United States Visa for Australia Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to the USA as an Australian citizen? Australians can travel visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program using ESTA for stays up to 90 days. ESTA costs US$21 and is approved within minutes. For longer stays or multiple purposes, the B1/B2 visa costs US$185 and requires an embassy interview.

Visa Application process

The ESTA process is quick and entirely online:1

Visit the Official Website

Only apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Avoid third-party websites that charge inflated fees.1

Create an Application

Select “New Application” and choose individual or group application.1

Enter Your Information

Provide your passport details, contact information, travel plans, and employment details.1

Answer Eligibility Questions

Answer yes/no questions about criminal history, previous visa denials, and travel to certain countries. Answer honestly.1

Pay the Fee

Pay US$21 using a credit or debit card.1

Receive Authorization

Most applications receive instant approval. Check your status if “Authorization Pending.”1

Visa Application Steps

1. Visit the Official Website
2. Create an Application
3. Enter Your Information
4. Answer Eligibility Questions
5. Pay the Fee
6. Receive Authorization
1. Complete DS-160 Form
2. Pay the Application Fee
3. Schedule an Interview
4. Attend the Interview
5. Wait for Processing

Visa Fees breakdown

Service: Cost	ESTA Application: US$21	B1/B2 Visa Application: US$185	Visa Integrity Fee (if applicable): US$250	Note: A US$250 visa integrity fee may apply to certain visa applications in 2025.4

Required documents

Valid Australian Passport
ESTA Application
Return or Onward Travel

Valid Australian Passport

Your Australian passport must be valid and meet US requirements • Must be an e-Passport with electronic chip; • Valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay (recommended); • Must have at least one blank page] (Tip: Check that your passport has the e-passport symbolRenew if expiring within 6 months of travel)

ESTA Application

Complete the online ESTA application for visa-free travel up to 90 days • Apply at the official CBP website only; • Provide passport and personal details; • Answer eligibility questions; • Pay US$21 fee by card] (Tip: Only use the official esta.cbp.dhs.gov websiteAvoid third-party sites that charge extra feesApply at least 72 hours before travel)

Return or Onward Travel

Evidence of intent to leave the US within 90 days • Return flight to Australia; • Or onward ticket to another country; • Cannot be open-ended travel] (Tip: Book refundable tickets if your plans might changeHave booking confirmations accessible)

Optional documents

Proof of Funds

Evidence you can support yourself during your stay • Credit cards with available credit; • Bank statements showing sufficient funds; • Not typically requested but may be asked at border] (Tip: Have access to funds documentation just in caseBorder officers occasionally ask for proof)

Border entry information

Having an approved ESTA or visa doesn’t guarantee entry. At the border, CBP officers may ask about:2
• Purpose of your visit
• Length of stay
• Where you’ll be staying
• Return travel plans
• Financial resources
Be prepared with:
• Return ticket confirmation
• Hotel or accommodation details
• Evidence of ties to Australia
• Proof of funds if requested

If your application is denied

If ESTA is denied before travel, apply for a B1/B2 visa.1
If denied entry at the border:
You may be given “expedited removal” and returned to Australia
This can affect future US travel
Seek legal advice before your next application
An ESTA denial doesn’t automatically mean a visa will be denied. With a visa application, you can provide documentation and explain your circumstances.

Comparison

Feature	ESTA (Visa Waiver)	B1/B2 Visa
Cost	US$21	US$185
Processing	Minutes	2-4 weeks
Max stay	90 days	Up to 180 days
Extensions	Not possible	Can request extension
Interview	None	Required
Valid for	2 years	Up to 10 years

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
35%	Previous Visa Overstay
30%	Criminal History
20%	Travel to Certain Countries
10%	Dual Nationality Issues
5%	Application Errors

35% - Previous Visa Overstay

How to avoid: If you've previously overstayed, apply for a B1/B2 visa where you can explain the circumstances.

30% - Criminal History

How to avoid: Answer eligibility questions honestly. Apply for a visa if you have any criminal history.

20% - Travel to Certain Countries

How to avoid: If you've visited these countries, you may still qualify for a visa with proper documentation.

10% - Dual Nationality Issues

How to avoid: Check your eligibility based on all your nationalities. You may need to apply for a visa instead.

5% - Application Errors

How to avoid: Triple-check all information matches your passport exactly before submitting.

Frequently asked questions

Do Australians need a visa to visit the USA?

For stays up to 90 days, Australians can travel visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) with an approved ESTA. For longer stays or specific purposes, you need a B1/B2 visa.

What is ESTA and how much does it cost?

ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a pre-screening requirement for visa-free travel to the USA. It costs US$21 and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.

How long does ESTA approval take?

Most ESTA applications are approved within minutes. However, CBP recommends applying at least 72 hours before travel in case additional processing is needed.

Can I stay longer than 90 days with ESTA?

No, ESTA strictly limits stays to 90 days. You cannot extend an ESTA stay. If you need more than 90 days, apply for a B1/B2 visa before travelling.

What is the difference between ESTA and B1/B2 visa?

ESTA allows visa-free travel for up to 90 days and costs US$21. The B1/B2 visa costs US$185, requires an interview, but allows stays up to 180 days and can be extended.

Can I work in the USA with ESTA?

No, ESTA does not permit any form of employment. You can attend business meetings, conferences, and negotiations, but cannot work. For employment, you need a work visa.

What if my ESTA is denied?

If denied, you must apply for a B1/B2 visa at a US embassy. ESTA denial doesn't mean visa denial. You can provide additional documentation with a visa application.

How many times can I visit the USA with ESTA?

ESTA allows multiple entries during its 2-year validity. However, spending too much time in the USA may raise concerns about your intent to return home.

Apply for United States tourist visa online

Sources

U.S. Customs and Border Protection - ESTA

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

U.S. Department of State - Visa Waiver Program

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html

U.S. Embassy Australia - Visas

https://au.usembassy.gov/visas/

U.S. Department of State - B1/B2 Visa

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html

At a glance