🇦🇺 Australia visa for Canadians

Most Western passports get you 90 days visa-free. Anything else, and you're probably filling out an ETA.

Who Walks In Visa-Free (and Who Doesn't)

Australia has a straightforward approach for many nationalities. If you hold a passport from Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the US, Canada, Singapore, or most EU countries, you'll likely get a 90-day Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) automatically linked to your passport. This isn't a visa you print out; it's an electronic record. Apply online or via the Australian ETA app before you travel. It's usually approved within minutes.

For a few more countries, like South Korea or Japan, a similar 90-day ETA is also available. It functions the same way. Just check the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website to see if your nationality is listed for an ETA.

If your passport isn't on the ETA list, you'll need to apply for a specific visa in advance. This usually means a Visitor visa (subclass 600). Processing times can vary wildly, from a few days to several weeks. Don't leave this to the last minute. Expect to provide proof of funds, travel itinerary, and possibly a letter from your employer.

How Long Can You Actually Stay?

The standard ETA or visitor visa grants you 90 days of stay per entry. This is where things can get tricky for nomads. While you get 90 days, it's often a single-entry visa. This means if you pop over to Fiji for a weekend to reset your clock, you'll need a new ETA or visa to get back into Australia. Some visitor visas might be multiple-entry, but this is not the default for the ETA.

Overstaying is serious. You won't just get a slap on the wrist. If you overstay your visa, you'll be barred from re-entering Australia for at least three years. The fines are steep, and the Department of Home Affairs has significant discretion. They also track entries and exits meticulously. Ensure your passport has an exit stamp if your country requires it, though most electronic systems handle this now.

Working Remotely on a Tourist Stamp

This is the classic digital nomad grey area. Technically, working on a tourist visa or ETA is not permitted. The Visitor visa (subclass 600) specifically states you cannot undertake business or work. This includes remote work for a company based outside Australia.

However, enforcement is often focused on those seeking employment within Australia. Many remote workers operate on their ETAs, assuming their work is invisible to Australian authorities because the income is generated elsewhere. It's a calculated risk. If your work involves any interaction with Australian businesses or clients, or if you're receiving payment into an Australian bank account, you're stepping further into risky territory. The safest bet is to apply for a specific working visa if your stay is prolonged or your work is more than just typing emails.

What's New Down Under?

Australia has been rolling out its new eVisa system, which aims to streamline the application process for many visa subclasses, including ETAs and visitor visas. The Australian ETA app is central to this. They've also been adjusting visa fees. For instance, the standard ETA application fee through the app is currently AUD $20†.

There haven't been massive shifts in the core visa policy for short-term stays recently, but they are constantly reviewing immigration programs. Keep an eye on the Department of Home Affairs website for any updates, especially if you're planning a longer stay or have specific work-related needs. The focus remains on ensuring visitors have sufficient funds and intend to leave within their granted period.