Australia has long been a welcoming country to both tourists and immigrants. Sydney is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in Australia.
Foreign citizens wishing to travel to Sydney need to hold a valid Australian visa to enter the city.
This article has useful travel information for international tourists visiting Sydney, including:
- Visa information on how to get travel authorisation for Sydney
- Documents required to visit Sydney
- How to use the visa to travel to Sydney and the rest of Australia
Australia visa requirements to travel to Sydney
Foreign nationals cannot enter Australian territory without valid travel authorisation.
Most tourists intending to spend a limited time in Australia apply for temporary online visas such as the ETA travel authorisation or the eVisitor visa as they are often the most straightforward to request.
These short-term visas allow foreign citizens to enter Sydney and the rest of Australia for tourism, business, and transit purposes. Those who wish to move to Sydney for other reasons (like work or study, for example) need to apply for a relevant visa type.
Documents required for a Sydney visa
Usually, online ETA and eVisitor visas for Sydney only require the applicant to submit a copy of their valid passport together with their credit card information and completed application form.
However, as part of the visa requirements for Australia, it is possible that travellers will be asked to obtain further documentation in order to be granted a permit. This will depend on the type of visa or travel authorisation the individual applies for and may include, for example:
- Medical or travel insurance
- Proof of employment or studies
- Proof of financial means to support yourself during your time in Australia
- A return plane ticket as evidence of intention to leave Australia
How to get a visa for Sydney, Australia
To travel to Sydney from abroad, foreign nationals need a visa for Australia. The visa requirements, application, and processing time will depend on the type of Australian visa the individual is applying for.
Applying for an electronic visa for Sydney and Australia is one of the most convenient ways to obtain travel authorisation. Travellers can complete the application online from anywhere in the world and do not need to visit an Australian embassy in person.
To fill out the Australian visa application online, visitors will need their email address, supporting documents, and a credit or debit card to pay the application fee. Some of the documents may be submitted at a later stage if the applicant does not have them to hand.
What do I need to travel to Sydney, Australia?
Passengers should carry a hard copy of their visa when travelling to Sydney. Australian border control officers may be able to access the visa electronically and not request a hard copy but it is still advisable that travellers have it on them for the entirety of their stay in Australia.
A valid passport is also required - the same document used during the visa application. It is paramount that the information on the passport and the one submitted as part of the visa application match.
Those who attempt to cross the border with a different passport and/or whose information differs from the one included in the visa may be denied entry.
Foreign nationals who plan to drive while in Australia should remember to take a valid driver’s license.
Sydney airports and seaports for international arrivals
Foreigners travelling to Sydney with an e-Visitor visa can enter the country through airports and on cruise ships.
Sydney Airport (SYD) is the city's international airport. It connects Sydney to major cities across Europe, America, and Asia.
There are 2 cruise passenger terminals in Sydney Harbour: White Bay Cruise Terminal at Rozelle and the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay.
Travellers need to complete an Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) to enter Australia through a Sydney port of entry. The Card must be filled out with personal and passport details, and some travel information.
