To travel to Melbourne, international tourists must meet Australia’s entry requirements. Depending on the visitor’s nationality, this includes applying for an Australian ETA, eVisitor visa, or Visitor visa. This page explains how to apply for an Australian visa to visit Melbourne and other important travel information.
Do I need a visa to go to Melbourne?
Most visitors from abroad must have an Australian visa to visit Melbourne. Only citizens of New Zealand do not need to apply for a visa before travelling, they are granted a Special Category Visa on arrival.
Many international tourists and business travellers can now get an Australia visa online. It is a simple process that takes just a few minutes to complete.
By applying online, tourists are not required to attend an embassy or consulate to present documentation in person.
Different types of Australian visas exist. The type required depends on the individual’s nationality and the reason for the visit.
Australian ETA for Melbourne
The Australia ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) is available to citizens of several non-European countries visiting Melbourne for tourism or business purposes.
Travellers can use their ETA to visit Melbourne, or other parts of Australia, multiple times for up to 3 months. The entry permit is valid for 1 year or until the passport used to apply expires.
Who can travel to Melbourne with an Australian ETA?
Passport holders from 8 countries can travel to Melbourne with an Australian ETA:
- Brunei
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- United States
Australian eVisitor for Melbourne
The eVisitor visa is another online travel authorisation for Australia. Passport holders from European countries can apply for an eVisitor visa for Melbourne.
Like the ETA, the eVisitor visa allows travellers to go to Melbourne multiple times for up to 3 months.
How to apply for an online visa for Melbourne
Tourists who are eligible for either the ETA or eVisitor can apply for a visa online in 3 steps:
- Fill out the electronic visa application form
- Pay the visa processing fee and submit the request
- Receive the approved authorisation by email
Electronic visa processing is fast—most applicants receive their ETA or eVisitor for Melbourne within 24 hours. In case of any unexpected delays, applicants are advised to submit the form in plenty of time.
Foreigners who are not eligible for an online visa for Melbourne need to apply for a Visitor Visa through an Australian Embassy.
Requirements to get an online visa for Melbourne
To be eligible for an online travel authorisation to visit Melbourne, applicants must:
- Have a valid passport from an eligible country
- Meet health requirements
- Meet the character requirements
Additional documents such as a police certificate or letter from an employer may be requested to verify good character.
Melbourne Entry Requirements
Passengers arriving at Melbourne airport need to present the following documents to immigration officers:
- Valid passport or other acceptable travel document
- ETA, eVisitor, or other valid visa for Australia
- Incoming Passenger Card with health and character declaration
The incoming passenger card is handed out on the flight to Australia. Passengers should fill it out in blue or black pen.
What to do on arrival at Melbourne Airport
With the documents listed above prepared, passengers can complete the arrival procedure:
- Passport control - border officers check entry documents
- Baggage reclaim - passengers collect their luggage
- Customs and biosecurity - restricted goods must be declared
After completing these 3 steps, travellers can continue their onward journey to Melbourne.
How to get from the airport to Melbourne city centre
Melbourne Airport, the second-largest airport in Australia, serves the city of Melbourne. The airport is situated 23 km from the Melbourne city centre.
Taxis can be pre-booked or picked up outside the terminal. There is also a shuttle bus that runs to and from Southern Cross Station 24 hours per day.
Questions and answers about travelling to Melbourne
How long can tourists stay in Melbourne?
With an ETA or eVisitor, tourists can stay in Melbourne for up to 3 months at a time.
The visa holder can travel to Melbourne as many times as they wish during its 12-month validity period (or until the passport expires, whichever is first).
Can you get a visa on arrival at Melbourne Airport?
Australia does not issue visas on arrival, foreigners must get a visa in advance. Passport holders from eligible countries can apply for either the ETA or eVisitor visa online and receive the permit in 24 hours.
All other foreigners need to get a visa through the embassy.
Can you extend an online visa for Melbourne?
ETAs and eVisitor visas for Australia cannot be extended. However, the permit allows for multiple stays of up to 3 months in a 12-month period.
A new ETA or eVisitor visa must be requested if the passport expires sooner.
Do you need a visa to transit in Melbourne Airport?
Passengers from eligible countries can transit in Melbourne without a visa. Passengers must arrive in Melbourne by plane and have a confirmed flight to a third country within 8 hours of arrival.
Transit passengers must remain in the transit lounge at Melbourne airport. To clear immigration, an Australian visa is required.
