Australia’s passport power rank allows visa-free travel to 146 countries, including the Schengen Area, enhancing global mobility for leisure, business, and cultural exchange.
Australia holds a strong position with a passport power rank of 8, according to Passport Index. This high ranking reflects the extensive travel privileges enjoyed by Australian passport holders. Australians can also travel visa-free within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, providing them with significant flexibility and ease of movement across Europe. In addition to the Schengen Area, Australian passport holders can travel visa-free to 146 countries and territories around the world.
The travel patterns of Australians are diverse, encompassing not only leisure travel but also business trips, meetings, and events. This broad spectrum of travel activities contributes significantly to the global travel and tourism industry. The ability to travel freely and conveniently supports business endeavors, fosters international collaborations, and enhances cultural exchanges. Consequently, the robust travel opportunities available to Australians play a vital role in driving economic growth and strengthening international relations.
Last year, New Zealand emerged as the top international travel destination for Australian outbound travelers, with over one million departures. Indonesia and the United States followed as the next most popular destinations for outbound travel. While overseas departures have rebounded significantly from pandemic lows, they have yet to reach the pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019.
Data from the Statista Research Department reveals that around 7.27 million Australian residents traveled overseas in the year ending June 2023, a significant rise from the 1.39 million in the previous year. The number of international outbound trips by Australians had declined sharply in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Although New Zealand was the most frequented destination for outbound Australian travelers, they spent more on trips to the United States, with expenditures exceeding seven billion Australian dollars in the financial year 2023. The United Kingdom was also a major expenditure destination for outbound Australian tourists, with spending over six billion Australian dollars. Before the pandemic, spending on international outbound travel by Australians had increased in 2020 compared to 2019.
According to data from abs.gov.au, total departures reached 1,709,930, marking a 29.1% increase from the previous year. This growth underscores the strong recovery and renewed enthusiasm for international travel among Australian residents.
In the year ending June 2023, Australian outbound tourists spent over 60 billion Australian dollars on international travel. This represents a substantial increase of more than 50 billion Australian dollars from the previous year, signaling a robust recovery from the spending lows experienced in 2021.
As of June 2024, Australian passport holders can travel visa-free to 146 countries and territories. This extensive list of destinations offers Australians unparalleled freedom to explore diverse cultures, landscapes, and experiences across the globe.
- Eswatini
- Puerto Rico
- Poland
- Réunion
- Uruguay
- Albania
- French Polynesia
- Nicaragua
- Greenland
- South Africa
- Morocco
- United States Virgin Islands
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Angola
- Belize
- Hungary
- Paraguay
- Bahamas
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Lithuania
- Kiribati
- Ecuador
- San Marino
- Venezuela
- Netherlands
- Mexico
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Montenegro
- Gibraltar
- Kazakhstan
- Panama
- Israel
- Costa Rica
- Botswana
- Spain
- Guyana
- Switzerland
- Croatia
- Peru
- Finland
- Brazil
- Caribbean Netherlands
- Honduras
- Grenada
- Monaco
- Japan
- Liechtenstein
- Jamaica
- Seychelles
- Armenia
- Bolivia
- Canada
- Dominican Republic
- Slovakia
- British Virgin Islands
- Guatemala
- Aruba
- Kyrgyzstan
- Qatar
- Luxembourg
- Slovenia
- Italy
- Romania
- Uzbekistan
- Curaçao
- Kosovo
- Belgium
- Belarus
- Micronesia
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- North Macedonia
- Tunisia
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- Philippines
- Denmark
- Guam
- Singapore
- Austria
- Serbia
- Malawi
- Georgia
- Faroe Islands
- Colombia
- Malta
- New Zealand
- Anguilla
- El Salvador
- Fiji
- Mauritius
- Saint Lucia
- New Caledonia
- Argentina
- Sweden
- Cook Islands
- Bermuda
- French West Indies
- Oman
- Ireland
- Barbados
- Iceland
- Hong Kong
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Vatican City
- Vanuatu
- Portugal
- Czechia
- Macau
- Dominica
- Kenya
- Latvia
- Saint Martin
- Thailand
- Mayotte
- Bulgaria
- Niue
- Samoa
- Estonia
- Tajikistan
- Palestine
- Lesotho
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- American Samoa
- Malaysia
- Moldova
- Cyprus
- United Kingdom
- Greece
- Haiti
- Rwanda
- France
- Gambia
- Germany
- Norway
- Taiwan
- United States
- Montserrat
- Falkland Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Mongolia
- Zambia
- Suriname
- South Korea
- French Guiana
- Namibia
Australians can now travel visa-free to Schengen countries, making European adventures more accessible than ever. This new freedom allows for spontaneous trips to explore the rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes of Europe without the hassle of obtaining a visa. Enjoy the ease of travel and discover everything Europe has to offer!
- Malta
- Romania
- Germany
- Slovakia
- Portugal
- Denmark
- Spain
- Bulgaria
- France
- Greece
- Slovenia
- Czechia
- Belgium
- Austria
- Hungary
- The Netherlands
- Norway
- Switzerland
- Iceland
- Luxembourg
- Italy
- Croatia
- Latvia
- Poland
- Finland
- Lithuania
- Sweden
- Liechtenstein
- Estonia
In conclusion, the past year ending June 2023 saw a significant resurgence in international travel for Australians. Spending surged to over 60 billion Australian dollars, and around 7.27 million residents traveled abroad, a remarkable recovery from the lows of 2021. New Zealand, Indonesia, and the United States were the top destinations, reflecting a robust rebound from pandemic restrictions. Australia’s strong passport power, allowing visa-free travel to 146 countries, facilitated this resurgence. This recovery not only benefited individual travelers but also boosted the global travel and tourism industry, driving economic growth and fostering international connections.
Top Five Tourist Spots in the US, UK, France, Italy, and Canada
United States:
- Times Square, New York City – Known as “The Crossroads of the World,” Times Square is famous for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and bustling atmosphere.
- Grand Canyon, Arizona – A natural wonder, the Grand Canyon offers breathtaking views and hiking trails, showcasing millions of years of geological history.
- Walt Disney World, Florida – The world’s most visited entertainment resort, Walt Disney World features four theme parks and numerous attractions for all ages.
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming – America’s first national park, Yellowstone is renowned for its geothermal features, including geysers like Old Faithful, and diverse wildlife.
- Las Vegas Strip, Nevada – Famous for its vibrant nightlife, casinos, and entertainment shows, the Las Vegas Strip is a major attraction for tourists seeking excitement.
United Kingdom:
- The British Museum, London – Home to millions of works of art and artifacts, the British Museum offers a journey through human history from ancient to modern times.
- Tower of London, London – A historic castle and former royal residence, the Tower of London is famous for its Crown Jewels and rich history dating back to the Norman Conquest.
- Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh – Dominating the skyline of Edinburgh, this historic fortress offers stunning views and a glimpse into Scotland’s storied past.
- Stonehenge, Wiltshire – One of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world, Stonehenge’s origins and purpose continue to fascinate visitors.
- The Lake District, Cumbria – Known for its picturesque lakes, mountains, and quaint villages, the Lake District is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
France:
- Eiffel Tower, Paris – An iconic symbol of France, the Eiffel Tower offers panoramic views of Paris and is a must-visit landmark.
- Louvre Museum, Paris – The world’s largest art museum, the Louvre houses thousands of works, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
- Palace of Versailles, Versailles – A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Palace of Versailles is known for its opulent architecture, stunning gardens, and historical significance.
- Côte d’Azur (French Riviera) – Famous for its glamorous beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife, the French Riviera is a favorite destination for the rich and famous.
- Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy – A medieval abbey perched on a rocky island, Mont Saint-Michel offers a unique and picturesque experience with its historic architecture and tidal surroundings.
Italy:
- Colosseum, Rome – An ancient amphitheater, the Colosseum is a symbol of Imperial Rome and a testament to the engineering prowess of the Romans.
- Vatican Museums, Vatican City – Home to an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts, the Vatican Museums include the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s renowned ceiling.
- Venice Canals, Venice – The canals of Venice, with their iconic gondolas and bridges, offer a romantic and unique way to explore the city’s rich history and architecture.
- Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa – This world-famous bell tower is known for its unintended tilt, attracting millions of visitors who come to marvel at its unique architecture.
- Amalfi Coast, Campania – A stunning stretch of coastline, the Amalfi Coast is known for its dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and breathtaking sea views.
Canada:
- Niagara Falls, Ontario – One of the most famous waterfalls in the world, Niagara Falls offers stunning views, boat tours, and a variety of attractions for visitors.
- Banff National Park, Alberta – Canada’s first national park, Banff is renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife.
- CN Tower, Toronto – A defining feature of Toronto’s skyline, the CN Tower offers panoramic views from its observation deck and a thrilling EdgeWalk experience.
- Old Quebec, Quebec City – A UNESCO World Heritage site, Old Quebec is a charming historic district with cobblestone streets, fortified walls, and centuries-old architecture.
- Stanley Park, Vancouver – A vast urban park, Stanley Park offers scenic walking and biking trails, beautiful gardens, and views of the Pacific Ocean and mountains.