No, most Australians don't need a traditional visa for short trips (under 90 days) to the USA for tourism or business; they need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) online through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). However, if you plan to work, study, or stay longer than 90 days, or if you're ineligible for ESTA, you must apply for a proper US visa at a consulate.
For Australians, the cost of a U.S. visa varies, but a standard B1/B2 tourist visa (or F/M student, C transiting, D crew) is typically $185 USD (around AUD$280-300+ depending on exchange) for the application fee, plus potentially a new, separate $250 USD Visa Integrity Fee (around AUD$375+) for many categories starting late 2025, while an ESTA (for visa-free visits) costs around $40 USD (AUD$60+). Costs differ for work visas (like E-3 or H-1B), with some petition-based visas like H/L/O/P/Q/R now $205 USD, and E (Treaty Trader/Investor) at $315 USD.
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.
Unless you are an Australian citizen, you will need a valid Australian visa to enter the country. New Zealand passport holders can apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. All other passport holders, regardless of age, must apply for a visa before leaving home.
For Australian citizens, the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) cost is US$40 (approximately AU$60-61), a fee that increased from US$21 in late September 2025, covering the visa waiver program for short tourist or business trips to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). You pay this fee online directly through the official ESTA website, and it's valid for two years or until your passport expires, allowing multiple entries.
For Australian citizens, an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for the U.S. is usually approved within minutes to hours, but can take up to 72 hours, so applying at least 72 hours before travel is crucial, with many receiving instant approval or decisions within 24 hours. The application itself takes about 20 minutes, and you'll need your passport and payment, with the approval electronically linked to your passport.
If you're visiting for less than 90 days, you may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If not, you'll need to get a visa before you travel.
and may be subject to conditions. Visa label - no longer issued. All visas are now issued electronically. Since 1994, Australia has maintained a universal visa regime, meaning that every non-citizen in Australia must have a visa, either as a result of an application, or one granted automatically by law.
Cost. There is a service charge of AUD20 to use the Australian ETA app. There is no other charge payable for an ETA.
No, US does not offer visa-on-arrival for Indian citizens. They need to obtain a visa before travelling to the US, regardless of the purpose of their visit.
For the average Australian with a standard Australian passport, you can't just up and move to the USA. You are going to need to apply for a visa. The visa you apply for will depend on what you are going to be doing in the USA.
You can apply for an ESTA anytime before traveling, but it's highly recommended to apply as soon as you plan your trip, ideally at least 72 hours before departure, as approvals can take time and you need it before boarding. Applying early avoids last-minute stress and allows time to get a visa if your ESTA is denied, which is a longer process.
In the USA, the average monthly living expenses for a single person are $3,189, and for a family of four is $7,095. The overall cost of living in USA is about 7.4% higher than that in Australia. You can also save money by renting a less expensive apartment near your workplace or school.
All foreign travellers, except New Zealand citizens, must obtain a visa or travel authority before travelling to Australia. If you have a specific question, please contact the Department of Home Affairs.
If you are not eligible for an ESTA , you must instead apply for a US visa. Travelling on an ESTA when ineligible can lead to detention and deportation by the US authorities.
Yes, many foreign travelers now have to pay an additional $250 Visa Integrity Fee when applying for a non-immigrant visa (like for tourism, study, or work), on top of existing fees, starting October 1, 2025, but this fee might be refundable if you comply with visa rules and leave the U.S. on time, though refund specifics are unclear. This fee doesn't apply to those from Visa Waiver Program countries (like Australia, UK, most of Europe, Japan) who use ESTA, nor to most Canadians, but it hits many others from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
America hikes the price of an ESTA
Tourists heading to the US will now need to pay US$40 (about AU$60) to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization, most commonly known as the ESTA, which allows tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa.
Being an Australian citizen entitles you to the right to:
After you apply
You'll get a decision by email from UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ), usually within a day. The email will contain your 16 digit ETA reference number. Contact UKVI if you haven't had a decision after 3 working days. You may get decisions at different times to other people you applied for.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries* to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.
To apply for an ESTA from Australia, you must use the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website at esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ to complete the online form, provide passport details, answer eligibility questions, and pay the $21 fee, ensuring you have an e-passport and apply at least 72 hours before your trip for authorization under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
The Australian Government has set the permanent migration intake at 185,000 places for this year, with adjustments across different visa categories:
For Australian citizens, an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for the U.S. is usually approved within minutes to hours, but can take up to 72 hours, so applying at least 72 hours before travel is crucial, with many receiving instant approval or decisions within 24 hours. The application itself takes about 20 minutes, and you'll need your passport and payment, with the approval electronically linked to your passport.
Travelers seeking to enter the United States for business or tourism, including certain types of transit (B-1/B-2 visa), for less than 90 days may be eligible to travel to the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), if they meet specific requirements.
Flight times from Australia to the USA vary significantly, ranging from about 13.5 hours to Los Angeles (SYD-LAX) to over 20 hours to New York (SYD-JFK), depending on the specific cities, direct vs. connecting flights, and winds, with direct flights taking 14-16 hours generally and connecting flights adding several hours. For example, a direct Sydney to LA flight is roughly 14 hours, while Sydney to New York can be 20+ hours, often with a stop in Auckland.