ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS:  American citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport to enter Australia. Americans must enter with an Australian visa or, if eligible, through Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).  The ETA replaces a visa and allows a stay of up to three months.  It may be obtained for a small service fee at http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/.  Airlines and many travel agents in the United States are also able to issue ETA’s.  Please note that American citizens who overstay their ETA or visa, even for short periods, may be subject to exclusion, detention, and removal.  More information about the ETA, other visas, and entry requirements may be obtained from the Embassy of Australia at 1601 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, telephone (202) 797-3000, or via the Australian Embassy home page on the Internet at http://www.austemb.org/.  Visa inquires may be directed to the Australian Visa Information Service at 888-990-8888. Visit the Embassy of Australia web site at http://www.austemb.org/ for the most current visa information.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Excellent medical care is available.  Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars.  Most doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash/credit card payment for health services. 

Visitors are cautioned that Australian fauna can be as dangerous as they are inspiring.  From jellyfish off the Great Barrier Reef to crocodiles and sharks, poisonous insects and snakes, the continent and its waters host wildlife that merit awe and respect in equal doses.  Further information on Australian wildlife may be obtained from the Australian Institute of Marine Science at http://www.aims.gov.au/dma and the Wet Tropics Management Authority Information on Marine Life at http://www.wettropics.gov.au/vi/vi_marine.html and the Wet Tropics Management Authority information on animals at http://www.wettropics.gov.au/vi/vi_animals.html.  Swimmers should use safety precautions, swim between the flags only where a lifeguard is present, and never swim alone.  Scuba diving can be a treacherous sport.  Over the past few years there have been numerous deaths related to diving incidents.  Divers are urged to follow recommended precautions and never dive alone.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747)

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.  In most cases, U.S. health insurance coverage cannot be used in Australia unless the U.S. insurer has a world-wide program that includes Australia.  Purchasing medical insurance in Australia can be cost-prohibitive for travelers.

REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION:  Americans living or traveling in Australia are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department website so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security Australia.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.  

In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) or Queanbeyan:  For emergency services (i.e. the arrest, death or serious injury of American citizens) please contact the U.S. Embassy in Canberra. The Embassy is located on Moonah Place, Yarralumla, A.C.T. 2600, telephone (61) (2) 6214-5600, fax (61) (2) 6273-3191, website http://canberra.usembassy.gov/ .  NOTE:  Passports and other routine citizen services for Canberra and the rest of the ACT are provided by the U.S. Consulate in Sydney (see contact information below).

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In New South Wales, Norfolk Island, Lord Howe Island and Queensland: For registration, passport, and other consular services for American citizens, please contact the U.S. Consulate General in Sydney located on Level 59, MLC Centre, 19-29 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000, telephone (61)(2) 9373-9200, fax (61)(2) 9373-9184, web site http://sydney.usconsulate.gov/.  Hours open to the public: 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Monday to Friday (except American and Australian holidays and the first Wednesday of each month). For emergency services (i.e. the arrest, death or serious injury of American citizens) after 5:00 p.m. weekdays or on holidays and weekends please call (61) (2) 4422-2201.

In Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory: For registration, passport and other consular services for American citizens, please contact the U.S. Consulate General in Melbourne located at 553 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, telephone (61)(3) 9526-5900, fax (61)(3) 9525-0769, website http://melbourne.usconsulate.gov/. Hours open to the public: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday to Friday (except American and Australian holidays and the last Wednesday of each month). For emergency services (i.e. the arrest, death or serious injury of American citizens) after 4:30 p.m. or on holidays and weekends, please call (61) (3) 9389-3601.

In Western Australia: For registration, passport, and other consular services for American citizens, please contact the U.S. Consulate General in Perth located on Level 13, 16 St. Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, telephone: (61)(8) 9202-1224, fax (61)(8) 9231-9444; web site http://perth.usconsulate.gov/perth. Hours open to the public for American Citizen Services: 8:30-11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. For emergency services (e.g., the arrest, death, or serious injury of American citizens), please call (61) (8) 9476-0081.