Before travelling to Australia With the exception of New Zealand citizens travelling on New Zealand passports, all foreign nationals must obtain a visa before travelling to Australia. Visas are available from Australian visa offices such as Australian Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates. They are also available from travel agents and airlines in certain countries. People who want to work need to apply to an Australian visa office for a temporary residence visa.
Penalties apply for people who breach work conditions.
The type of visa you will need depends on how long you wish to stay in Australia and what you want to do during your stay. For example, you may want to make a visit as a tourist, or business person, or you may want to live temporarily in Australia to play sport, train or work. An ETA is an electronically stored authority to travel to Australia for a short stay. ETAs are generally available to passport holders from 31 countries in Europe, Asia and North America, through participating airlines and travel agents. The Australian Government does not charge external service providers to offer this service to travellers.