Visas necessary???
 

We are planning a trip to Australia/New Zealand in December 2004. We have US Passports and we've heard different things regarding the need for a Visa. Does anyone know if a Visa is also required for both Australia and New Zealand in addition to our US Passports?

Thanks for the help!!

US passport holders do not need a visa for NZ.

Not sure about Oz - last time we visited there, they wanted all but our first born to get a visa. I understand it's gotten easier, but I think a visa is still required.

You might want to check out the following site:

http://www.australia.org.nz/about_im...ion_visas.html

Oops... gave you the wrong address - try this one instead.

http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/visiting_tourism.htm

I have had to get a visa for OZ. The first ones I got lasted 5 years, and my passport had to be sent away to have it affixed inside. Nowadays, your travel agent can get you the visa on line and it is no problem. I don't think you need anything added to your passport as the information will be on their computer when you arrive.

Thanks to both. You're right, a VISA to OZ is required, but not to NZ. I was able to get my VISA on line at www.immi.gov.au. It's actually called an ETA if it's electronic like that and cost $20 AUD. I'm set. Thanks!

When we travelled from the US to New Zealand and to Australia in 2001, we did not need a visa for New Zealand. However, a visa was required for Australia. We flew on AA and on Qantas. Our airline obtained our visa to Australia at NO charge; the visa was electronic. I understood this was the standard procedure for Qantas.

You're right, Dorothy01, back in 2001 Qantas took care of my visa for me at no cost. But when I went to OZ in 2002/03 I had to take care of it myself (cost of $10 online). Policies changed I guess.

According to the Qantas website, they still provide the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) or VISA for passengers at no additional cost. There is a fee charged by Qantas if the passenger purchases the ticket to Australia at the airport on the same day as departure.