visitors, particularly influencers, digital creators, wellness instructors, photographers, and volunteers, who may be engaging in activities that function like work while entering on a tourist visa. 

The key test immigration authorities apply is whether the activity has economic value for either party and whether it aligns with the stated purpose of the visit. If it doesn't, it may be considered an immigration violation regardless of whether money is involved. 

What activities may raise concern?

If you participate in paid or unpaid work, providing services, promotion or economic benefit, you may be in violation of your tourist visa conditions. This may include the following activities: 

• Content creation: Filming or photographing for social media, brand collaborations, or portfolio use 

• Influencer activity: Product endorsements or promotions, paid or unpaid 

• Professional services: Providing skills like photography, makeup, hairstyling, or DJing, even in exchange for accommodation or retreat access 

• Teaching or instruction: Yoga, fitness, or language classes, including skills exchanges 

• Volunteering: Activities that involve work, service, or benefit to either party may still be considered a violation 

What does this mean for my trip?

Holidaymakers travelling purely for leisure, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family on a tourist visa remain unaffected.  

However, if any part of your trip on a tourist visa involves work, promotion, or providing a service (paid or otherwise), it is important to consider applying for a visa that permits those activities before you travel. Sanctions for immigration violations in Indonesia can include fines, deportation, and being barred from re-entry. 

What visa do I need for Bali?

Travellers planning to engage in any of the above activities should apply for the appropriate visa before arrival. Depending on the type of activity you plan to do, consider whether options such as a business visa, work visa, digital expert work visa, content creator visit visa, volunteer visa, or other type of visa suit your travel plans. Generally, many visas may still permit leisure travel, sightseeing, and tourism as part of the stay. 

For guidance on the right visa for your trip, visit the official Directorate General of Immigration website.

China: Visa-free entry extended to 31 December 2026

What is China’s visa-free entry policy?

China’s visa-free entry policy allows keyvisitors who possess a valid passport from an eligible country to enter China without a visa, for visits up to 30 days, for the purpose of business, tourism, visiting friends and family, exchange visits, or transit. 

What countries are eligible for China’s visa-free entry policy? 

As of 10 November 2025, several  countries are eligible, including Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Andorra, South Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain.

What does the recent extension of the visa-free entry policy mean for Australians? 

As of 10 November 2025, Australian citizens holding a valid Australian passport and Australian residents holding a valid passport from an eligible country (included in the list above) can access China’s visa-free entry scheme for another year, with the policy now set to expire on 31 December 2026.  

Singapore: Departing travellers set to pay sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) levy in 2026

What is Singapore’s new sustainable aviation levy? 

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) will introduce a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Levy for all passengers and cargo shipments departing Singapore’s airports from 1 October 2026, applicable for tickets or services sold from 1 April 2026.  

How much could Singapore’s new sustainable aviation levy cost me?  

As longer flights consume more fuel, the levy for passengers will vary based on the distance travelled as well as other factors like the cabin class of travel.  

For distance purposes, destinations will be grouped into four geographical bands:  

1. Southeast Asia  

2. Northeast Asia, South Asia, Australia, Papua New Guinea  

3. Africa, Central and West Asia, Europe, Middle East, Pacific Islands, New Zealand  

4. Americas  

For flights with multiple stops, Singapore’s new aviation levy is based on the immediate next destination after departing Singapore.   

Cabin classes:  

1. Economy (including Premium Economy)  

2. Business and First-class  

Why is Singapore introducing this levy?

In 2024, Singapore launched a sustainable aviation plan to reduce airport emissions from 2019 levels by 20 per cent by 2030. The CAAS has said the new levy "is set based on the volume of SAF needed to meet the 1 per cent SAF target for 2026 and the projected price premium of SAF over conventional jet fuel and other associated costs." 

Europe: EU Entry/Exit System begins rolling out 12 October 2025

What is the entry/exit system (EES) and what does it do?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new automated IT system that records the entry and exit of non-EU travellers, including Australians, each time they cross the external borders countries in the European countries using this system in the Schengen Area for short stays. 

The EES applies to Australians entering the European countries using this system in the Schengen Area whether you: 

• possess a short-stay visa, or  

• do not need a visa to stay for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period (visa-exempt travellers eligible for the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System).

The Entry/Exit System will collect, record, and store the following data:

• Personal details from your passport (e.g. full name, date of birth) 

• Date and place of each entry and exit 

• Biometric data including fingerprints and captured facial images 

• Whether you were refused entry 

• Whether you have overstayed the period allowed in the Schengen Area 

Conditions for collecting and storing personal data in the EES are set out in Regulation (EU) 2017/2226, which establishes the EES. 

Read our guide on Europe and Schengen Entry and Visa Requirements to learn whether you need a Schengen visa or can enter the Schengen Area visa-free.

Which countries will be using the entry/exit system?

The 29 Schengen countries will be using the EES system. Below is a list of European countries in the Schengen Area.

• Austria 

• Belgium 

• Bulgaria 

• Croatia 

• Czechia 

• Denmark 

• Estonia 

• Finland 

• France 

• Germany 

• Greece 

• Hungary 

• Iceland 

• Italy 

• Latvia 

• Liechtenstein 

• Lithuania 

• Luxembourg 

• Malta 

• Netherlands 

• Norway 

• Poland 

• Portugal 

• Romania 

• Slovakia 

• Slovenia 

• Spain 

• Sweden 

• Switzerland

What does the Entry/Exit System mean for Australians travelling to Europe?

From 12 October 2025, Australians visiting the 29 countries in the Schengen Area within Europe for short stays (up to 90 days within any 180-day period) will have their entries and exits recorded electronically each time they cross an external border. This means that data collection will be gradually introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026.

For Australian travellers, this means: 

• Faster border checks, especially once the system is fully rolled out 

• Stricter enforcement of the 90/180-day rule, with overstays in the Schengen Area more easily detected 

• Refusing to provide biometric data could mean you may be denied entry into the European countries using this system in the 29 countries in the Schengen Area within Europe

Indonesia: Australians travelling to Indonesia required to complete online arrival card from 1 September 2025

How to apply for an Indonesia arrival card

Follow the steps below to begin your arrival card application:

1. Go to the All Indonesia website and select your preferred language (English, Indonesian or Chinese) 

2. Select ‘Foreign Visitor’ to begin your arrival card application 

3. Enter your Personal Information 

4. Enter your Travel Details (entry and exit dates) 

5. Enter Mode of Transportation & Address details 

6. Fill out the Declaration 

   • The previous SATUSEHAT Health Pass (SSHP) International Health Declaration upon arrival must now be completed through All Indonesia website as part of the arrival card submission 

   • Fill out the Quarantine Declaration 

   • The previous Customs Declaration (BC2.2) upon arrival must now be completed through All Indonesia website as part of the arrival card submission 

7. Submit your arrival card 

Travelers who have filled out the arrival card may look up and re-download proof of their submission.

What does the All Indonesia arrival card mean for Australian travellers?

For Australians heading to Indonesia, including Bali, the new All Indonesia arrival card brings all entry requirements into a single online process. From 1 September 2025, you’ll need to complete the free digital form on the All Indonesia website, within 72 hours (3 days) of your travel to Indonesia. 

This arrival card replaces separate entry requirements and processes like the SATUSEHAT health declaration and customs declaration, making entry simpler but also mandatory to complete online. From 1 October 2025, the arrival card requirement will apply at international airports in Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali in Indonesia. 

In addition, travellers visiting for tourism, official duties, or business meetings can also apply for an electronic visa on arrival (e-VOA) through the same website, at least 48 hours before travel to Indonesia. 

For Australians, this means less hassle at the airport, but it’s important to get your Arrival Card sorted online before you fly to avoid delays or issues on arrival. 

USA: US Global Entry program phase two set to open in late 2025

What is the US Global Entry program?

The Global Entry program is a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveller Program (TTP) that allows faster immigration and customs clearance for eligible Australians who have been pre-approved when entering the United States. The program is available at major US airports and reduces paperwork and processing times. The Global Entry program is valid for 5 years for approved members. 

Eligibility criteria for Australians

Australians must meet the following eligibility criteria to enrol in the Global Entry program:    

• Be 18 years of age or older (minors require a parent or legal guardian's consent), and    

• Be an Australian citizen   

According to the AusCheck website, Global Entry applicants must also: 

• have their identity verified 

• have zero criminal convictions 

• have zero relevant Australian Defence Force (ADF) service offences 

Applications for the US Global Entry program

Phase One: As of January 2025, eligible Australians had access to Phase One of the US Global Entry program. Phase One is now closed, and Australia has paused application processing. 

Phase Two: Phase Two of the Global Entry Program for Australia opened in late 2025. With applications now open for Phase Two, an uncapped number of Australian citizens can apply for the Global Entry program online through the CBP's Trusted Traveller Program. The online application process for Australians involves background checks by CBP and Australian governmental authorities. 

Below is a summary of steps Australian’s can take to apply for the US Global Entry Program. 

• Create a Trusted Traveller Programs (TTP) account 

• Submit a Global Entry application 

• Consent to and apply for an Australian Background Check 

• Complete an Enrolment Interview in the USA 

• Receive eligibility confirmation on your TTP dashboard 

Read our guide on US Visa and Entry Requirements to learn more about the US Global Entry Program and detailed steps on how to apply.  

What does the US Global Entry program mean for Australians?

The US Global Entry program allows pre-approved Australians to skip regular immigration lines at major US airports and strives to make entry faster and reduce paperwork. Membership is valid for 5 years and provides a smoother, more efficient travel experience for frequent visitors to the United States. 

US Clear+ program

The US Clear+ program is now open to Australian travellers at a cost of US$209 (or approximately AUD $314) per year. Clear+ is a privately-run adjunct to the US government’s TSA PreCheck, with dedicated lanes at 59 airports across the USA. CLEAR+ is a paid airport Membership that allows members to speed through airport security nationwide in our designated CLEAR+ Lanes at TSA checkpoints. Check the Clear website to find locations and airports where you can use the Clear+ Program. Those lanes, which rely on biometrics to confirm your identity, let you move straight through to security screening.  

Visit the Clear website for more information on how to apply. 

South Korea: K-ETA exemption for Australians set to end on 31 December 2025

What is the Korea electronic travel authorisation (K-ETA)?

The Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA) is an electronic travel authorisation system implemented by the South Korean government for nationals of visa-exempt countries. The K-ETA allows visa-exempt visitors to enter South Korea for tourism, business meetings, visiting relatives, or other short-term purposes.   

Once approved, a K-ETA is generally valid for multiple entries over a three-year period (if the passport expiration date is shorter than 3 years, valid until the passport expiration date), with each stay limited to 90 days. While the K-ETA validity period is 3 years, travellers cannot stay longer than the visa-free stay period (for a single entry) applicable to their country. 

Australians are currently exempt from requiring a Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation (K-ETA) until 31st December 2025. This means Australians can enter South Korea for up to 90 days (the standard visa exemption period) without applying for a K-ETA until 31st December 2025. 

What does the K-ETA exemption ending mean for Australians?

The current K-ETA exemption allows Australians to enter South Korea for up to 90 days without applying for a Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation. Once this exemption ends on 31 December 2025, Australians will be required to apply for a K-ETA online before travelling, unless the exemption is extended. When the K-ETA requirement resumes for Australian travellers, K-ETA applications can be completed via the official K-ETA website. 

Read our guide on South Korea Visa and Entry Requirements to learn how to apply for the K-ETA, how to apply for an e-Arrival Card and other entry requirements before travelling to South Korea

Practical tips for Australian travellers navigating visa changes

Understanding new visa changes and updates for Aussies travelling overseas helps to ensure smoother travel and fewer surprises at the border. Whether you’re planning a European adventure, a quick Bali escape, a road trip in the US or exploring South Korea, staying updated on visa and entry requirements for Australians could be just as important as booking your flights

Follow our practical tips to help you navigate visa changes

Check official information sources

Always confirm details on government sources such as Smartraveller and your destination’s embassy, consulate or department of immigration. It is important to note that your travel insurance policy may not provide cover if you do not comply with a countries visa or other entry requirements. To help ensure you are prepared for your trip, you should research and understand the relevant entry conditions before you travel overseas.

Stay updated

Subscribe to Fast Cover’s newsletter to stay up to date on new visa requirements for Australian citizens as additional source of information

Apply early

Processing times can vary so make sure to apply for visas, arrival cards and electronic travel authorisations on time to avoid any delays and potential issues at the border.

Keep backups of your travel documents

Just like you would keep a copy of your travel insurance policy, make sure to keep both printed and digital copies of your visa approvals, ETAs and arrival cards. Some countries will issue QR codes that you will need to show at the border upon arrival so make sure to take a screenshot and print a hard copy.