United States entry requirements for Australian citizens

The UK government is introducing a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for non-visa travellers starting in 2025. This system, similar to the US ESTA, will require most visitors to obtain an ETA or eVisa before travelling to the UK. The ETA is a digital permit linked to the traveller's passport, costing £10, and allows multiple entries into the UK for up to six months at a time over a two-year period.

ETA rollout schedule:

• From January 8, 2025: All non-European nationals will need an ETA.
• From April 2, 2025: European citizens will also require an ETA.
• Applications: Open for non-European nationals on November 27, 2023, and for European citizens on March 5, 2025.

Who needs an ETA?

It will cover all non-European and European nationals (except British and Irish citizens).

Exemptions:

British and Irish passport holders, those with British Overseas Territories passports, existing visa holders, and individuals with permission to live, work, or study in the UK do not need to apply for an ETA.

Restrictions:

While the ETA permits stays for tourism, business, short-term studies, or visiting friends and family for up to six months, it does not allow activities like getting married, claiming benefits, residing in the country through frequent visits, or self-employed work.

• CDC form for travelling with dogs

  Travellers bringing dogs into the United States from countries or regions deemed rabies-free or low-risk are required to complete a CDC Dog Import Form. The countries and regions deemed rabies-free or low-risk are: - Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Montenegro, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City The form is valid for 6 months from the date of issue and can be used for multiple entries into the United States as long as the dog has not been in a high-risk country in the last 6 months. Travellers can complete the form on the day of travel. The form can be printed or displayed on a phone screen to United States customs officials or airlines. Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival, be at least 6 months old at the time of entry or return to the United States, and must have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner.
  Complete online
  Different requirements apply to dogs that have been in high-risk countries or regions in the last 6 months.

• Electronic Travel Authorization (ESTA)

  Travellers need a travel authorization to visit United States of America for Business or Tourism. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an online application that determines the eligibility of visitors to enter United States. Once the application is approved, travellers receive their ESTA confirmation electronically. A valid ESTA is required to visit the country. If the ESTA is expired or doesn’t match the traveller’s passport information, travellers will not be able to board their flight. An ESTA is electronically linked to a passport and valid for 2 years. If travellers receive a new passport, they must apply for a new ESTA. United States permanent residents or holders of valid United States visas don’t need an ESTA.
  Apply for ESTA
  Travellers who visited Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, are no longer eligible for an ESTA and must apply for a visitor visa to enter the United States. Travellers who visited Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia and Yemen on or after March 1, 2011, are no longer eligible for an ESTA and must apply for a visitor visa to enter the United States. Different requirements may apply to travellers who have visited these countries for diplomatic or military purposes. For further details on exceptions, please review the government website.

• Travellers require a passport valid for the duration of stay in United States

  Travellers need a valid passport to enter United States. The traveller's passport must remain valid throughout the traveller's stay in United States. The passport must have at least 1 blank page.