A valid passport or similar acceptable travel document is required for all people wishing to travel to and enter Australia. Everyone, except holders of Australian and New Zealand passports, requires a visa to enter Australia. New Zealand passport holders apply for a visa upon arrival in Australia. All other passport holders must hold a visa before traveling to Australia.

Tourist visas are normally valid for 12 months, during which time one may make any number of visits for up to 3 months stay at a time. It is possible to obtain tourist visas which allow to stay for more than 3 months at a time, or which are valid for travel longer than 12 months. A fee is charged for tourist visas.

Business visas are for people wishing to undertake business in Australia for short periods. The length of stay in Australia, number of journeys permitted and period of validity of the visa should be discussed with an Australian visa office.

Temporary residence visas are for those who intend to come to Australia temporarily to undertake specific activities. People involved in a range of activities such as employment, study, amateur and professional sporting, entertainment or cultural activities can use this type of visa.

Those seeking temporary residence may need to be sponsored by an Australian organization or prospective employer in Australia.

Customs

The entry of drugs, steroids, weapons, firearms, protected wildlife and associated products are prohibited. All animals, animal products, foodstuffs, plants and plant products are subject to quarantine control, and must be declared on arrival. The penalties for breaking these laws are severe. If you are uncertain about anything in your baggage, declare it and bring it to the attention of a customs officer.

There is no limit on the amount of Australian and/or foreign cash that may be brought into or taken out of Australia. However, amounts of more than $A10,000, or equivalent in foreign currency, must be reported on arrival and departure.

Every traveler over 18 years of age may bring into Australia 1125ml of alcoholic liquor and 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco products duty/tax free.