With the cost of living rising, many of us have less money to spend on travel. One result of that is the travel trend of house swapping, staying for free at someone’s home in exchange for letting them stay in yours. Another way some of us are looking to save on travel is by visiting countries that don’t require a visa.
On top of often being a pain to get — some of them require passport-sized photos, in-person interviews, and ask that you lodge your application months in advance — visas can also be expensive. Take, for instance, a single-entry tourist visa to China, which will set you back around $100. The electronic visa Australian citizens travelling to Vietnam must get is also around the same cost.
Fortunately, there are plenty of destinations around the world that Australian citizens don’t need visas for — 143 countries, in fact, according to VisaGuide Passport Index, as of January 2024. The index ranked the Australian passport 35th most powerful in the world. Spain has the most powerful passport, followed by Germany, Italy, and France.
So, what are those countries Australians can travel to, visa-free? While you can view the full list of Australian visa-free countries here, including Iceland, Guam, and Italy, ahead are some of the highlights. Bookmark this list — you might want to use it for your 2024 travel inspo.
Greece
Australians can enter Greece for tourism purposes for 90 days in six months without a visa. In 2025, though, Australians will need to apply for a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). The ETIAS isn’t technically a visa — it’s a travel authorization requirement for visa-free visitors. Also described as a “visa-waiver”, the ETIAS is being implemented to strengthen European borders and combat issues like terrorist threats and illegal immigration.
Vanuatu
The island nation of Vanuatu in the South Pacific is often overlooked by Australian tourists who opt for Fiji or New Caledonia instead, both of which also don’t require Australian tourists to have visas. But they’re missing out on swimming in blue holes, walking across empty beaches and standing in the closest spot in the world you can get to a live volcano, Mount Yasur on Tanna Island. Australians and New Zealanders are among those who don’t need a visa to travel to Vanuatu.
The US
Australia is one of the countries that are part of the US’s Visa Waiver Program after being added to the list in 1996. To take advantage of it, you’ll need to register with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. Once registered, your ESTA will be valid for two years or until your passport expires, and you’ll be able to stay in the US for up to 90 days at a time.
Singapore
Passport holders from Australia, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, Switzerland, the US, or a European Union country can stay in Singapore for a maximum of 90 days before having to get a visa. Note that like many countries you visit, your passport needs to be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay and have at least one blank visa page.
Thailand
Thailand has long been a popular destination for Australian tourists — and for good reason. Prices are affordable, it’s easy to get around, and many locals speak English. Fortunately, Australia is included on Thailand’s Visa Exemption country list, meaning Australian passport holders aren’t required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes. Note, though, that you won’t be allowed to stay longer than 30 days on each visit.
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