English 79.1%, Chinese 2.1%, Italian 1.9%, other 11.1%, unspecified 5.8%

Catholic 26.4%, Anglican 20.5%, other Christian 20.5%, Buddhist 1.9%, Muslim 1.5%, other 1.2%, unspecified 12.7%, none 15.3%

Australia has an enviable Western-style capitalist economy with a per capita GDP on par with the four dominant West European economies. Robust business and consumer confidence and high export prices for raw materials and agricultural products are fueling the economy.

Australian Defense Force (ADF): Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, Special Operations Command

Embassy in Canberra,
Consulate Generals: Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) or Queanbeyan: For emergency services (i.e. the arrest, death or serious injury of American citizens) please contact the US Embassy in Canberra. The Embassy is located on Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600, telephone (61) (2) 6214-5600, fax (61) (2) 6273-3191, web site http://au.usembassy.gov/.
NOTE: Passports and other routine citizen services for Canberra and the rest of the ACT are provided by the US Consulate in Sydney (see contact information on the embassy website).

American citizens are required to have a valid US passport to enter Australia. 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. It may be obtained for a small service fee. Airlines and many travel agents in the United States are also able to apply for ETAs on behalf of travelers. Please note that American citizens who overstay their ETA or visa, even for short periods, may be subject to exclusion, detention, and removal. More information about the ETA, other visas, and entry requirements may be obtained from the Embassy of Australia at 1601 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036, telephone (202) 797-3000, or via the Australian Embassy home page. Visa inquires may be directed to the Australian Visa Information Service at 888-990-8888.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

Airports: 455,  Airports with paved runways: 311

Sydney Airport, Australia, Airport Central, 241 O´Riordan Street, Mascot NSW 2020, AUSTRALIA
Tel: +61 (0)2 6274 7291, +61 (0)2 6274 7674
Fax: +61 (0)2 6274 6719
Email: info@sydneyairport.com.au
Website: www.sydneyairport.com.au

Australia has instituted an alert system for possible terrorist attacks.
Visitors should be aware that street crime, burglaries, and car thefts are a daily occurrence in the larger cities. Foreign visitors are sometimes targets for pickpockets, purse-snatchers and petty thieves. Appropriate common sense precautions should be taken, especially at night, to avoid becoming a target of opportunity. To call for fire/police/ambulance services throughout Australia, dial “000” for urgent assistance.
Visitors are cautioned that Australian fauna can be as dangerous as they are inspiring. From jellyfish off the Great Barrier Reef to crocodiles and sharks, poisonous insects and snakes, the continent and its waters host wildlife that merit awe and respect in equal doses.

Infant MR total:  4.57 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:  TOTAL 80.62 years  (male 77.75/female 83.63)

Required: None
Recommended: Hep A, Japanese Encephalitis
Boosters: DPT, MMR

Dengue, filariasis, Ross River virus, and Murray Valley encephalitis are diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region. Scrub typhus and other rickettsial infections are present in this region. Japanese encephalitis is present in Papua New Guinea and the Torres Strait and far northern Australia. Other hazards for travelers include ciguatera poisoning, which occurs frequently on some of the islands. Snake and spider bites are also a risk.

Excellent medical care is available. Most doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash/credit card payment for health services.

Country Calling Code:  +61
Internet Country Code:  .au