United States travel guide for Australians

Do Australians need a visa for the United States? No, for tourism or business visits under 90 days, you can travel under the Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA. Apply online at least 72 hours before departure; the fee is about US$21 (AU$32). ESTA approval is not a guarantee of entry — the border officer makes the final call.

For work, study, or stays longer than 90 days, you need a visa from the US embassy or consulate. Plan ahead: visa interviews can take weeks to schedule.

Under the Visa Waiver Program, Australians can enter the US for up to 90 days without a visa. You must have an approved ESTA before you fly. Apply on the official ESTA website; the fee is about US$21 (AU$32). Approval is usually quick, but apply at least 72 hours before departure.

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. At the border, be ready to show your return ticket and proof of funds. ESTA is not a visa — if you are denied entry, you may need a visa for future visits.

The Australian Embassy in Washington, DC, provides consular services for Australians in the US. For passports, notarial services, or emergencies, contact them. In a crisis, call the embassy's 24‑hour consular emergency line.

For US visa applications, the US Embassy in Canberra and consulates in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane handle US visas. Australians do not need a visa for short visits, but for work or study visas, contact the US embassy.

A 10‑day trip to the US for one person typically costs AU$4,000–AU$7,000, including flights, accommodation, food, and activities. Flights from Sydney to Los Angeles or San Francisco start around AU$1,200 return in low season. Accommodation: budget motels from AU$120/night, mid‑range hotels AU$200–AU$350, city hotels more.

Food: a fast‑food meal about AU$15, a sit‑down restaurant AU$30–AU$60 per person. Attractions: national parks around AU$30–AU$50 per vehicle, museums often free or under AU$30. Add 18–22% tip at restaurants and 15–20% for taxis.

Prices are 2026 estimates and vary by city and season. Use the cost of travel guide for detailed breakdowns.

Direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Dallas take about 14–15 hours. From Brisbane, direct flights to Los Angeles are about 13 hours. From Perth, expect 18–20 hours with a stopover.

Most flights arrive on the US West Coast; from there, domestic flights connect to the rest of the country. Book early for the best fares, especially for summer and December holidays. Use the flight‑time planner to compare routes from your home city.

The US uses 120 V, 60 Hz electricity with plug types A and B (two flat pins, or two flat pins plus a round grounding pin). Australian plugs (type I) do not fit, so bring a travel adapter. Check your devices: most phone chargers and laptops handle 100–240 V, but appliances like hair dryers may need a voltage converter.

Tipping is expected in the US because service workers often rely on tips. At sit‑down restaurants, tip 18–22% of the pre‑tax bill. For drinks at a bar, US$1–2 per drink. Taxis and ride‑share: 15–20%. Hotel housekeeping: US$2–5 per night. Not tipping is seen as rude.

Some restaurants add a service charge for large groups; check your bill.

In an emergency, call 911 for police, fire, or ambulance anywhere in the US. This number is free from any phone. For non‑emergency consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in Washington, DC. Save the embassy's contact details before you travel.

Answers to common questions for Australians travelling to the United States.

Official government sources for entry requirements, safety, and travel advice.