Summary
Australia updated its travel advice for citizens visiting the U.S., highlighting changes to the non-immigrant visa application process. Starting from September 2025, visa applicants must schedule interviews in their own country, instead of choosing third-party locations. Australians can still use the Visa Waiver Program for short visits under 90 days.
Key Facts
- Australia keeps its travel advice level for the U.S. at level 1, which suggests travelers should take normal safety precautions.
- The updated advice alerts Australians to new U.S. non-immigrant visa application processes starting September 2025.
- From this date, visa applicants need to schedule interviews in their country of nationality or residence.
- This change affects those applying for new or renewing non-immigrant visas.
- Australians can continue to use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for visits under the Visa Waiver Program for stays of less than 90 days.
- The U.S. introduced stricter visa rules, requiring more people to have in-person interviews.
- U.S. visitor and tourist visa wait times have increased by 69% from January to August 2023.
- In Sydney, visa wait times now vary from less than two weeks to four months, while in Melbourne, they can last up to seven months.
