United States for Australian citizens
No visa, but Australian citizens need the ESTA, which costs US$40.27 (US$40.62 from 16 October 2026), before travelling to the United States. Apply on the official ESTA site or app as soon as you start planning. Each traveller needs their own, including children, and you need an e-passport. Coming home: Incoming Passenger Card.
Checked against official sources 3 October 2026
Everything Australian citizens need
- RequiredUS$40.27 (US$40.62 from 16 October 2026)
ESTA
Apply as soon as you start planning, and before you buy your tickets if you can.
Apply on the official ESTA site or app as soon as you start planning. Each traveller needs their own, including children, and you need an e-passport.
- RequiredNone
Passport
For your whole stay
Your passport needs to be valid for your whole stay. ESTA travellers need an e-passport.
Coming home
- RequiredFree
Incoming Passenger Card
On the plane, or up to 72 hours before departure for invited Qantas passengers
Most passengers arriving in Australia declare customs, biosecurity and health details on this card, including Australians coming home. A digital version, the Australia Travel Declaration, is being trialled on Qantas flights.
Questions
Do Australian citizens need a visa for United States?
No visa, but Australian citizens need the ESTA, which costs US$40.27 (US$40.62 from 16 October 2026), before travelling to the United States. Apply on the official ESTA site or app as soon as you start planning. Each traveller needs their own, including children, and you need an e-passport.
What forms do Australian citizens need for United States?
ESTA (US$40.27 (US$40.62 from 16 October 2026)): Apply as soon as you start planning, and before you buy your tickets if you can.
How much does it cost Australian citizens to enter the United States?
ESTA: US$40.27 per person. Everything else is free. You pay each government directly on its official site.
Do children need them too?
Each traveller needs their own ESTA, including children.
How long does my passport need to be valid?
Your passport needs to be valid for your whole stay. ESTA travellers need an e-passport.
Rules can change at short notice, so confirm on the official site before you travel. WayReady is an independent company, not a government agency. How we check.