What are the Required Documents I Need to Travel to Australia?
For Australian Citizens
Australian citizens have an automatic right of entry into Australia and do not require a visa. To clear immigration, they must present:
A valid Australian passport or another acceptable travel document.
A completed and signed Incoming Passenger Card.
Dual or multiple nationals should use their Australian passport for entry and exit, even when travelling on a foreign passport overseas.
For New Zealand Citizens
Most New Zealand citizens receive an electronic Special Category Visa (SCV) (Subclass 444) upon arrival in Australia, provided they meet health and character requirements. To apply for the SCV, New Zealand citizens must present:
A valid New Zealand passport.
A completed and signed Incoming Passenger Card, including health and character declarations.
What should be known as a New Zealand citizen?
Those holding a travel document other than a New Zealand passport are not eligible for an SCV on arrival and should apply for an alternative visa before travelling.
New Zealand citizens with criminal convictions may not be eligible for an SCV. They should check their eligibility before travelling.
New Zealand citizens must declare tuberculosis with additional information on arrival.
New Zealand citizens may also explore other visa options or apply for Australian citizenship, depending on their situation.
For Permanent Residents
Authority to Return (ATR)
Return Endorsement (RE) (now known as Transitional (Permanent) visas since 1 September 1994).
For All Other Passengers
Passengers who are neither Australian nor New Zealand citizens must present the following documents to immigration officers:
A valid passport or other acceptable travel document.
A valid visa or authority to enter Australia (including electronic visas).
A completed and signed Incoming Passenger Card, including health and character declarations.
For Refugees and Stateless Individuals
Convention Travel Document (CTD): Issued to non-citizens living in Australia who are recognized as refugees.
Certificate of Identity (COI): Issued to stateless individuals or those unable to obtain a travel document from their claimed nationality.
CTDs and COIs are issued through the Australian Passport Office, which requires proof of identity and immigration status. For more information on eligibility, application, and renewal, contact the Australian Passport Office.
What are the Consequences of Not Preparing the Required Documents?
Travellers arriving without valid documents, visas, or authorization may be denied entry or delayed while their identity and reasons for entering Australia are verified.
Are There Other Acceptable Travel Documents?
Certain passengers may possess other types of travel documents, generally requiring a visa to enter Australia. Acceptable documents include:
Document of Identity: visa required for non-citizens
Certificate of Identity: visa required
Document for Travel to Australia (DFTTA): visa required
ImmiCard: replaces DFTTA; issued to refugees or individuals unable to obtain a suitable national passport
Laissez Passer: visa required
Convention Travel Document: Titre de Voyage, visa required
Documents issued to refugees: visa required
‘Kinderreisepass’: Children’s passport for German minors under 12
Military documents for military personnel travelling by air
Please note - Visa labels are not required as Australia issues and records visas electronically.
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
If you have recently been refused at the Australian Border Force and had to return to your home country, contact us at Agape Henry Crux. Our Accredited Specialist Immigration Lawyers and our team of immigration lawyers and migration agents specialise in handling highly complex matters. You may schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or email us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.