Spread over 7.68 million square kilometers, Australia is home to some 20 million people. Australia's human history began about 45,000 years ago with the arrival of the people now known as Aboriginals across the straits from what is known today as Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. It was settled by the British just over 200 years ago, in 1788, and since then has transformed from a colonial outpost into a nation where enthusiasm and exuberance shimmers in every part of the country.
Getting there:
San Francisco and Los Angeles have daily flights into Brisbane and Sidney.
Entry:
American citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport. Americans must enter with an Australian visa or, if eligible, through Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). The ETA replaces a visa and allows a stay of up to three months.
An ETA is equivalent to a visa, but there is no stamp or label in your passport and there is no need for you to visit an Australian diplomatic office to submit an application. Applications for ETAs can be submitted through travel agents or airlines, or you can also submit applications directly through the state department web site. When an application for an ETA is submitted through this site, all you need to do is enter the details from your passport and your credit card information. The application is processed immediately. Approved applications are electronically recorded on Australian Government systems. When you arrive at an airport for check-in on a flight to Australia, the airline check-in staff can electronically confirm that you have authority to board the flight to Australia. American citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport. Americans must enter with an Australian visa or, if eligible, through Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). The ETA replaces a visa and allows a stay of up to three months. An ETA is equivalent to a visa, but there is no stamp or label in your passport and there is no need for you to visit an Australian diplomatic office to submit an application. Applications for ETAs can be submitted through travel agents or airlines, or you can also submit applications directly through the state department web site. When an application for an ETA is submitted through this site, all you need to do is enter the details from your passport and your credit card information. The application is processed immediately. Approved applications are electronically recorded on Australian Government systems. When you arrive at an airport for check-in on a flight to Australia, the airline check-in staff can electronically confirm that you have authority to board the flight to Australia.
