Visa-Free Countries for Australian Passport Holders in 2025

With one of the world’s most powerful passports, ranked 5th globally (Henley Passport Index 2025), Australian citizens enjoy visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or eTA access to 189 countries and territories. This trusted guide provides a comprehensive list of destinations for hassle-free travel in 2025, along with key requirements and pro tips to ensure a smooth journey.

Why the Australian Passport is Powerful

Australian passport holders benefit from extensive global mobility, with visa-free access to 140 countries, visa-on-arrival in 41 countries, and Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in 8 countries, totaling 189 destinations (Henley Passport Index 2025). Whether traveling for tourism, business, or short-term visits, Australians can explore diverse regions with minimal paperwork. Always check specific entry requirements, as stay durations and conditions vary.

Pro Tip: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date, as many countries enforce this rule.

Visa-Free Countries for Australians

Australian citizens can enter 140 countries without a prior visa for tourism, business, or short-term visits, typically for 30–90 days. Below is a categorized list of visa-free destinations by region (Henley Passport Index 2025, updated July 2025):

Visa-Free Destinations by Region

Europe (Schengen Area, 90 days in 180-day period)

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland

Europe (Non-Schengen)

  • Albania (90 days)
  • Andorra (90 days)
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina (90 days)
  • Croatia (90 days)
  • Cyprus (90 days)
  • Ireland (90 days)
  • Kosovo (90 days)
  • Monaco (90 days)
  • Montenegro (90 days)
  • North Macedonia (90 days)
  • Serbia (90 days)
  • United Kingdom (6 months, eTA required from January 8, 2025)
  • Vatican City (90 days)

Asia

  • China (30 days, select entry points)
  • Hong Kong (90 days)
  • Indonesia (30 days)
  • Japan (90 days)
  • Macau (30 days)
  • Malaysia (90 days)
  • Philippines (30 days)
  • Singapore (90 days)
  • South Korea (90 days)
  • Taiwan (90 days)
  • Thailand (30 days, 2 visits/year by air)
  • United Arab Emirates (30 days)

Americas

  • Argentina (90 days)
  • Barbados (6 months)
  • Brazil (90 days)
  • Canada (6 months, eTA required)
  • Chile (90 days)
  • Dominican Republic (90 days)
  • Jamaica (90 days)
  • Mexico (180 days)
  • United States (90 days, ESTA required)

Africa

  • Botswana (90 days)
  • Mauritius (90 days)
  • Morocco (90 days)
  • Namibia (90 days)
  • South Africa (90 days)
  • Tunisia (90 days)

Oceania

  • Fiji (4 months)
  • New Zealand (Indefinite, Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement)
  • Vanuatu (30 days)

Pro Tip: For Schengen Area countries, use the European Commission’s calculator to track your 90-day limit within a 180-day period to avoid overstaying.

Visa-on-Arrival Countries for Australians

Australian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival (VOA) in 41 countries, typically at airports or border crossings, with fees and stay durations varying. Below are select destinations (Henley Passport Index 2025):

Visa-on-Arrival Destinations

Asia

  • Bangladesh (45 days, select airports)
  • Brunei (30 days)
  • Cambodia (30 days)
  • Laos (30 days)
  • Maldives (30 days)
  • Nepal (90 days)
  • Saudi Arabia (90 days)
  • Tajikistan (45 days, Dushanbe Airport)

Africa

  • Egypt (30 days)
  • Madagascar (90 days)
  • Mozambique (30 days)
  • Rwanda (30 days)
  • Seychelles (3 months)
  • Tanzania (3 months)

Pro Tip: Carry USD cash for VOA fees, as some countries may not accept card payments at borders. Check entry points, as not all offer VOA.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) Countries

Australians need an eTA for 8 countries, applied online before travel, streamlining entry. Below are key eTA destinations (Henley Passport Index 2025):

  • Canada (6 months, CAD 7 fee)
  • Kenya (90 days)
  • Pakistan (90 days)
  • South Korea (90 days, K-ETA)
  • Sri Lanka (30 days)
  • United Kingdom (6 months, from January 8, 2025, GBP 10 fee)
  • United States (90 days, ESTA, USD 21 fee)

Pro Tip: Apply for eTAs at least 72 hours before travel to ensure processing. Use official government websites to avoid scams.

Countries Requiring a Visa for Australians

Australians need a pre-arranged visa for 15 countries, primarily in Asia and Africa, and an eVisa for 25 countries like India and Vietnam. Key examples include:

  • Afghanistan (Visa required, travel advisory against visiting)
  • India (eVisa, 60 days)
  • North Korea (Visa required)
  • Sudan (Visa required)
  • Vietnam (eVisa, 30 days, except Phu Quoc)

Pro Tip: Apply for visas well in advance through the destination’s embassy or consulate, as processing times vary. Check travel advisories on smartraveller.gov.au.

Special Travel Arrangements

Australia has unique agreements enhancing travel flexibility: