To visit Australia for any length of time on vacation, Americans are required by the Australian government to obtain tourist visas. Depending on the conditions of each individual visa, they allow travelers to enter and remain in Australia for stays of up to three, six or 12 months.
To apply for a tourist visa, travelers must be visiting Australia for recreational purposes only--not work. Children under age 18 can apply for tourist visas with their parents' consent.
Americans should visit the Australian government's Department of Citizenship and Immigration website to download an application or apply online. Each applicant must include his passport, a passport-sized photograph and a copy of his birth certificate in the application and pay a fee.
