Passport Atlas

Entering Australia

Australia playbook updated 2026-09. Openness first, then how to apply and how to stay.

Openness rank

#163

Entry openness

Visa free

Visa required

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Country profile

Capital

Canberra

Population

27.4 million

Area

7,686,850 km²

Currency

Australian dollar AUD

Languages

English

Time zone

UTC+08:00–UTC+11:00

Foreign-born

8.1 million · 2024

Migrant share

30.4%

Ethnic groups · 2021

English33%
Australian29.9%
Irish9.5%
Scottish8.6%
Chinese5.5%
unspecified4.7%
Other16.1%

Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.

Travel notes

Plug

Type I

Mains

230 V · 50 Hz

Driving

Left

Emergency

Police 000 · Ambulance 000

Dialing code

+61

Airports

SYD · MEL · BNE · PER

Highlights

Sydney Opera House
Great Barrier Reef
Uluru
Great Ocean Road
Tasmanian Wilderness

Australia Passport Guides · Australia Visa site Immigration site

How to get a visa

Visitor 600 / ETA / eVisitor
Visit / tourism · Usually 3, 6 or 12 months
- Apply for the matching visitor product in ImmiAccount. No work.
Skills in Demand / 482
Work · Up to 4 years, can lead to a PR subclass
- Employer sponsorship, listed occupation, English and skills assessment.
Working Holiday 417 / 462
Working holiday · 1 year, extendable if eligible
- Age and nationality list; apply online.

Immigration routes

Skilled 189 / 190 / 491
Points / invitation
Skills assessment + EOI points; PR or a pathway visa after invitation.
Leads to PR：189/190 are direct PR; 491 regional can lead to 191.
Employer Nomination 186
Employer sponsor
A sponsoring employer nominates a permanent role.
Leads to PR：186 is PR.