Australia
About
| With plenty of sunshine, Australia is an enticing land of vast beaches, pulsating cities and huge expanses of bush land. It has an alluring sense of space and plenty of diversity from region to region. From sun & beaches to tropical rainforests, from the Outback to the Great Barrier Reef, Australia offers it all and has a diversity of people. Don’t forget a visit to the Sydney Opera House. Brisbane is Australia's third-largest city, and zipping between its sights via its main arterial waterway is a sublime pleasure in itself. Adventure sports abound in Queensland, where you can sail, white-water raft, paraglide, and delve into the natural underwater wonder that is the Great Barrier Reef, awash with turquoise tints and sealife. Sydney has a host of quality beaches on its doorstep, including the world-famous Bondi Beach and Manly. Sydney itself is the dynamic hub of the southern hemisphere, and one of the most stunning cities in the world, surrounded by World Heritage areas. Tasmania’s harbours distinct wildlife, and many of the species are endangered or extinct elsewhere; the infamous Tasmanian devil, the spotted-tail and the eastern quoll are the three biggest carnivorous marsupials in the world. |
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| Capital: | Canberra (CBN) |
| Currency: | Australian Dollar (AUD) |
| Language: | English (other languages are spoken by minorities, including several Aboriginal languages) |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 261 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +8 – UTC / GMT + 10 (6 – 8 hours ahead of South Africa) |
| Daylight Savings Time: | First Sunday October – Last Sunday April (region dependent) For more information on Time Zones and Daylight Savings Time visit www.australia.com |
| Side of the Road: | Left |
| Best Time to go: | Year – Round. Hot and sunny climate, with certain regions experiencing tropical weather. |
| Best For: | Cultural exploration, Beach activities, Diving, National Parks. |
| Plugs: | 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Three-pin plugs are in use, although these differ from UK three-pin plugs. Outlets for 110 volts for small appliances are found in most hotels. |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. Should you be visiting a remote area, emergency medical services may take a long time to reach you, therefore basic first aid / medical supplies should be carried |
| Customs: | Normal social courtesies |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Smoking is forbidden in many public spaces |
| Travel Warnings / Tips: | Bush fires are frequent in the summer. During summer the ocean waters become infested with box jellyfish – visitors should pay attention to signs on beach and the instructions of life guards. There may be limited use of credit cards and ATM’s in small towns. Visitors should pay attention to signs warning of crocodile attacks. |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be imported into Australia by travellers over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty: • 50 cigarettes or 50g of tobacco or cigars. • 2.25L of alcoholic drinks. • Articles for personal hygiene and clothing, not including perfume or fur apparel. • Other goods to a value of A$900 (A$450 if under 18). |
| Prohibited Imports: | There are very strict regulations against the import of non-prescribed drugs, weapons, firearms, wildlife, domestic animals and foodstuffs (including meat, poultry and dairy; plants or parts of plants [including fruit, nuts and seeds]; animal products [including wool, skins and eggs] and any equipment used with domestic animals) and other potential sources of disease and pestilence (such as vaccines or viruses). There are severe penalties for drug trafficking. For further details on customs regulations, contact the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (www.customs.gov.au). You can obtain customs information booklets from the Australian High Commission or Embassy. |
| Prohibited Exports: | The export of protected wildlife and associated products is strictly controlled, including the export of coral, turtle shell, snake or reptile skin, orchids, caviar, ivory products, hunting trophies and traditional medicinal products. If you plan to export any heritage-listed goods, including works of art, stamps, coins, archaeological objects, minerals and specimens, you need to apply for a special permit. The export of Australian native animals and plants is either prohibited or restricted. Also prohibited are firearms, pornography and narcotics. |
Issuing Authorities
The Australian High Commission
292 Orient Street, (Cnr. Schoeman Street), Arcadia, Pretoria 0083
Tel: 012 423 6000
Email: consular.pretoria@dfat.gov.au
Web: southafrica.embassy.gov.au
The Australian High Commission does not deal with visa, citizenship, or customs enquiries.
Accredited to: Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, eSwatini
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1, 26; Apr 18, 21, 25; Dec 25, 26 (Each state / territory may have additional holidays)
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1, 26; Apr 3, 6, 25; Dec 25, 26 (Each state / territory may have additional holidays)
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by SA passport holders.
- A transit visa is required if staying longer than 8 hours.
- All persons, other than Australian citizens require a visa or authority to enter Australia.
- You will need a visa if you enter Australia during a cruise.
HOW TO APPLY
- Visas must be applied for online via ImmiAccount (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)
- Biometrics must be submitted via TLSContact (for each application, regardless of whether you have submitted biometrics before).
- Each family member must have an individual application.
You will need to make an account on ImmiAccount. During your application, you will be required to upload supporting documents and a photograph, as indicated. Identity documents can be up to 500KB each. Other documents can be up to 5MB each. Encrypted PDF documents are not accepted. Photos of documents are accepted if the photos are clear. Make sure the photo shows all the document information. If a document is more than one page, save it all as one file.
After your application, you can use your ImmiAccount to check if additional information or actions are required, as well as check your application status.
REQUIREMENTS - VISITOR VISA
- A certified copy of the identity page (showing photo and personal details) of a valid passport and other pages which provide evidence of travel to any other countries - Note: your passport must have at least six months left before the expiry date.
- A recent passport photograph (not more than 6 months old) of yourself
- Evidence of payment of the Visa Application Charge
- Evidence that you have sufficient funds for your intended stay (recent personal bank statements, pay slips, audited accounts, taxation records or credit card limit).
- If you are visiting relatives or friends, a letter of invitation from your relative or friend in Australia. If your relative or friend is paying for your visit, evidence that they have the necessary funds
- If you are not staying at a friend/relative’s house, a hotel reservation is required.
- Your itinerary for your stay in Australia
- Evidence of your medical/travel insurance (if requested)
- Medical examination or tests (if requested)
- Proof that you have reason to return to South Africa (letter of employment, letter of enrolment, proof of family members in home country, proof that you can return home, major assets)
- If you have nominated someone to apply on your behalf, you must submit a notification via your ImmiAccount
- If you are requesting a visa for longer than 3 months, submit reasons (for example, visiting family members)
MINORS
- If you are under the age of 18, you should provide a copy of your birth certificate showing the names of both parents (or alternative document in lieu thereof, eg adoption papers or court-issued documents)
- Consent form (to be completed by guardians / parents)
- Undertaking declaration (if not staying with a relative or legal guardian during your visit)
BIOMETRICS
Please note that ALL applicants, regardless of nationality, who are in South Africa at the time of making a visa application to enter Australia will be required to provide their biometrics along with their application unless otherwise excluded or exempted from doing so under Australian Government policy. This is applicable whether applying online or in person.
Appointments for Biometric Collection to be made via TLS Contact
Web: visas-au.tlscontact.com
Hours: Mon-Fri: 08:30 to 15:30
PTA: First floor, Growth point Menlyn Corner, 87 Frikkie De Beer St, Menlyn
JNB: 2nd - 3rd Floor, 24 Central Building, Gwen Lane and Fredman Drive, Sandton
CPT: The Pinnacle Building, 9th Floor, Corner Strand, Burg and Castle Street, 8000
DBN: 430 Peter Mokaba Ridge, 3rd Floor, The Atrium, Durban
PE: Ground Floor Building 66, Fairview Office Park, Greenacres, Port Elizabeth
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
You will be advised via your Immiaccount if you need to undergo a health assessment. When you complete your medical history you will be given a referral letter containing an identifier we call a HAP ID. You need the HAP ID to arrange your health examinations. In general, the following applicants will need to provide some form of medical examination:
- Applicants who are pregnant
- Applicants over 75 years of age
- Applicants wishing to remain for more than 6 months.
PANEL PHYSICIANS:
BLOEMFONTEIN
- Dr JL Fouche (Medical Examinations)
11 Ella Street, Willows, Bloemfontein 9320
Tel: 051 444 1240 / 051 444 1565
CAPE TOWN
- Dr Rosendorff and Partners (Medical Examinations)
Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, Suite 1201 12th Floor, Corner of DF Malan Street and Rua Bartholemeu Dias Plain, Foreshore, Cape Town 8001
Tel: 021 424 2003 - Intercare Tyger Valley Medical and Dental Centre (Medical and Radiology)
Level 3, 43 Old Oak Road, Tyger Valley, Cape Town 7536
Tel: 021 943 3500
KZN
- Shipmed / The Ear Nose and Throat Centre (Medical and Radiology)
25 Glenwood Drive, Glenwood, Durban
Tel: 031 261 8291 (For appointments contact Marie Fynn) -
Intercare Woodburn – Dr Sitsila van Staden and Associates (Medical Examinations)
15 Woodhouse Road, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg
Tel: 033 880 0300
GAUTENG
- Rosebank Medical & Dental Centre (Medical examinations)
8 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank (opposite Rosebank Clinic)
Tel: 011 788 1344 / 011 788 5104 -
Travel Doctor Corporate (Medical and Radiology)
Firestation Rosebank. 8th Floor, 16 Baker Street, Rosebank
Tel: 010 900 3013 - Hatmed (Medical and Radiology)
Hatfield Gables North, 454 Hilda Street, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028
Tel: 012 362 7180
PORT ELIZABETH
- Intercare Summerstrand (Medical examinations)
1 Eighth Avenue, Summerstand, Port Elizabeth
Tel:041 583 2121
Visa Processing Time
The current processing times for visitor visas usually 30 days (Please refer to immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times for current processing times). The Australian High Commission recommends clients lodge their visa application well ahead of their proposed travel dates and only finalise any travel arrangements after the visa process has been completed.
Visa Validity
Generally 3 months. Up to 12 months depending on circumstances.
Visa Cost
Tourist Visa: AUD 195
Biometric Collection: ZAR 649.24
SA Representative
South African High Commission
Rhodes Place, State Circle, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 2 6272 7300
Email: info.canberra@dirco.gov.za
Web: www.sahc.org.au
Also accredited to Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Tonga and Tuvalu.
Honorary Consuls are situated in Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane.
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitus B, Tetanus, Polio |
