Dreaming of visiting Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, or Queenstown? Australia and New Zealand are incredible destinations for road trips, nature, and city breaks—but before you book your flight, you need to understand the entry and visa requirements. This guide gives you a clear overview of the main tourist visa options for both countries, who needs them, and what to expect from the application process.
Important Note
Immigration rules change regularly. Always double-check the latest requirements on the official immigration websites of Australia and New Zealand before applying. This guide is for general information only and does not replace official advice.
Visa Options for Australia (Tourist Purposes)
Most travelers visiting Australia for tourism or short business trips will use one of the following visa or electronic authorization types:
- eVisitor (subclass 651)
- Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601)
- Visitor Visa (subclass 600)
eVisitor (Subclass 651)
The eVisitor is designed for citizens of certain European countries. Key points:
- Applies to citizens of eligible European Union and some other European countries
- Usually free or low-cost
- Allows multiple visits to Australia for up to 3 months per visit within a 12-month period
- Application is done online before traveling
You must be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted.
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, Subclass 601)
The ETA is for passport holders from certain countries such as the US, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and others. Features include:
- Multiple short visits (up to 3 months each) within a 12-month period
- Electronic link to your passport (no label or stamp)
- Application usually via official app or website
- Small service or processing fee applies
As with the eVisitor, you must be outside Australia when you apply.
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
The Visitor Visa is for travelers who are not eligible for eVisitor or ETA, or who want a longer stay. Key features:
- Available to many nationalities worldwide
- Streams for tourism, business, and visiting family
- Stay duration can range from 3 to 12 months, depending on your case
- Application involves more detailed information and supporting documents
- Visa fee is higher than eVisitor or ETA
You may need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and, in some cases, medical exams or police certificates.
Basic Requirements for Australia Tourist Entry
Regardless of which visa or authorization you use, you generally must:
- Have a valid passport for the duration of your stay
- Show that you intend to visit temporarily and leave at the end of your trip
- Have enough money to cover your stay (evidence may be required)
- Meet health and character requirements
- Have no serious criminal convictions or immigration violations
Border officers can still refuse entry even with a valid visa if they believe you do not meet entry conditions.
Visa and Entry Options for New Zealand (Tourist Purposes)
New Zealand also offers different options depending on your nationality and how long you intend to stay. The main ones for short visits are:
- NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority)
- Visitor Visa
NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority)
Many travelers from visa-waiver countries must obtain an NZeTA before traveling to New Zealand, even if they do not need a traditional visa. Key points:
- Required for citizens of visa-waiver countries and for transit through New Zealand
- Applied for via official app or website
- Valid for multiple visits over a period (usually up to 2 years)
- Each stay typically up to 3 months (or up to 6 months for some nationalities)
- International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) is often charged at the same time
Even with an NZeTA, you must still meet health, character, and genuine-visitor requirements at the border.
New Zealand Visitor Visa
Travelers from non-visa-waiver countries or those wanting longer stays may need a Visitor Visa. Features:
- Available to many nationalities who are not eligible for NZeTA-only entry
- Stay lengths vary but can be up to 9 months in a 18-month period in some cases
- Requires a more detailed application and supporting documents
- Visa fee and possible biometrics requirements apply
You will usually need to show proof of funds, onward travel, and your plans in New Zealand.
Common Documents for Australia and New Zealand
While each country has its own systems, you’ll often need similar types of evidence for both:
- Valid passport: Usually valid for at least 3–6 months beyond your intended stay
- Proof of funds: Recent bank statements, salary slips, or other financial documents
- Travel plans: Flight reservations and accommodation bookings
- Employment or study proof: Employer or university letters confirming your status and approved leave
- Health and character documents: In some cases, medical exams or police certificates
Online systems will guide you on what is required based on your nationality and travel history.
Tips for Applying for Australia and New Zealand Entry
1. Check Your Nationality-Specific Rules
Both countries group nationalities into different categories (visa-waiver, ETA-eligible, etc.). Always start by using the “Check if you need a visa” tools on their official websites.
2. Apply Early
Although eVisitor, ETA, and NZeTA approvals can be quick, delays do happen—especially if extra checks are needed. Apply well before your travel date.
3. Keep Your Travel Story Consistent
Make sure your online answers, documents, and actual travel plans match. Inconsistencies can lead to extra questioning or refusals.
4. Respect Biosecurity Rules
Australia and New Zealand have very strict rules about bringing food, plants, and animal products. Declare everything correctly on your arrival card to avoid fines or problems at the border.
5. Don’t Overstay
Overstaying in either country can make future visas and travel much more difficult, not just there but in other destinations too.
Can You Visit Both Australia and New Zealand on One Trip?
Yes—many travelers combine the two countries in a single trip. However, you usually need to meet the entry requirements for each country separately:
- Get the appropriate Australian authorization (eVisitor, ETA, or Visitor Visa)
- Get NZeTA or a New Zealand Visitor Visa, depending on your nationality
- Check any transit visa requirements for stopovers in other countries
Plan your route so that you have confirmed flights between Australia, New Zealand, and your home country or next destination.
Final Checklist for Australia & New Zealand Trips
- âś” Checked whether you need an eVisitor, ETA, Visitor Visa, NZeTA, or Visitor Visa
- âś” Passport validity confirmed (and extra blank pages available)
- âś” Online applications completed accurately
- âś” Visa or electronic approvals received and saved
- âś” Flight and accommodation plans organized
- âś” Proof of funds and ties to your home country prepared
- âś” Aware of strict customs and biosecurity rules at the border
With the right preparation, visiting Australia and New Zealand can be smooth and stress-free, letting you focus on exploring beaches, cities, mountains, and everything in between.
Tip: Keep digital copies of your approvals and key documents on your phone and in cloud storage, in case you need to show them at check-in or at the border.
Once your entry approvals are sorted, you can start comparing flights to Sydney, Auckland, and beyond. Use BookingBe to find the best flight options for your Australia–New Zealand adventure.