VISA REQUIREMENTS
Visitors travelling to Australia from Commonwealth countries and the United States ONLY are allowed to travel on an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). This can be obtained from your overseas travel agent. All other countries must contact their nearest Australian Consulate office and obtain a visitors visa.
* PLEASE NOTE: ETA & VISITORS VISAS ISSUED DO NOT ALLOW YOU TO WORK IN AUSTRALIA
Overseas personnel wishing to work in Australia must obtain a work permit. Entry will not be allowed into Australia without the appropriate visa being issued. There are several different categories of work visas. The class of work visa is dependent on what work will be undertaken while in Australia. For further information please contact your nearest Australian Consulate.
IMMUNISATION
There are no compulsory immunisations required before arriving in Australia unless travellers have been in a quarantine zone within 14 days before travel.
QUARANTINE
Due to the unique flora and fauna of the country and the fact that Australia is free from many pests and diseases, there are strict quarantine laws enforced by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service. All foods or goods of plant or animal origin must be declared on entry. For more information, contact AQIS phone +61 2 6272 3933.
TIME ZONES
Australian Eastern Standard time (non Daylight Saving) is:
- Los Angeles time + 17 hours
- New York time + 14 hours
- London time + 9 hours
- Tokyo time + 1 hour
COMMUNICATIONS
The international area code for Australia is +61. For users of mobile phones Australia uses the GSM network which is compatible with Europe, coverage is excellent in cities and major centres, however service is limited in more remote areas. Prior to travel, mobile phone users should investigate connecting to a GSM international network to enable use within Australia.
DRINK DRIVING
Australians drive on the left hand side of the road. The maximum speed limit in cities and towns is 60km/h (35mph) and on country roads and highways it is 100km/h (62mph) or 110km/h (68mph). Signs indicate speeds. Queensland has a strictly enforced 0.05 percent blood alcohol limit for drivers holding an open licence
ELECTRICITY
240/250 Volts AC 50hz.
MEASUREMENTS
Australia uses the metric system. See Online Metric Converter.