New visa changes for Australian travellers

Written by Ingrid Laurence for Australian Seniors

Travel is set to get easier to some popular destinations for Australians heading overseas, but if your holiday spot is the UK or Europe, you may need to do extra paperwork before you leave. Staying on top of these and other visa changes is not only vital for seamless entry on arrival, but also to avoid being scammed. 

Visa scams on the rise

According to the Australian Passport Office, there has been a rise in visa-related scams, where fraudulent websites are set up to steal your money or identity documents. Other companies promise to process your visa or visa waiver for you but charge a higher fee than going through the official government channels. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade suggests that you head to their Smartraveller website in the first instance when planning a trip.

“We recommend all Australians travelling overseas read the Smartraveller advice for the country they plan to visit before travelling,” a spokesperson says. “It includes general advice on visa requirements, including where possible, links to approved visa providers. However, we remind travellers that it’s their responsibility to ensure they have the right visa by contacting the embassy or consulate of the country of their destination, or visiting their official websites.”

Visa changes for Australian travellers

Here are some of the recent entry changes for Australian passport holders.

United Kingdom

You must now apply for an online electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before boarding your flight. The visa waiver system permits multiple visits to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years, and costs about $33.

Europe

Two new programs are coming for visitors arriving from non-member countries of the EU. Entry/Exit System (EES), rolling out in 2025, will register travellers at most borders, replacing manual passport stamps. You won’t need to take any action before arrival. However, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), slated for late 2026, will require Australians to apply for travel authorisation in advance. Projected cost will be about $12, valid for three years.

China

The country has extended its visa waiver program, and Australians can now stay for 30 days without a visa (previously it was 15 days).

The United States

Australia has joined the US Global Entry program, providing expedited clearance for pre-approved travellers upon arrival. It requires a rigorous background check including an in-person interview and costs about $190 for five years. 

Be aware Smartraveller warns that entry requirements to the US are currently strict, and travellers on any visa or visa waiver program should understand all terms and conditions before attempting to enter the US.

If you want some inspiration for your next overseas trip, here’s how over 50s will be travelling this year.