Last updated: 7 February, 2022

It’s the news we’ve been itching to hear, and it’s now finally getting closer! Australia is set to start re-opening its borders to international travellers again! Start packing your togs (swimsuit), prepare your tastebuds for Vegemite, and clear your memory card for koala snaps. Because an adventure Down Under could soon be your reality!

Below, we’ve outlined what you need to know, who can arrive into Australia, information on visas, helpful resources, and what this all means for you.

And of course; as soon as you’re ready to come to Australia, Wake Up!’s doors are open and we are ready for your stay across Sydney Central, Bondi Beach and Byron Bay!

When Can I Enter Australia?

Given the changing nature of the pandemic, we recommend keeping updated with the Australian Government’s travel requirements as to from what date you can enter Australia.

Requirements For Entering Australia

Before 21 February, 2022: Fully vaccinated, eligible visa holders will be able to come to Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption. To meet the requirements, you will need to:

  1. Have a valid and eligible visa, which includes Working Holiday Visa (417), as well as Work and Holiday Visa (462)
  2. Be fully vaccinated with a TGA-approved or recognised vaccine, and provide proof of your vaccination status;
  3. Present a negative Covid-19 PCR test, taken within 3 days of your flight’s departure.

From 21 February, 2022: All fully-vaccinated travellers will be able to come to Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption. To meet the requirements, you will need to:

  1. Have had a full course of a TGA-approved vaccine
  2. Present a negative Covid-19 PCR test, taken within 3 days of your flight’s departure.

In addition, you’ll need to comply with requirements in the state or territory of your arrival, and any other state or territories that you plan to travel to.

The Australian government has a handy checklist of steps to take when you are preparing to come to Australia from overseas.

Working Holiday Visa (417): What Is It and Who Can Apply

The Working Holiday Visa (417) is a 12-month visa that allows you to:

  • Do short-term work in Australia;
  • Study for up to 4 months;
  • Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want; and
  • Do 3 months of specified work to become eligible for a second Working Holiday Visa.

You can apply for this visa if you are 18-30 years old (inclusive) – or 18-35 years old if you are a Canadian, French or Irish citizen – and hold a passport from an eligible country. Eligible countries include:

  • Belgium
  • Canada
  • Republic of Cyprus
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (including British National Overseas passport holders)
  • Republic of Ireland
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Republic of Korea
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Sweden
  • Taiwan (other than an official or diplomatic passport)
  • The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Work and Holiday Visa (462): What Is It and Who Can Apply

The Work and Holiday Visa is very similar to the Working Holiday Visa (417), however it applies to those with passports from different countries. The Work and Holiday Visa (462) is a 12-month visa that allows you to:

  • Do short-term work in Australia;
  • Study for up to 4 months;
  • Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want; and
  • Do 3 months of specified work to become eligible for a second Work and Holiday Visa.

You can apply for this visa if you are 18-30 years old (inclusive), and hold a passport from an eligible country. Eligible countries include:

  • Argentina
  • Austria
  • Chile
  • China, People’s Republic of
  • Czech Republic
  • Ecuador
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Indonesia
  • Israel
  • Luxembourg
  • Malaysia
  • Peru
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • San Marino
  • Singapore
  • Slovak Republic
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Thailand
  • Turkey
  • Uruguay
  • United States of America
  • Vietnam

Refund of Visa Application Charge (VAC)

If you hold a Working Holiday Maker visa (417 or 462), and travel to Australia between 19 January 2022 and 19 April 2022, you will be eligible for a VAC refund. Currently, the Visa Application Charge for a Working Holiday Maker is $495.

For more information and to apply for your refund, see the Australian Home Affairs page.

Where to Stay When You Arrive In Australia?

Sydney is the perfect base for you to arrive when traveling to Australia. Why?

  1. Being the backpacker hub, you’ll instantly be part of an awesome community, where the people, surrounding places and pumping vibe make for a most memorable backpacking experience.
  2. Sydney is also an accessible gateway to the rest of NSW and Australia, and a convenient base from which to explore the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, Bondi Beach, and the East Coast.
  3. There are many job opportunities in Sydney. From hospitality and travel, to farm work, recruiters and beyond, Sydney is a perfect launchpad when it comes to taking on new job opportunities.
  4. And finally, Sydney really does have it all! With vibrant experiences at every turn, bars and beaches in abundance, jaw-dropping national parks, and Australia’s most picturesque views, there’s no place quite like Sydney.

For your accommodation, Wake Up! Sydney hostel is located in the centre of Sydney, right by the city’s Central train station and with a large range of room styles to suit any budget. With a thriving traveller-community and opportunities to meet like-minded people during our free activities and at our onsite bar, your stay at Wake Up! will set you up for your epic Aussie adventure ahead. 

Prefer life by the beach? Wake Up! Bondi Beach is situated directly opposite Australia’s most iconic beach – Bondi!

Wake Up! is offering flexible bookings and cancellations, because we know that things don’t always go to plan. Book with confidence, with no deposits and free cancellations ‘til 48 hours before your stay.

Helpful Resources About Arriving To Australia