Travel

Advisories

AUSTRALIA - Exercise normal security precautions

There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Australia. Exercise normal security precautions.

Security

Security

The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.

Crime

Violent crime is low, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching occurs in larger cities. Vehicle break-ins are common. Exercise caution in the more popular tourist areas (St. Kilda in Melbourne; Kings Cross, downtown George Street, Darling Harbour, Bondi Beach and The Rocks, in Sydney; Cairns and the Gold Coast, in Queensland), where thieves target foreigners. Hitchhiking should be avoided at all times, and women should not travel alone after dark.

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Attacks on backpackers have occurred. Ensure that your personal belongings are secure, particularly in crowded places. Robberies of safe-deposit facilities are common at inexpensive hotels and hostels.

Terrorism

In September 2014, the Government of Australia raised its National Terrorism Public Alert level from Medium to High due to a perceived increase in the likelihood of a terrorist attack in the country. Visit the website of the Australian National Security for more information. Continue to exercise normal security precautions.

Transportation

Traffic drives on the left. Exercise caution when driving in rural areas, particularly in the Northern Territory, due to roaming animals, excessive speeding and "road-trains" (trucks pulling two or more trailers). Pull over and allow oncoming road-trains to pass to avoid being sideswiped. Access to some remote locations may be impossible during inclement weather. When travelling by car, plan your route carefully due to the great distances between settlements and the isolation of many outback areas. Provide a friend or relative with your itinerary, and ensure that your vehicle is in good repair. Carry sufficient supplies of gasoline, water and food, as well as a cellular telephone. Permits are required when travelling on aboriginal territory.

Public transportation is safe and reliable.

Air travel

The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.

Remote areas

Many regions in the interior of Australia are remote, with small populations and few services. Overland travellers may have limited access to telephones and other facilities. Flash floods and bushfires occur in many parts of the country. Monitor news reports carefully. For more information, consult the publication entitled National Visitor Safety Handbook published by Tourism Queensland.

Swimming

Riptides in coastal areas can be strong, including at popular tourist destinations. Several drownings occur each year. Obey the lifeguards, heed flag warnings and under no circumstances swim when a red flag is displayed.

Emergency services

Dial 000 for emergency services.

Entry/exit requirements

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Australian authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the High Commission of Australia or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Passport

Canadians must present a passport to visit Australia, which must be valid on the day of entry into that country. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Visas

Canadians must also be in possession of an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). Ensure that you travel with the same passport used to apply for your ETA.

A health examination might be necessary to obtain certain visas. For more information, consult the website of the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship .

A fee is applicable for all student visas. For more information, contact the Australian Visa Information Service in Canada at 613-216-7603, or consult the Study in Australia website.

Tourist visa: Required

Business visa: Required

Student visa: Required

Children and travel

Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.