Virtual Consulate of the U.S. Adelaide Australia

Connecting with Political Experts Coast to Coast

Thomas Mann, political scientist and fellow at the Brookings Institute, shared his views on the new Obama administration and its relationship with Congress during a wide-ranging series of talks and interviews in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney in the past month. His visit was arranged by the Grattan Institute in cooperation with the American Embassy.
Secretaries and Ministers Meet for AUSMIN

Secretary Clinton and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates along with Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith, and Australian Defense Minister Joel Fitzgibbon talk about their discussions at the annual AUSMIN meeting in Washington. The leaders reaffirmed the shared values and common approaches both countries take on many issues.
President Obama Sends Condolences

President Obama called Prime Minister Rudd Tuesday to offer prayers and condolences to Australians affected by the bushfires in Victoria. President Obama has also offered U.S. assistance to help with the fires.

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News from Washington

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Fulbright

Educational and cultural exchanges

USA Study

Meet with an educational adviser

U.S.–Australia

The history of the bilateral relationship

More News from the Consulate

Hillary Clinton being sworn in as Secretary of State

Clinton Sworn-In as Sec State

With family at her side, Hillary Rodham Clinton is sworn in as the new U.S. Secretary of State. Following the ceremony, she spoke of President Obama’s leadership and desire “to reach out to the world, to do so without illusions”.

Condolences from the Chief of Mission

I would like to convey my condolences, and those of all of us at the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates across Australia, to the victims of the terrible bushfires in Victoria. Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones and all those who have lost their homes.

U.S. officials, including wildfire experts, have been in close consultation with Emergency Management Australia and Victorian firefighting authorities. We stand ready to assist our Australian friends at this terrible time.

I would also like to express our concern for those suffering in the Queensland floods. The ongoing devastation to the lives of those in northern Queensland is heartbreaking.

Americans have great affection and empathy for Australians and so I know I can speak for all Americans in sending our best wishes to you in this challenging time.

Daniel Clune

Chargé D’Affaires, Embassy of the United States, Canberra

ESTA: Electronic System for Travel Authorization U.S. Department of Homeland Security

ESTA Requirements Now in Effect

All nationals and citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, including Australia, are required to obtain a travel authorization prior to initiating travel to the United States. This requirement commenced January 12, 2009. Authorization may be obtained online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a free Internet application administered by the Department of Homeland Security.

There is no charge to complete the ESTA application. VWP travelers should be aware that unauthorized third-parties have established websites, which charge visitors for information and for submitting ESTA applications. These websites are not endorsed by, associated with, nor affiliated in any way with the U.S. government.

VWP visitors should apply now for the travel authorization.

For more information, start by reading our page on the Visa Waiver Program.

The USS John S McCain receives a welcome by the Royal Australian Navy band in Sydney.

Great White Fleet Visit Marks a Century of Friendship

The historic visit by the Great White Fleet 100 years ago became a turning point in Australia-US relations, helping to forge an enduring alliance between the two countries. Visits by a U.S. Navy ship this August and September are helping to commemorate the endurance of that partnership.

U.S. – Australia Student Work and Travel Pilot Program

The Student Work and Travel Pilot Program allows Australian citizens to combine work and travel in the United States for up to 12 months. For more information, visit our page on the Student Work and Travel Pilot Program.

Please see our nonimmigrant visa page for general information on the U.S. visa application process, including how to apply for a U.S. visa in Australia.