Check Visa Requirements Instantly
VoyagerCheck helps Australian travelers check visa requirements for any destination worldwide. Our database covers over 200 countries and territories with up-to-date information on visa-free entry, visa on arrival options, electronic visas (eVisa), tourist visa application details, passport validity requirements, and transit visa rules.
Whether you're planning a quick holiday to Bali, a European adventure, or a business trip to the USA, VoyagerCheck provides the accurate visa information you need to travel confidently.
Thailand Visa Guide for Australian Citizens
Good News: Visa-Free Entry for 60 Days!
Australian passport holders can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days for tourism purposes. This was extended from 30 days in 2024, making Thailand even more accessible for Australian travelers.
Thailand Entry Requirements for Australians
- Valid Australian Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Thailand
- Proof of Onward Travel: Confirmed flight or ticket showing you'll leave Thailand within 60 days
- Proof of Accommodation: Hotel booking or address where you'll be staying
- Sufficient Funds: Officially 20,000 THB (~$900 AUD) per person or 40,000 THB per family
Thailand Visa Options
- Visa Exemption (Most Popular): 60 days free, extendable by 30 days at immigration office (1,900 THB)
- Tourist Visa (TR): Single entry 60 days or multiple entry valid for 6 months, costs $50-80 AUD
- Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): New long-stay visa for digital nomads, 180 days extendable to 5 years, costs 10,000 THB (~$450 AUD)
- Non-Immigrant Visa: For business, employment, education, or retirement - 90 days extendable to 1 year
Extending Your Stay in Thailand
You can extend your visa-free stay by 30 days at any Thai Immigration Office, giving you a total of 90 days in Thailand. You'll need your passport with at least 6 months validity, TM.7 application form, one passport-sized photo (4x6cm), 1,900 THB fee (cash only), and copies of your passport photo page and current visa stamp.
Important: Overstaying is taken seriously in Thailand. Fines are 500 THB per day (maximum 20,000 THB). Longer overstays can result in detention, deportation, and entry bans of 1-10 years.
Read our complete Thailand Visa Guide →
Japan Visa Guide for Australian Citizens
Great News: Visa-Free Entry for 90 Days!
Australian passport holders can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, business meetings, visiting friends and family, or attending conferences. Japan is one of the most accessible destinations for Australians.
Japan Entry Requirements for Australians
- Valid Australian Passport: Must be valid for the duration of your stay. Japan doesn't require 6-month validity, but airlines might.
- Return or Onward Ticket: Immigration may ask for proof of departure from Japan within 90 days
- Visit Japan Web Registration: Complete online before arrival for faster immigration processing. Includes customs and quarantine declarations.
- Sufficient Funds: No official amount required, but be prepared to show you can support yourself during your stay if asked
Japan Visa Options
- Visa Exemption (Tourism): 90 days free, cannot be extended without leaving Japan
- Working Holiday Visa: Ages 18-30, 12 months, unlimited quota for Australians, can work any job except adult entertainment
- Student Visa: 3 months to 4 years depending on course, part-time work up to 28 hours/week with permission
- Work Visa: Various categories for employment, requires job offer and Certificate of Eligibility
Japan Rail Pass Information
The JR Pass offers unlimited travel on JR trains including most Shinkansen (bullet trains). 2025 prices: 7 days ¥50,000 (~$520 AUD), 14 days ¥80,000 (~$830 AUD), 21 days ¥100,000 (~$1,040 AUD). Worth it if taking more than 2-3 long-distance trips - Tokyo-Osaka round trip alone costs ¥29,000.
Essential Tips: Japan is still largely cash-based - withdraw yen from 7-Eleven ATMs. Get a Suica/Pasmo IC card for trains and convenience stores. Japanese trains are famously punctual - if your train says 10:23, it leaves at exactly 10:23:00.
Read our complete Japan Visa Guide →
Indonesia & Bali Visa Guide for Australian Citizens
Indonesia offers several entry options depending on how long you want to stay. For stays up to 30 days, Australians can enter visa-free at major airports. For longer stays (up to 60 days), you'll need a Visa on Arrival which can be extended.
Indonesia Visa Options Comparison
- Visa-Free: 30 days, free, cannot be extended - perfect for short holidays
- Visa on Arrival (VOA): 30 days, ~$50 AUD (500,000 IDR), extendable by 30 days for total of 60 days
- e-VOA (Electronic Visa on Arrival): Same as VOA but apply online before travel to skip airport queues
- B211A Social/Business Visa: 60 days, ~$150-300 AUD, extendable up to 180 days total - popular for digital nomads
- Second Home Visa: 5-10 years, ~$200-500 AUD, renewable - for long-term stays
Important: Choose at Arrival
At immigration, you'll see two lines: "Visa Free" and "Visa on Arrival". If there's any chance you'll want to stay longer than 30 days, join the VOA queue and pay the fee. You cannot convert visa-free to VOA later.
Extending Your Indonesia VOA
Apply at least 7 days before your current visa expires at a local immigration office (Kantor Imigrasi). Bring your passport, passport photos, extension fee (~500,000 IDR), and copies of your passport. Processing takes 5-7 working days. Many travelers use visa agents who charge 500,000-800,000 IDR including all fees and handle everything.
Read our complete Indonesia & Bali Visa Guide →
Europe Visa Guide for Australian Citizens (Schengen Area)
The Schengen Area is a zone of 30 European countries that have abolished passport control at their common borders. Australian travelers can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. From 2026, ETIAS authorization (€7) is required before traveling.
Key Takeaways for Europe Travel
- No visa required for tourist visits to Schengen countries (up to 90 days)
- ETIAS authorization required from 2026 - €7 (~$12 AUD), valid for 3 years, unlimited entries
- UK requires separate ETA - £10 (~$20 AUD), valid 2 years, stay up to 6 months per visit
- Ireland: No visa or ETA needed - just show up! Stay up to 90 days
- 90/180 Rule: Maximum 90 days in any 180-day rolling period for entire Schengen Area
Schengen Countries (30 Total)
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, 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
Understanding the 90/180 Day Rule
This is the rule that confuses most travelers: you can stay a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day rolling period in the Schengen Area. It's not "90 days then reset" - it's a continuous calculation. Look back 180 days from today, count all days spent in Schengen during that period, and subtract from 90 to see remaining days.
Read our complete Europe Visa Guide →
USA Visa Guide for Australian Citizens (ESTA)
No visa is required for tourist or business visits to the USA up to 90 days. However, you MUST apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling. Without ESTA approval, you cannot board a US-bound flight.
ESTA Quick Facts
- Cost: $21 USD (~$32 AUD)
- Validity: 2 years or until passport expires
- Maximum stay: 90 days per visit (cannot be extended)
- Processing time: Most approvals within minutes, up to 72 hours
- Apply at least: 72 hours before departure
ESTA Eligibility - What's Allowed
- Tourism and sightseeing
- Business meetings and conferences
- Visiting friends and family
- Short courses (no degree credit)
- Medical treatment
- Transit through the US
What Requires a Visa Instead of ESTA
- Any paid employment
- Study for academic credit
- Journalism or media work
- Stays over 90 days
- Previous visa denial or overstay
Warning: Apply only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov - the official US Customs and Border Protection website. Third-party sites charge excessive fees (sometimes $100+) for the same $21 application.
Read our complete USA ESTA Guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do Australians need a visa for Thailand?
- No, Australian passport holders can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days for tourism. Extensions of 30 days are available at immigration offices for 1,900 THB.
- How many countries can Australians visit visa-free?
- Australian passport holders can visit over 180 countries either visa-free or with visa-on-arrival, making it one of the world's most powerful passports, typically ranked in the top 10 globally.
- What is the 6-month passport rule?
- Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. This includes Thailand, Indonesia, and most Asian countries. However, some countries like the UK, EU Schengen area, and Japan only require validity for your stay duration.
- Do I need a visa for Bali from Australia?
- For stays up to 30 days, Australians can enter Indonesia/Bali visa-free. For stays up to 60 days, you need a Visa on Arrival (VOA) costing approximately $50 AUD, which can be extended once for an additional 30 days.
- What is ETIAS and do Australians need it for Europe?
- ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a new requirement starting in 2026 for visa-free visitors to the Schengen Area. Australians will need to apply online (€7, valid 3 years) before traveling to Europe.
- Do I need ESTA for USA?
- Yes, all Australian citizens must have an approved ESTA before boarding any US-bound flight or cruise. Apply at the official website esta.cbp.dhs.gov for $21 USD. Most approvals are instant.
Regional Travel Guides for Australians
Africa is a continent of 54 countries with staggering diversity. Most African countries require visas for Australians — South Africa, Morocco, Botswana, and Mauritius are visa-free (90 days). Tanzania and Kenya offer visa on arrival. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for many destinations. Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is essential. Safari costs range from $200-1,500 AUD per day depending on the experience. The KAZA UniVisa covers Zimbabwe and Zambia for US$50.
ETIAS (€7) is now required for visa-free Schengen entry in 2026. UK ETA (£10) is mandatory for all UK visits. The 90/180-day Schengen rule limits stays to 90 days in any 180-day period across all 27 Schengen countries. Non-Schengen countries (UK, Ireland, Balkans) don't count toward your 90 days — strategically use these to extend your Europe trip beyond 3 months. Budget ranges from $40-60/day in the Balkans to $150-200/day in Scandinavia. Eurail Global Pass covers 33 countries from approximately €400.
Southeast Asia offers the best visa-free access for Australians — Thailand (60 days), Vietnam (45 days), Malaysia (90 days), Singapore (90 days), and Cambodia (30 days visa on arrival). Japan offers 90 days visa-free, South Korea has K-ETA plus 90-day visa-free entry. India requires an eVisa ($25-80 USD). Asia is the most affordable region with daily budgets from $30-50 AUD in Southeast Asia to $100-150 in Japan. Health precautions vary by country — antimalarials for rural areas, dengue awareness throughout.
ESTA ($21 USD) is mandatory for all Australians visiting the USA — apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov only. Maximum stay is 90 days per visit, cannot be extended. US border enforcement has intensified in 2026 — bring proof of return flights, accommodation, and sufficient funds. Tipping culture is essential: 18-22% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars. Healthcare is extremely expensive — travel insurance is non-negotiable. Daily budget ranges from $100-150 in smaller cities to $250-400 in NYC or San Francisco. Driving is often essential outside major cities.
Most South American countries offer visa-free entry for Australians — Argentina (90 days), Brazil (90 days, eVisa no longer needed), Chile (90 days), Colombia (90 days), Peru (183 days). Venezuela requires a visa and is not recommended per DFAT advisory. Getting there takes 16-24+ hours. Spanish is essential outside tourist hubs. Altitude sickness affects many visitors in Peru (Cusco at 3,400m), Bolivia (La Paz at 3,640m) — acclimatise gradually. Daily budgets range from $40-80 in Bolivia to $100-180 in Argentina and Chile.
Real Travel Stories & Cautionary Tales
Sarah was stopped at Melbourne Airport for a missing Chinese transit visa on a flight connecting through Shanghai. She had to reroute through Singapore at significant extra cost. Many Australians don't realise that even transit stops may require visas — China, the USA, Canada, and the UK all have specific transit visa rules. Always check transit requirements before booking connecting flights, especially through hubs in mainland China, the US, and South America.
An Australian couple was denied boarding to Bali because their passport had only 5 months validity — one month short of Indonesia's requirement. Emergency passport processing cost $600+ and took 2 days, missing their pre-paid resort. Most Asian countries (Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia) require 6 months validity from entry date. European Schengen countries require 3 months past departure date. The UK and Japan only require validity for your stay duration.
A Brisbane backpacker overstayed his Thai visa by 12 days, facing a 6,000 THB fine at immigration. Thailand charges 500 THB per day for overstays (max 20,000 THB). Overstays exceeding 90 days can result in 1-5 year entry bans; over 1 year triggers a 10-year ban. The immigration officer at Don Mueang stamped "OVERSTAY" in his passport, which could affect future visa applications worldwide. Always track your visa expiry and extend before it lapses.
A freelance designer was detained for 6 hours at LAX after CBP officers found work-related emails on her laptop while entering on ESTA. US border agents can search electronic devices without a warrant. Working remotely for Australian clients while in the US on ESTA/VWP is a grey area — the US considers any "productive activity" as potential work. She was eventually released but warned. Travellers should be prepared for secondary inspection questions about employment, income sources, and return plans.
An Adelaide teacher paid $340 instead of $75 for two Vietnam eVisas through a fake government-lookalike website. Scam sites rank highly on Google, use official-looking branding, and charge 3-5x the actual fee. The official Vietnam eVisa portal is evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn — cost is US$25 for a single-entry 30-day eVisa. Always verify URLs against official embassy websites or Smartraveller before submitting passport details and payment online.
Visa Policy Guides & Country-Specific Information
DFAT's Smartraveller uses 4 advisory levels: Exercise Normal Safety Precautions, Exercise a High Degree of Caution, Reconsider Your Need to Travel, and Do Not Travel. These directly affect travel insurance coverage — most policies won't cover you in "Do Not Travel" zones, and coverage may be limited in "Reconsider" areas. Registering with Smartraveller is free and lets DFAT contact you during overseas emergencies, natural disasters, or civil unrest.
Australians now get 45 days visa-free in Vietnam (extended from 15 days in 2023). For longer stays, the eVisa costs US$25 for 30 days single entry or US$50 for 90 days multiple entry. Apply at the official portal evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Processing takes 3-5 business days. Vietnam is one of Asia's best-value destinations — daily budgets of $40-70 AUD are realistic outside major cities. Street food costs $1-3 AUD per meal. Motorbike rental is common but international driving permits are technically required.
Australians can visit South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism. K-ETA (Korean Electronic Travel Authorization) costs 10,000 KRW (~$12 AUD) and is valid for 2 years. Jeju Island has special visa-free entry for 30 days without K-ETA. Australia has a Working Holiday Visa agreement with South Korea for ages 18-30 (1,800 spots annually). Seoul is a major transit hub — Incheon Airport offers visa-free transit for up to 72 hours for connecting passengers.
Medicare provides zero coverage overseas — not even in New Zealand (despite the Trans-Tasman relationship). Comprehensive travel insurance should cover medical expenses ($10M+ for USA/Europe), emergency evacuation ($500K+), trip cancellation, lost luggage, and personal liability. Pre-existing conditions must be declared. DFAT advisories affect coverage — "Reconsider" and "Do Not Travel" zones typically void policies. Average cost is $150-400 AUD for 2-4 weeks in Asia, $250-600 for Europe/Americas.
Over 40 countries offer Working Holiday Visas (WHVs) to Australians, including the UK (2 years, ages 18-30), Canada (up to 2 years, ages 18-35), Japan (1 year, ages 18-30), South Korea (1 year, ages 18-30), and all 27 EU Schengen countries through various bilateral agreements. Most WHVs cost $200-500 AUD. The UK's YMS visa is uncapped for Australians. Canada's IEC has limited spots and operates a lottery system. WHVs typically allow full-time work with some restrictions on employer duration.
India offers three eVisa types for Australians: 30-day tourist eVisa (US$25), 1-year multiple entry (US$40), and 5-year multiple entry (US$80). Apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in — processing takes 3-5 business days. Photo requirements are strict (51mm x 51mm, white background, no glasses). Common rejection reasons include incorrect photo format and mismatched passport details. India's Golden Triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur) is the most popular route. Daily budgets range from $30-50 AUD for backpackers to $100-200+ for mid-range.
Australians get 90 days visa-free in the UAE — no pre-approval needed. Dubai is a major transit hub with free 48-hour transit visas for connecting passengers. Critical local laws: zero tolerance for drugs (including residual amounts), strict social media laws (criticising the UAE online is a criminal offence), alcohol only in licensed venues, and dress codes at public buildings. Ramadan brings specific restrictions. Dubai daily budgets range from $120 AUD (budget) to $500+ (luxury). Summer temperatures exceed 45°C.
The easiest international trip for Australians — no visa, no NZeTA, no time limit on stays. Under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, Australians can live and work in New Zealand indefinitely using just their Australian passport. No application needed. Strict biosecurity laws at the border — declare all food, plant material, and outdoor equipment. Fines up to NZ$400 for undeclared items. Two islands, diverse landscapes from beaches to glaciers. Daily budgets $80-150 AUD.
Australians get 30 days visa-free in the Philippines. Extensions are available up to 36 months through successive renewals at Bureau of Immigration offices. eTravel registration is mandatory before arrival — complete at etravel.gov.ph. DFAT has specific warnings for Mindanao (Reconsider Your Need to Travel) and the Sulu Archipelago (Do Not Travel). The Philippines offers world-class diving (Tubbataha, Apo Reef), pristine beaches (Palawan, Siargao), and extremely affordable travel — daily budgets of $30-60 AUD are realistic.
Cruise passengers face unique visa challenges — each port stop may have different requirements. South Pacific cruises (Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia) are generally visa-free. Asian cruises may require visas for China (group shore excursion exemptions apply), Vietnam, and India. Mediterranean cruises within Schengen are covered by a single Schengen entry. Caribbean cruises stopping in the US require ESTA. Your cruise line should advise on requirements, but always verify independently — being denied disembarkation means staying on the ship.
Thailand's Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is designed for remote workers, digital nomads, and those attending events or training. Valid for 180 days, extendable to 5 years through renewals. Cost: 10,000 THB (~$450 AUD). Eligibility requires proof of remote work (employment contract, freelance income), sufficient funds (500,000 THB in bank), and health insurance. Unlike tourist visas, DTV explicitly allows working remotely for foreign employers. Apply at Thai embassies/consulates or online via the Thai eVisa portal.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is now required for visa-free visitors to the Schengen Area. Cost: €7 (~$12 AUD), valid 3 years or until passport expires. Apply online before travel — most approvals within minutes, some may take up to 96 hours. ETIAS covers all 30 Schengen member states. It does NOT replace the 90/180-day stay limit. Does NOT cover the UK (which has its own ETA) or Ireland (which requires nothing). Apply at the official ETIAS portal only — avoid third-party sites charging inflated fees.
The most confusing travel rule in the world: you can spend maximum 90 days in the Schengen Area within any rolling 180-day period. It's NOT "90 days then wait 90 days." The calculation works backwards from any given day — look back 180 days and count all Schengen days in that window. Days in the UK, Ireland, Croatia (now Schengen), and non-Schengen Balkans do NOT count. Use the official EU Short Stay Calculator at ec.europa.eu. Overstaying can result in fines of €200-1,000+, deportation, and future entry bans across all Schengen states.
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) costs £10 (~$20 AUD), is valid for 2 years, and allows stays up to 6 months per visit for tourism. Required for ALL visits including transit through UK airports. Apply via the UK ETA app (iOS/Android). Processing typically takes 3 working days but can take up to 3 weeks. The UK is NOT part of the Schengen Area — UK days don't count toward your 90/180 Schengen allowance. Separate from ETIAS. Also covers the Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man).
Not all countries require 6 months passport validity. The 6-month rule applies to most of Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, China), Africa, and South America. The 3-month rule applies to Schengen Europe (3 months past departure date). Some countries only require validity for duration of stay: UK, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and most of the Pacific Islands. Airlines enforce passport validity at check-in based on destination requirements — you'll be denied boarding if non-compliant. Always check at least 9 months before your passport expires.
Transit visa requirements catch many Australians off guard. China requires a transit visa unless you qualify for 24/72/144-hour visa-free transit (must have confirmed onward ticket to a third country). The USA requires ESTA even for transit — there's no airside transit, you must clear immigration. The UK now requires ETA for transit. Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong, and most Middle Eastern hubs offer visa-free transit. Always check transit requirements when booking connecting flights, especially through mainland China, the USA, Canada, and Russia.
Country Visa Guides
VoyagerCheck offers comprehensive visa guides for the most popular Australian travel destinations:
- Thailand Visa Guide — 60 days visa-free, DTV digital nomad visa, extension process
- Japan Visa Guide — 90 days visa-free, JR Pass, Visit Japan Web registration
- Indonesia & Bali Visa Guide — 30 days visa-free, VOA, e-VOA, B211A social visa
- Europe Schengen Visa Guide — ETIAS, 90/180 rule, 30 Schengen countries covered
- USA ESTA & Visa Guide — Visa Waiver Program, ESTA application, border procedures
About VoyagerCheck
VoyagerCheck is a visa information resource founded by Josh P, an aviation professional with over 30 years of travel experience and a passion for helping Australians travel smarter.
We provide accurate, up-to-date visa requirements sourced from official government and embassy websites. Our mission is to help Australian travelers plan their trips with confidence by providing clear, reliable visa information for over 200 destinations worldwide.
Our database is updated regularly to reflect the latest visa policy changes, ensuring you always have access to current information. Whether you're a first-time traveler or a seasoned globetrotter, VoyagerCheck is here to simplify your travel planning.
VoyagerCheck also operates VoyagerPlan, a platform for travel agents offering itinerary planning tools and visa data integrations.
Learn more about VoyagerCheck | Meet our team | Contact us | Travel Blog | Visa Guides