Getting There
VISA REQUIREMENTS - USA to AUS
WHAT YOU NEED:
You will need a valid USA passport and an ETA.
A Visa (ETA) will be required to enter Australia if you are not a citizen. It is super easy to get, we have done it for Mark before and haven't had any issues. It should connect direct to your USA passport.I have attached a link to the website below to set up your visa!
VISA:
What is an ETA?
An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) provides authorisation to travel to and enter Australia and is electronically linked to your passport.
How long does it take?
On the website it states it can take up to 85 days, however in our experience it has been within 24 hours, however we recommend getting it done as soon as you can!
How long does it last?
Once the application goes through, it lasts for 12 months.
How much does it cost?
It comes to about $30 USD pp
Filling out the form:
You will require some details about Chrissy's home address and Australian contact information. When you RSVP to the event, you will receive an email with these details, otherwise shoot Chrissy a text for the information.
You will also need to upload a copy of your passport once you have finished the application.
FLYING IN FROM THE USA
Ok! For our American friends...
NOTE: If you get an evening flight from the USA, you will loose 2 days in travel.
Example: SFO - MEL 1st April 11:30pm departure arrives in Melbourne 10:30am on the 3rd.
You gain it on the way back.
Example: MEL - SFO 5th April 1pm departure arrives 8:30am 5th April
So you want to end up in Melbourne, Victoria. There are direct flights to Melbourne and also Sydney- the flight from Sydney to Melbourne is short and you can get it fairly cheap through companies such as Jetstar, Virgin or Tiger.
Note: There is no such thing as "gate check" in Australia, and they are super strict. If you have too many bags when boarding, or if they are too heavy, they will charge you to put it underneath with the checked in bags.
From USA to AUS it depends on the time of year but SFO and LAX are usually the best ways to get to Aus.
Check out the following airlines:
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Delta
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United
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American
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Qantas (Aus)
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Virgin (Aus)
Let us know when you plan to fly in!!
COVID policy and Australia
You are not required to show proof of vaccination and are not required to wear a mask while you travel
When to fly in:
So depends if you want to make a holiday (vacation) out of the trip or not. We plan to get there at least a week prior, and the week prior to the wedding we want to set up wine tasting with a bus and all our group (Chrissys’s family live in the heart of the Yarra Valley and all the vineyards so we will hit all the good ones for some tastings!) and some paintball and other activities. Feel free to come whenever you like and join us at whatever stage. If you want to make a full trip let us know and we can give you some good destinations throughout Australia to visit for some fishing and good Aussie experiences! We are hoping to get to the outback (central Australia) before we head back to the USA so we can give you details to suit your timeframe.
TRANSPORTATION
We will try and pick up as many people as we can from the airport - however, hiring a car would be your best bet so you have the freedom to explore! We are out in the country side so public transport is super limited. We have busses available but your own car would be a lot more comfortable.
You can hire a car and drive on your American drivers license if you are staying for less than 3 months, however they may require you to get third party insurance while driving in Australia. Remember we drive on the left side of the road! And be aware of hitting any Kangaroos when driving in the Yarra Valley.