Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and one of the most visited cities in Australia.
When planning a trip to Brisbane, overseas visitors should first check Australia’s visa requirements and apply for the relevant permit. More information on how to obtain the correct Australian visa for Brisbane can be found below.
Read on to learn more about what you need to visit Australia’s third-largest city.
Do I need a visa to go to Brisbane?
Foreigners need an Australian visa to travel to Brisbane from overseas.
The type of visa required for Brisbane depends on nationality. Many tourists can now apply online for an eVisitor visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) — widely considered the fastest and simplest options. All nationalities apart from New Zealanders must get their visa for Brisbane in advance of the trip.
Australia ETA to go to Brisbane
Travellers from the following 8 countries should apply for an ETA visa at least 2 days before heading to Australia to visit Brisbane:
- Brunei
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- United States
- Taiwan
Citizens of the above countries can stay in Australia for up to 90 days with an ETA. With 3 months to explore, travellers can visit Brisbane and other top destinations such as Perth and Melbourne.
eVisitor visa to travel to Brisbane
The eVisitor visa for Australia is available to passport holders from:
- EU Member States
- 9 other European nations
Like the ETA, the eVisitor visa for Brisbane is obtained online. Tourists should submit their application at least 48 hours before departing for the city.
The eVisitor visa is valid for multiple trips to Brisbane (and the rest of Australia) during the 12-month validity period. Each stay can be up to 3 months long.
To travel to Brisbane from elsewhere, one of the other types of Australian visa is required.
What documents do I need to visit Brisbane?
The exact list of documents you’ll need depends on which country issued your passport.
If that country was New Zealand, you will only need to bring your passport with you. Thanks to an agreement between Australia and New Zealand, you’ll be able to travel to Brisbane without getting any other documents in advance. You’ll be issued with a Special Category Visa when you arrive on Australian soil.
If you’re travelling with any passport not issued by Australia itself or New Zealand, you’ll need the following documents to enter the country and visit Brisbane:
- Relevant type of visa
- Passport
You may also need to show the following documents, depending on your circumstances:
- Onward or return flight tickets
- Accommodation reservation
- Insurance
- Proof of sufficient financial means to provide for yourself during your stay
If you plan to drive while staying in Brisbane, you will need to bring your driving licence and an International Driving Permit.
What is the best time to get the online visa to visit Brisbane?
It is advisable to apply in good time before your trip to Brisbane to ensure the application is processed in time.
Remember, an approved visa is a requirement to enter the country and enjoy everything Brisbane has to offer, including its beaches and famous steak restaurants.
The online tourist visas (eVisitor and ETA) are valid for 12 months, so you can visit Brisbane at any time within the next year.
Brisbane is an excellent year-round destination, with plenty to enjoy in every season. When planning a trip to Brisbane, travellers should think about the type of activities they want to do and time their trip accordingly.
To avoid the crowds, consider going in the off-season when there are fewer tourists, and costs in Australia are generally lower.
Spring and autumn: ideal conditions in Brisbane
Autumn, in particular April and May, are considered 2 of the best months to visit Brisbane with the online visa. During autumn, average temperatures range from 14 °C to 29 °C (57 ºF to 84 ºF) with a medium risk of rainfall.
Spring, from September to November, is another good time to see Brisbane. Conditions are similar to autumn, with temperatures in the same range.
Travellers heading to Brisbane in spring and autumn should reserve accommodation in advance, as many places get booked up.
Visiting Brisbane in summer and winter
The hottest months of the year in Brisbane are January and February, with average temperatures reaching 30 ºC (86 ºF). Summer is also the rainiest season, so visitors should be prepared for the occasional rain shower.
Summer is a good time to enjoy the riverside in Brisbane and many people from the Northern Hemisphere enjoy the novelty of spending Christmas day at the beach.
Winter: June to August
Even during winter, temperatures rarely drop below 10 ºC (50 ºF) and there is little rain. Tourists in Brisbane from June through to October have the best chance of spotting a whale on a whale watching tour.
Is Brisbane safe for tourists?
Brisbane is a safe city with little crime committed against tourists. Like in any large city, residents and visitors are advised to take certain safety precautions, such as:
- Be aware of surroundings and taking headphones out in busy areas
- Plan how to get home after an evening out
- Avoid dark paths and unlit areas
- Report any incidents that do occur to Brisbane police immediately
The number to call in case of an emergency in Australia is 000.
Staying healthy whilst on holiday in Brisbane
The main health risk for tourists is the high summer temperatures. Anyone visiting Brisbane from December to February should be prepared for the heat, apply sunscreen regularly, and drink plenty of water.
Travellers should consider getting the recommended vaccinations for Australia before going to Brisbane.
