VI
EN
Since 1994, Australia has pursued a universal visa policy, meaning that everyone who is not an Australian citizen must have a visa to enter the country. Australia's strict visa policy has not hindered the growth of its tourism industry. Top Australian attractions include the iconic Sydney Opera House, the stunning Great Barrier Reef, and the pristine Whitehaven Beach, each contributing to Australia's enduring appeal as one of the world's most attractive destinations.
The purpose of the universal visa policy is to tightly control immigration, ensure national security, and protect the labor market. Despite the extremely strict visa policy, the country's tourism industry remains strong, attracting millions of international visitors. In 2023, the number of international visitors to Australia reached 6.6 million and is expected to increase to 7 million this year.
This country is known for its strict visa policies, which make foreigners hesitant to enter.
However, there are a few exceptions; Australia's policy of visa-free entry for New Zealand citizens is a notable point in Australia's immigration policy. This is due to the Trans-Tasman Agreement, signed in 1973 between Australia and New Zealand, which allows citizens of both countries to move freely across each other's borders without needing a visa.
In contrast, Australian citizens enjoy the freedom of movement to 189 countries/territories worldwide. They can enter these countries visa-free or with a visa on arrival (VOA). This freedom of movement is part of the Visa on Arrival (VOA) program for Australian citizens. Visa-free travel for Australian citizens to many countries helps boost Australian tourism, bringing economic benefits to the country.
Specifically, Australian passport holders can travel to 189 destinations worldwide without a visa or can obtain a visa on arrival, ranking among the top 10 most powerful passports in the world. This includes 146 countries/territories that offer visa-free entry for Australian citizens.
These destinations include 50 countries in Europe; 20 destinations in the Americas and the Caribbean; 17 destinations in Africa; 14 destinations in Asia… Most recently, China has also added Australia to its visa-exempt list.
