Summary of US entry and visa requirements

Visa exemption for the US

Australian citizens can enter the US visa-free for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program for tourism or business purposes, provided they apply for an Electronic System Travel Authorisation (ESTA) at least 72 hours before arrival to the US.

Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA)

ESTA is required for all VWP countries entering by air, land, or sea. Travellers under the VWP must apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before arrival and hold a valid passport. It's valid for 2 years or until passport expiry.

US Global Entry Program

Australian citizens are eligible for the Global Entry program for expedited border clearance, with applications now open to an uncapped number of Aussie citizens.

US visa requirements

For stays longer than 90 days or purposes other than tourism or business, Australian citizens must obtain the appropriate visas before travelling to the US.

US passport requirements

Australians need to have a passport valid for their intended period of stay in the US.

Proof of onward or exit travel

You may need to provide proof of your travel itinerary or other evidence showing your planned departure from the US.

Proof of sufficient funds

Customs Border Protection officers may ask you to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay in the US, which may be tied to your specific visa.

Customs Declaration (CBP form 6059b)

Fill out the online customs declaration form prior to landing in the US where you can declare currency or monetary instruments and goods you are bringing into the US.

Customs and Border Protection inspection

All travellers arriving in the United States are subject to inspection by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. Incoming travellers must establish their admissibility into the US to the satisfaction of CBP officers. During the inspection CBP officers may search your electronic devices to review and analyse their contents including social media accounts, emails, texts and photos. Learn more about CBP inspections below.

Can Australians enter the USA without a visa?

Yes, Australian citizens can travel to the US without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes under the Visa Waiver Program. Upon entry, CBP officers will issue your Form I-94 (an arrival/departure record), which determines your authorised length of stay. However, travellers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel authorisation (ESTA) approval prior to travelling to the US under the VWP. This pre-approves you for travel and is valid for a period of two years, as well as for multiple entries.

What is the US visa waiver program?

The US Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of 42 participating countries, including Australia, to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. To be eligible for visa-free entry into the USA, your trip must be for the following tourism or business purposes permitted under the US Visa Waiver Program.

Tourism purposes permitted under the VWP

• Tourism 

• Vacation (holiday) 

• Visiting with friends or relatives 

• Medical treatment 

• Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organisations 

• Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating 

• Enrolment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation) 

Business purposes permitted under the VWP

• Consulting with business associates, 

• Attending a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference 

• Attending short-term training (you may not be paid by any source in the United States with the exception of expenses incidental to your stay) 

• Negotiating a contract 

Travel purposes not permitted under the VWP

Below are some examples of travel purposes which are not permitted under the US Visa Waiver Program. This means you cannot enter the US visa-free if you intend to: 

• Study, for credit toward a degree 

• Be employed in the US 

• Work as foreign press, radio, film, journalists, or other information media 

• Be a permanent resident in the US 

What happens if you travel to the US without a visa?

If you aren’t eligible for the Visa Waiver Program or arrive without the required ESTA authorisation, you may be refused entry into the US, and potentially detained while US Customs and Border Protection arrange your return to Australia. It's essential to ensure you have proper travel authorisation before departure.

Can I get a visa on arrival in the US?

The United States does not offer visa on arrival services for Australian citizens. You must either qualify for visa-free entry under the Visa Waiver Program with ESTA approval, or obtain the appropriate visa before travelling to the US.

What is the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) in the USA?

ESTA is an automated system operated by US Customs and Border Protection that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. It is mandatory for all VWP travellers arriving by air, land, or sea. Unless an ESTA is revoked, it is valid for two years from the date of authorisation, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. A valid ESTA allows multiple trips during the 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This means you don’t have to reapply for an ESTA for multiple trips within a 2 year period, provided your passport has not expired.

What is the difference between an ESTA and a visa?

It is important to note that ESTA is not a visa but a travel authorisation that screens eligible travellers before they board a carrier to the US. An approved ESTA does not substitute a visa where a United States visa is required by law. Australians who hold a valid visa will still be able to travel to the US on that visa for the purpose for which it was issued and will not be required to apply for an ESTA.

However, Australians travelling to the US visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program, are required to hold an approved ESTA. A key benefit of ESTA is that when entering the US for less than 90 days, you can complete the online form rather than having to go through the various steps associated with the US visitor visa.

What are the requirements for ESTA?

To apply for ESTA, Australians must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be a citizen or eligible national of a Visa Waiver Program country

• You must not hold a visitor’s visa when applying for ESTA

• Your travel to the US is for 90 days or less

• You plan to travel to the US for business or pleasure (tourism)

• You have a return or onward ticket

What do I need to apply for ESTA?

To apply for ESTA, Australians will need the following:

• Valid passport from a Visa Waiver Program country

• Your valid email address

• Your home address and phone number

• Your emergency contact’s phone number and email address

• Valid payment method (MasterCard, VISA, American Express, Discover or PayPal)

• Application fee of USD $21 (approximately AUD $33)

The following information May also be required if applicable:

• Your photo or selfie

• Your aliases or other names

• Your national ID or Personal ID number

• Your Global Entry/NEXUS/SENTRI ID number

• Your employer’s address and phone number

• Your US point of contact name, address and phone number

How do I apply for ESTA?

To apply for ESTA online, visit the official ESTA application website and begin a new individual or group application following the steps below:

1. Read and answer disclaimers

2. Enter the applicant’s passport and citizenship information

3. Enter the applicant’s personal information

4. Enter the applicant’s travel information

5. Answer eligibility questions

6. Review your ESTA application details for accuracy

7. Pay the ESTA fee (around AUD $33)

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.

As of January 2025, the first 1000 eligible Australians had access to Phase One of the Global Entry program. Phase One closed on 21 March 2025, and Australia has paused application processing. Phase Two of the Global Entry Program for Australia is now available to an uncapped number of Australian citizens with applicants no longer needing any prior travel to the US to apply for the program.

The AusCheck website states “if you submitted an application for the US Global Entry program before 15 December 2025 but have not received an outcome, AusCheck will contact you by email with guidance about how to progress your application”.

Eligibility requirements for US Global Entry

Australians must also 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

How do I apply for the US Global Entry Program?

Applications for Phase Two are now open allowing Australian citizens to apply for the US Global Entry program online through the CBPs Trusted Traveller Program. The online application process for Australians involves background checks by CBP and Australian governmental authorities.

Below is a step-by-step application process for the US Global Entry Program for Australian citizens. Please ensure you check your eligibility before applying, as outlined above and on the United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) Global Entry eligibility page, and confirm that you also meet Australia’s AusCheck background check requirements

Create a Trusted Traveller Programs (ttp) account

Visit the Trusted Traveller Programs website and create your own account (regardless of your age).

Submit a Global Entry application

Log in to your TTP account and complete the application and pay the application fee, which is USD $120, approximately AUD $187 (currency exchange rates are subject to change continuously).

Check your Global Entry program application status on the TTP dashboard. Your status may be pending risk assessment, conditionally approved, or denied.

Australian background check

Once the USCBP has processed your application, you will receive an email from AusCheck inviting you to apply for and consent to an Australian background check.

All Australian Global Entry applicants must consent to identity verification and AusCheck conducting a background check to assess whether applicants have any Australian criminal convictions or relevant Australian Defence Force (ADF) offences. This involves information shared by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and the Australian Defence Force where applicable. As a Global Entry applicant, you must have zero criminal convictions and zero relevant ADF service offences.

You must apply for the Australian background check through the AusCheck applicant portal or by contacting AusCheck for a manual application form. For more information on the identity documents you may need, visit the AusCheck webpage on how to apply for Global Entry.

Processing times for a background check may vary. Visit the AusCheck webpage on how long does a background check take to learn more about processing times.

The Department of Home Affairs charges a one-time fee per individual for AusCheck background checks as listed below:

• $263.50 AUD for 5 years membership (for applicants aged 10 years and over)

• $123.50 AUD for 5 years membership (for applicants aged 9 years and under)

After you apply

AusCheck will tell the USCBP whether you have passed or failed the Australian background check. All applicants must undergo additional checks and an in-person interview by the United States as the US is the sole approving authority for the Global Entry program.

Enrolment interview

If your application is conditionally approved, follow instructions to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrolment Centre in the US or use the Enrolment on Arrival (EoA) option which is available when entering the US from Australia. No appointment is required for the EoA process, and additional information can be found on the Enrolment on Arrival website.

To complete the interview, you must bring documents that show your current residence address and photo ID including:

• A valid passport. If you travel using more than one passport, please bring them all to the interview so that the information can be added to your file.

• Documents providing evidence of residency such as a driver’s license, mortgage statement, rental payment instalment or utility bill (this is not required for minors)

• A permanent resident card (if applicable)

Eligibility confirmation

After your interview, the CBP will send an email and/or notification to your TTP dashboard regarding your final eligibility determination. If approved, your Global Entry benefits will begin immediately.

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.

US Customs and Border Protection inspection

Before you can legally enter the USA, all foreign travellers arriving at a port-of-entry to the United States are subject to inspection by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. The US has a number of laws, regulations and policies that allow CBP officers to conduct an investigation to determine if you are eligible to enter the United States. The US Code of Federal Regulation on Inspection of Persons Applying for Admission (the regulation) outlines the procedures and rules that CBP officers must follow when inspecting individuals seeking entry into the United States.

When conducting an inspection to determine if you are eligible to enter the US, CBP officers may look at factors including but not limited to immigration status and violations, documentation including visas, health concerns, background checks, criminal history, fraud, social media accounts, contents within your electronic device and national security checks.

Searching your electronic devices at the US border

The CBP Directive on Border Search of Electronic Devices (CBP Directive No. 3340-049A) outlines how officers may inspect, search, and retain data from electronic devices including any device that may contain information in an electronic or digital form such as:

• Computers

• Tablets

• Disks

• Drives

• Tapes

• Mobile phones and other communication devices

• Cameras

• Music and other media players

This means CBP officers may look through the locally stored contents on your electronic devices including emails, texts, social media apps, photos, etc. CBP officers may ask for social media usernames or handles and may review publicly available social media content. CBP officers may conduct a basic search or an advanced search of your electronic devices.

Basic search

CBP officers may perform a basic search of your electronic device without suspicion, to help determine if you are admissible to enter the US. The basic search involves CBP officers examining your electronic device to review and analyse information and contents stored locally on your device such as emails, texts, social media apps, photos, etc. The CBP may be able to detain or seize your device if you refuse to unlock it.

Advanced search

To conduct an advanced search, CBP officers require reasonable suspicion of a law violation or a national security concern. An advanced search may involve the CBP officer connecting your device to external equipment through a wired or wireless connection, to review, copy and/or analyse the contents of the device.

It is important to note that if CBP officers request your social media passwords and you refuse to provide them, it may be deemed as a refusal to cooperate with the CBP and could affect your admissibility and entry into the United States. Despite having a valid visa or ESTA, Customs and Border Protection officers may ultimately decide if you are admissible to enter the US based on the inspection. Ultimately if you do not prove that you are admissible to enter the US to the satisfaction of the CBP officers, you may be refused entry into the United States.

As entry and visa requirements for the US may change over time, it is your responsibility to verify entry and visa requirements with the official government authorities including the US Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs, the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the US Embassy in Australia or your local US Consulate.

It is important to note that your travel insurance policy may not provide cover if you do not comply with US 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 to the US.

What are the USA visa requirements for Australian citizens?

Whether you're exploring the entertainment districts of Las Vegas, attending a business conference in New York, or studying in California, your visa requirements will depend on the purpose and length of your visit to the US.

Generally, most US visas will require the following documents to be submitted with the visa application so make sure to prepare them in advance:

Visa application form

Complete the relevant application form for your specific visa. For non-immigrant visas, you can go directly to the online non-immigrant application form DS-160.

Valid passport

Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your intended stay in the US. To take steps toward a smooth entry into the United States, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended period of stay in the US.

Passport photos

Provide recent photographs meeting US visa photo requirements.

Visa interview

While interviews are not always required, consular officers have the discretion to request an interview for a visa applicant. For example, those aged 13 and younger, or 80 and over are generally not required to sit for the interview, but a consular official may request it. Those in the age bracket between 14-79 must attend the interview.

During the interview you must prove that you meet the legal requirements to receive a visa.

The consular official will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa and may take biometric data including ink-free, digital fingerprint scans as part of the application process.

Purpose specific documents

Additional documents may be required to establish if you are qualified for the visa based on your visa type and purpose of travel (business letters, resume or curriculum vitae, work contracts, university acceptance, etc.).

Pay required visa fees

Generally non-petition based non-immigrant visas to the US cost about AUD $288, while petition-based visa categories such as temporary work visas cost about AUD $320.

Below is a breakdown of common US visa categories and their specific visa requirements for Australians travelling to the US.

USA visitor visa

The US B-1 and B-2 visitor visas are non-immigrant visas that allow Australians to travel to the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or tourism (B-2). These visas are for Australians who plan to stay in the US for longer than the 90-day visa-free period or who don't qualify for the Visa Waiver Program.

USA tourist visitor visa

The B-2 tourist visitor visa covers tourism, vacation, visiting friends and relatives, medical treatment, participation in social events, and amateur entertainment activities. This visa is for Australians who plan to stay in the US for longer than the 90-day visa-free period or who don't qualify for the Visa Waiver Program.

USA business visitor visa

The B-1 business visitor visa allows participation in business activities including consulting with business associates, attending a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference, settling an estate and negotiating a contract.

What are the requirements for a US visitor visa?

To apply for a US visitor visa, the visa application must include the documents outlined in the US visa requirements above, as well as any other specific requirements for your particular visitor visa including information and documents relating to:

• The purpose of your trip,

• Your intent to depart the United States after your trip, and/or

• Your ability to pay all costs of the trip, and

• Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.

For detailed requirements for specific visitor visas, visit the US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs website for more information.

US temporary work visas and their requirements

The US has multiple categories of temporary work visas for individuals travelling to the United States for work. If the employment is for a fixed period, the applicant can apply for a temporary employment visa. Most applicants for temporary worker visas must have an approved petition. This means your prospective employer in the US must file the petition on your behalf which will be reviewed by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

To apply for a temporary work visa, the visa application must include the documents outlined in the visa requirements above, as well as any other specific requirements for your particular visitor visa. For detailed requirements for specific temporary worker visas, visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs temporary workers visa page or the USCIS temporary (non-immigrant) workers visa page.

US student visa

The US offers 2 categories of student visas, allowing Australian students to pursue education at Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved institutions in the United States.

F visas

Education in university or college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory, or another academic institution, including a language training program.

M visas

Vocational or other recognised non-academic institution, other than a language training program.

For short periods of recreational study, a visitor (B) visa is appropriate as it allows enrolment in a short recreational course of study, which is not for credit toward a degree or academic certificate.

What are the requirements for a US study visa

Before you can apply for an exchange visitor visa, you will need acceptance into a SEVP approved school. Follow the steps below to apply for enrolment with a SEVP school:

1. Apply for Enrolment with a SEVP Approved School: Visit the Study in the States website to learn more about SEVP approved schools.

2. Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Registration: Once you are accepted into a qualifying SEVP school, you will automatically be registered in the SEVIS.

3. Pay the SEVIS Fee: Once you have been registered, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee if it is required by your Student Exchange Visitor Program.

Along with the us visa requirements outlined above, additional requirements for a student visa include:

• Acceptance at a SEVP-approved institution

• Certificate of eligibility from your SEVP approved school, Form I-20:

  • Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students, or

  • Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students

• Your academic preparation including:

  • Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended

  • Standardised test scores required by your US school

• Your intent to depart the United States upon completion of the course of study

• How you will pay all educational, living and travel costs

For detailed requirements for specific student visa categories, visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs student visa page.

Consider if you need travel insurance for a student trip to the US.

US exchange visitor visa

The J-1 Exchange Visitor visa allows Australians to participate in approved exchange categories including summer work travel, short term scholars, interns, specialists, teachers, trainees and more.

What are the requirements for a US exchange visitor visa

Before you can apply for an exchange visitor visa, you will need acceptance into an Exchange Visitor Program. Follow the steps below to apply for an Exchange Visitor Program.

1. Apply through Pre-Approved Organisation: Visit the J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program website to learn more about qualifying exchange programs, such as the Summer Work Travel Pilot Program for Australians.

2. Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Registration: Once you are accepted into a qualifying exchange program, you will automatically be registered in the SEVIS.

3. Pay the SEVIS Fee: Once you have been registered, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee if it is required by your Student Exchange Visitor Program.

To apply for a US exchange visitor visa, the visa application must include the documents outlined in the visa requirements above, as well as any other specific requirements including but not limited to:

• Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, Form DS-2019. Once you are registered with the SEVIS database, you will receive the DS-2019 form

• Training/Internship Placement Plan, Form DS-7002 for visa applicants participating in Trainee and Intern categories

For detailed requirements for specific exchange visitor categories, visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs exchange visitor visa page.

Consider if you need travel insurance for a working holiday in the US.

Do I need to apply for a visa to the US?

Australian travellers planning to stay in the US for 90 days or less for tourism or business can enter visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program with ESTA authorisation. However, if your visit involves temporary work, study, or stays longer than 90 days, you will need to complete a visa application through the US Embassy, local US Consulate, or online. Ensure you allow enough processing time and have all required documents ready to avoid delays.

How to apply for a US visa from Australia

Follow the steps below to apply for a visa to the US from Australia.

1. Identify the visa type

Determine which visa category matches your travel purpose using the US Department of State Visa Wizard.

2. Gather supporting documents

Collect all required documents based on your visa type, including completed forms, passport, photos, financial documents, and purpose-specific paperwork as outlined in the directory of visa categories.

3. Visa application methods

In person application

Schedule an interview at the US Embassy in Canberra or US Consulates in Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth. Standard processing time is ten business days from receipt of all required documentation.

Online application

Complete the DS-160 form online, pay visa fees, and schedule your in person interview. Some visa renewal candidates may qualify for interview waivers.

4. Pay the visa fee

Generally non-petition based non-immigrant visas to the US incur a fee of USD $185, or about AUD $288, while petition-based visa categories such as temporary work visas incur a visa fee of USD $205, or about AUD $320. Fees may vary by visa type and additional services such as expedited processing may incur extra charges.

5. Wait for processing

Generally, US visa processing times range from 3-6 weeks in Australia. However, processing times may vary depending on factors like the specific visa type, scheduling and completing your visa interview and additional administration.

How long can I stay in the US with a visa?

The length of time Australians can stay in the US depends on the visa type and the purpose of the visit. If you arrive in the US under the Visa Waiver Program, you cannot extend your stay beyond 90 days and must depart on or before the date on your admission stamp.

Below is a breakdown of different visa options in the US, their period of validity, and extensions.

Extending your visa for the US

If you enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, you cannot extend your stay beyond the initial 90-day period. For other visa types, extensions may be possible if you file the appropriate application with USCIS before your authorised stay expires.

To apply for an extension of your US visa, you will need to complete Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change non-immigrant Status) and have the following documents and information on hand:

• Filing fee payment

• Evidence supporting your extension request

• Proof of maintained status

• Valid passport

What happens if I overstay my visa in the USA?

Overstaying your authorised period in the US can result in serious consequences administered by US Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security including:

• Being held at a federal detention centre while authorities arrange your return to Australia

• Barred from re-entering the US for 3-10 years depending on overstay length

• Future visa applications may be denied

• Removal proceedings and deportation

• Loss of eligibility for Visa Waiver Program

How much does a US visa cost?

Below is a general breakdown of US visa costs for Australians. Additional fees may apply for expedited processing, premium services, or other consular services. Always check current fee schedules on the US Embassy website as fees may change.

Travel insurance for your trip to the US

When planning your trip to the United States, it's important to consider travel insurance to help protect against some of the unexpected situations, such as medical emergencies. Depending on the policy chosen, it can also provide some protection for many other unexpected situations such as lost luggage, trip cancellation and many activities you might be planning on participating in on your trip. With Fast Cover, you can customise your travel insurance policy to suit your travel plans to the US.

It is important to note that your travel insurance policy may not provide cover if you do not comply with US 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 to the US.

Eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits apply. Consider the PDS prior to deciding on which policy is right for you and your needs.