United States of America Visa Requirements

Visa Requirements

Residents of many countries may enter the US without a visa for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). These countries include Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland and Japan among others. Visitors travelling to the US under the VWP must also have Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to entry. This can be applied for online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. Effective September 8, 2010, all Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) registration applications or renewals on or after that date will require a US$14.00 fee payment by credit or debit card.

Passports for citizens of VWP participating countries issued on or after October 26, 2006 must be an electronic passport (ePassport) with a digital chip containing biometric information about the passport owner.

Passports must be valid for 6 months after the nominated exit date. Any traveller intending to stay longer than 90 days will need a visa.

If you enter the country through any land port of entry, ie Canada or Mexico, you will be requiredto pay a small land border fee.

Travellers from VWP countries may also need to fill out an I-94 form before going through US immigration. This form is often supplied by the travel organizer / agent but it is also available on arrival in the US. The form is stapled to your passport upon entry to the US and must be returned to immigration officials when leaving the country. Failure to do so will result in immigration thinking you are still in the US and may may affect your ability to visit again. If you fail to return the form upon departure you should contact your local US consulate or embassy to arrange for its return and ensure your exit details are properly updated. (nb the US Dept of Homeland Security is planning to phase out the paper form in the near future so it is wise to check this requirement with your local US consulate).

Citizens from countries not covered by the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) will need to obtain a visa from their local US embassy or consulate prior to travelling.

All travellers may be required to show immigration officials that you have return or onward tickets, proof you intend to leave the country within 90 days and adequate means of support and accommodation upon entering the US. Also if you have committed or been convicted of a criminal offense, you may not be allowed to enter the US.

Due to frequent changes in US foreign policy it is very important to confirm current entry requirements to the US prior to making travel arrangements.

As entry requirements may change from time to time it is strongly advised that you check with the department of foreign affairs or your local consulate or embassy for the current requirements.

More information can be found by clicking here.

We strongly advise that all Australian travellers check the latest travel advice on the Australian Government Smart Traveller site.