Australian Passport Power: Visa-Free Destinations

Australian passport holders can travel to a large number of countries without needing to secure a visa beforehand. As of 2024, Australians can enter 189 countries and territories either without a visa, with a visa on arrival, or with an electronic travel authority (eTA). This includes 50 European destinations, such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, as well as a dozen places in Oceania, like New Zealand and Fiji, and 14 in Asia, including Hong Kong and the Philippines. Australians can also travel visa-free to more than 20 destinations in the Americas and the Caribbean, such as Argentina and Mexico, and 17 in Africa, including Botswana and Morocco.

Visa-free countries in Europe

Australian passport holders can travel to many countries in Europe without a visa. Here is a list of European countries that offer visa-free entry to Australian citizens:

• Germany
• France
• Ireland
• The Netherlands
• Sweden
• United Kingdom
• Austria
• Belgium
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Monaco
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• San Marino
• Serbia
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Ukraine
• Vatican City

In addition, some European countries offer visa-free entry to Australian citizens who meet specific conditions. For example, Australian citizens can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. This area includes popular tourist destinations such as France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

Furthermore, Australian citizens can also visit certain European countries without a visa if they have an APEC Business Travel Card or qualify for a working holiday visa. These countries include:

• Estonia
• Germany
• Hungary
• Latvia
• Netherlands
• Norway
• United Kingdom

It is important to note that visa requirements can change, so it is always recommended to check the latest information from official sources before planning your trip.

Visa-free countries in Asia

As of 2024, Australian citizens can travel to numerous countries in Asia without a visa or with a visa on arrival. Here is a list of some of these countries:

• Japan: Australians can enter Japan without a visa for short-term stays. A short-term stay is usually defined as a stay of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or visiting friends and relatives. It is important to note that this does not include employment or other activities that provide remuneration.
• Singapore: Singapore is part of the Visa Waiver Program, which allows Australian passport holders to enter the country without a visa for a stay of up to 90 days.
• Brunei: Australians can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival in Brunei.
• Malaysia: Australians can enter Malaysia without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. However, separate immigration rules apply to the states of Sabah and Sarawak, so a passport is required to travel between these states and the rest of Malaysia.
• Philippines: Australian citizens can enter the Philippines without a visa and stay for up to 30 days.
• Indonesia: Australians can enter Indonesia visa-free for a stay of up to 30 days.
• Thailand: Thailand offers a visa exemption for Australian passport holders, allowing a stay of up to 30 days.
• Cambodia: Australian citizens can enter Cambodia visa-free for a stay of up to 30 days.
• Laos: Laos provides a visa exemption for Australians, allowing a stay of up to 30 days.
• Mongolia: The Mongolian government has exempted visas for Australian citizens until December 2025, allowing a stay of up to 90 days.

Please note that these are just a few examples, and there may be additional Asian countries that offer visa-free entry for Australian passport holders. Additionally, it is always recommended to check the latest travel advice and requirements from official government sources before planning your trip.

Visa-free countries in North America

As of December 2024, Australian passport holders can enter 148 countries and territories without a visa, including several in North America. Here are the visa-free countries in North America that you can visit with an Australian passport:

United States of America (USA)

The USA is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows Australian passport holders to enter the country without a visa for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days. To enter the USA under the VWP, Australian citizens must apply for authorisation through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) and meet specific requirements, such as possessing an e-Passport and providing proof of purpose of travel.

Caribbean Netherlands

Australian passport holders can visit the Caribbean Netherlands, which consists of the islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, without a visa.

Northern Mariana Islands

The Northern Mariana Islands, a US territory in the Western Pacific, offers visa-free entry to Australian citizens.

United States Virgin Islands

Australian passport holders can also enter the United States Virgin Islands, another US territory in the Caribbean, without a visa.

Please note that entry requirements may change, and it is always recommended to check the latest information from official sources before planning your travel. Additionally, some countries may have COVID-19-related restrictions in place, which can affect entry requirements.

Visa-free countries in South America

As an Australian passport holder, you can travel to a wide range of countries in South America without needing to apply for a visa. These include:

• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
• Falkland Islands
• Colombia
• Argentina
• Uruguay

Most countries in South America do not require a visa for holders of Australian passports, but it is always best to check before travelling. For example, you may need a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate or an exemption certificate, depending on your exact travel itinerary.

Visa-free countries in Africa

As an Australian citizen, you can visit several countries in Africa without needing a visa. These countries have agreements with Australia that allow for easier entry for a specified period. Here is a list of some African countries that offer visa-free entry for Australian citizens:

Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)

Australian citizens can enter Eswatini visa-free for up to 30 days.

Lesotho

Lesotho permits Australian travellers to enter without a visa for 14 days.

South Africa

South Africa offers visa-free entry for Australians, typically for 90 days. However, it's important to check the latest information on the South African government's website, as visa rules may change.

São Tomé and Príncipe

This country is also visa-free for Australians.

Other African Countries

Other African countries that offer visa-free entry to citizens of many countries, including Australians, are:

• Kenya
• Morocco
• Nigeria
• Tanzania
• Tunisia

Please note that visa agreements and requirements can change, so it's essential to consult the relevant government websites before your trip to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

Frequently asked questions