Embassy

U.S. Embassy Canberra
(The Embassy does not provide consular services.)
Moonah Place
Yarralumla, ACT 2600
Australia
Telephone: +61-02-6214-5600
Emergency after-hours telephone: +61-2-411-424-608
Fax: +61-2-6214-5970

Consulates

U.S. Consulate General Sydney
Suite 2
50 Miller Street
North Sydney, NSW 2060
Australia
Telephone: +61-02-8219-2100, or +1-301-985-8663 in the United States
Emergency after-hours telephone: +61-02-4422-2201 or +1-301-985-8663
Email: SydneyACS@state.gov
Contact Form: Sydney U.S. Citizen Services

U.S. Consulate General Melbourne
Level 6
553 St. Kilda Road
Melbourne, VIC 3004
Australia
Telephone: +61-03-9526-5900, or +1-202-754-8681 in the United States
Emergency after-hours telephone: +61-03-9389-3601 or +1-202-754-8681
Email: MelbourneACS@state.gov
Contact Form: Melbourne U.S. Citizen Services

U.S. Consulate General Perth
4th Floor
16 St. George's Terrace
Perth, WA 6000
Australia
Telephone: +61-08-6144-5100, or +1-301-985-8664 in the United States
Emergency after-hours telephone: +61-08-9476-0081 or +1-301-985-8664
Fax: +61-08-9325-5914
Email: PerthACS@state.gov
Contact Form: Perth U.S. Citizen Services

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Australia for information on U.S.-Australia relations.

To enter Australia:

• You must have a valid U.S. passport and
• A visa or approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).

If you are traveling to Australia for tourism or business for less than 90 days, you can enter with an ETA. The ETA is an electronic label-free visa and can be obtained using the Australian ETA app for a small fee. Airlines and many travel agents in the United States are also able to apply for ETAs for you.

If you overstay your ETA or any other visa, even for short periods, you may be subject to exclusion, detention, and removal by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

SmartGate: Most U.S passports issued since 2021 have an electronic chip. If you are 16 or older, you can use your passport with SmartGate—Australia’s automated border processing system—upon arrival at participating airports. There is no additional enrollment process or fee to use SmartGate. Visit the SmartGate website for more information and for a list of participating airports in Australia.

Public health restrictions: Depending on the type of visa you apply for, the length of your stay, and your intended activities in Australia, you may be required to undergo a medical examination before the Australian Department of Home Affairs will issue you a visa.

Additional information about Australian immigration health requirements can be found here.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Australia.

 Visit the Embassy of Australia website for the most current visa information.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Terrorism: Terrorists have targeted Australia.

Australia has an alert system for possible terrorist attacks. The threat levels range from “Not expected” to “Certain.” The Australian National Security website has up-to-date information about the current terrorism threat level. You may also contact the Australian National Security Hotline at +61-01-800-123-400.

You should:

• Check local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Stay alert in tourist spots.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime: Robberies, burglaries, assault, and auto theft can occur in Australia’s larger cities.

Foreign visitors in popular tourist areas are targets for pickpockets, purse-snatchers, and petty thieves. Most petty crime can be avoided with basic security precautions.

Stay alert when visiting bars or clubs in the entertainment areas of major cities. “Bar brawls” and other assaults sometimes occur. Watch out for drink spiking when drinking alcohol with unfamiliar people.

Demonstrations: Australian law protects the right of individuals and groups to protest peacefully and publicly express their views. Demonstrations and political rallies are generally approved by local authorities and are well publicized.

Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on politically significant holidays and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Some past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates on traffic advisories.

Scams: Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Australia. Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information.

Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police at 000 and contact the U.S. Consulate in your district. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care.
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide information about Australian Victim Assistance programs.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy or the nearest Consulate for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated. Rules with regards to general practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs. Trained staff are usually there to help with organized activities. If someone gets hurt, they can usually get medical help anywhere in the country. In smaller cities, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and assist. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you break local laws, even if you don’t know it, you can be removed, arrested, or detained. If you want to start a business or work in a job that needs special permits or licenses, you should get information from local authorities before you start.

It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings, including inside certain areas of Australian airports, near prisons, and at military bases.

Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Alcohol and Drugs: Penalties for drug possession, use, and trafficking are strict. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy sentences and fines. Visit Australia’s Department of Health webpage for further information.

Driving under the influence of alcohol can result in jail time.

Random breath testing of a driver's blood alcohol level is common.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Potential Health Screening: Australian authorities have broad powers to prevent the entry of diseases and other materials into Australia that might pose a threat to its welfare. During a public health emergency involving a communicable disease, when arriving in Australia, you may be subject to strict health screening measures, including testing, monitoring, and possible quarantine.

Customs: Australian customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning the importation of agricultural goods, including plants, food products, and wood products, as well as strict quarantine standards for animals and pets. More information is available here: Can you bring it in?

Contact the Embassy of Australia in Washington, D.C., or one of Australia's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements, and visit the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture website for additional information.

Natural Disasters: Australia experiences a range of natural disasters, including bushfires, floods, and severe storms. These events are difficult to predict and can result in loss of life. Stay aware of conditions around you and monitor local weather and safety reports so you can take appropriate action.

See our Crisis and Disaster page for information on storm preparedness and response.

Safety Concerns:

Outdoor Recreation/Adventure

• Australian wildlife can be dangerous. From jellyfish to crocodiles, sharks, poisonous insects, and snakes, the continent and its waters host animals that merit awe and respect in equal doses.
• Visit the Wet Tropics Management Authority visitor information guide for information on Australian wildlife and marine life.
• Use caution when swimming. Swim only in beach areas between flags and where a lifeguard is present. Never swim alone.
• Further information on beach safety can be found on the Surf Life Saving website.
• Follow recommended precautions when snorkeling and scuba diving and never dive alone. In recent years, swimmers have died while snorkeling and scuba diving.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports

International Volunteers:

• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGB Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGB events in Australia. Australian federal law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation.

As of December 9, 2017, Australia defines marriage as “the union between two people.” Australia grants temporary and permanent visas to same-sex partners of Australian citizens.

See our LGB Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:

Australia enforces laws prohibiting discrimination against access to premises, facilities, and accommodation.

The most common types of accessibility may include public transportation, parking, streets, and buildings.

Expect accessibility to be limited in many of the downtown areas in Australian cities, which were built in the 1800s. These areas often have narrow sidewalks crowded with pedestrians and tourists.

Tourist spots at the beach or in the Australian outback can have varying degrees of accessibility.

Many accommodations and venues provide accessibility information on their websites.

See our Travelers with Disabilities page.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips for U.S. students.

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

For emergency services in Australia, dial 000.

Ambulance services are widely available.

See our Health Abroad page for more information.

• Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Traveler Advice for Australia.
  • Review all sub-sections. These include Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.
• We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health page. CDC Traveler Advice provides advice on medical considerations including:
  • Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)
  • Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers and Expatriates)
  • General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)

The Department of State, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See Insurance Overseas page for more information on insurance providers with overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Insurance page for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Australian Border Force to ensure the medication is legal in Australia.

Vaccinations: Be up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization Travel advice page
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Traveler’s Health page

Air Quality: Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations overseas. Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast, which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a three-day forecast of expected air quality in [destination]. For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page. For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. For general health information, visit the “Your Health Abroad” page.

Air pollution is a significant problem during certain months in Australia due to bushfires. Consider the impact pollution from seasonal bushfires may have on your health. Consult your doctor before traveling.

The air quality varies considerably and changes with the season. It is typically at its worst in the bushfire season, which varies regionally. Visit the Bureau of Meteorology for information about regional bushfire seasons. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:

• Infants, children, teens, and older adults
• People with heart disease and lung disease such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, or emphysema
• People who work or are active outdoors,

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of hospitals and a link to the Australian National Health Services Directory at Medical Assistance - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Australia (usembassy.gov). We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health Facilities in General:

• Excellent medical care is available in Australia.
• Doctors and hospitals often require payment “up front” prior to service or admission.
• Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery: Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry. If you want healthcare in another country, you need to know that their medical systems are different from the United States. They may not follow the same rules. Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor.

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Medical Tourism website for information on Medical Tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Australia.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

Pharmaceuticals: U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration have rules for bringing medication back to the United States. Medication bought abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back. The medication must be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. Visit the websites of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy: If you are considering traveling to Australia to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page.

Adventure Travel: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Adventure Travel website for more information about Adventure Travel.

Road Conditions and Safety:

• Traffic operates on the left side of the road, and all vehicles are right-hand drive.
• Use caution when crossing streets and when driving.
• When crossing roads on foot, make sure you look carefully in all directions.
• Seatbelt are required for drivers and all passengers. You can be fined for not wearing a seatbelt.
• Motorcyclists must wear helmets.
• Speed limits and laws are strictly enforced. Speed limits vary throughout Australia and are measured in kilometers, not miles. Be aware that speed cameras are everywhere, and you will be ticketed for driving over the speed limit.
• Roads and streets are frequently narrower and less graded than U.S. highways.
• Outside major cities, most highways are two-lane roads with long distances between destinations.
• When driving in Australia, use caution while passing or merging with adjacent traffic.
• Use caution when relying on car or phone navigation apps in rural areas. These apps may not always be accurate or account for seasonal road conditions.
• If driving in rural areas, stay alert for free-roaming animals, like kangaroos, and "road-trains,” several semi-truck trailers connected together.
• Passing road-trains is dangerous, and you should pull over to allow on-coming road-trains to pass to avoid being sideswiped.
• If you have no experience with a 4-wheel drive vehicle, you should exercise common-sense when driving in the Australian outback.

Traffic Laws:

• Each state/territory has different rules about using a foreign driver’s license and the conditions under which a visitor might have to get an international driver’s license. More information about driving rules and regulations is available by state.
• Texting or holding your phone while driving is illegal in Australia. You can use a hands-free system to communicate while driving.
• For specific information concerning Australian driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, mandatory insurance, and the rental and operation of motor vehicles in Australia, visit the Australian Tourist Commission website.

Public Transportation: Australia has an extensive and safe public transportation network consisting of buses, streetcars, ferries, trains, and subways. Metered taxis and ride-sharing services are also prevalent. Use common sense safety practices, such as guarding valuables and staying aware of your surroundings, on all public transportation.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Australia’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Australia should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings.