Before you go · Sydney
Sydney essentials
The practical things worth knowing before you arrive, checked against official sources on 31 October 2026. Entry rules change: always check the official sources before you travel.
Updated November 2026
Visas, the ETA and the eVisitor
You must have a visa to visit Australia. British citizens can usually get an eVisitor, with no visa application charge or service fee, or an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), applied for through the Australian ETA app (GOV.UK). The ETA costs a service charge of AUD 20 in the app; it allows visits as often as you wish over 12 months, staying up to three months each time, and you must apply from outside Australia (Home Affairs). Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay.
British-Australian dual nationals must enter and leave Australia on their Australian passport (GOV.UK).
Customs and quarantine
Complete the Incoming Passenger Card and declare risk goods such as food, animal products and plant material, or put them in the bins at the airport; declare any contact with farms, farm animals, wilderness areas or fresh water in the past 30 days. GOV.UK warns that you can be fined heavily for breaking quarantine rules.
Opal, contactless and the airport train
Tap on and off with an Opal card, a contactless credit or debit card or a phone on trains, metro, buses, ferries and light rail. Adult fares cap at $19.30 a day Monday to Thursday, $9.65 on Fridays, weekends and public holidays, and $50 a week; the Sydney Airport station access fee is outside the caps (transportnsw.info). AirportLink trains run from the airport to Central and the city.
The seasons
The seasons are the reverse of Europe’s: summer is December to February, winter June to August. Daylight saving begins on the first Sunday in October (4 October 2026) and ends on the first Sunday in April (nsw.gov.au). Bushfire risk is highest from November to February: download the state’s emergency apps and follow local advice (GOV.UK).
Public holidays
Public holidays in New South Wales include Christmas Day (Friday 25 December 2026), Boxing Day (Saturday 26 December 2026, with an additional day on Monday 28 December), New Year’s Day (Friday 1 January 2027) and Australia Day (Tuesday 26 January 2027) (nsw.gov.au).
The sea, the sun and emergencies
Rip currents are the main hazard on the beaches: swim only between the red and yellow flags. Follow Cancer Council’s “Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide” in the sun. In an emergency call 000. See our health page for hospitals, and travel with insurance that covers medical costs.
Questions and answers
Do I need a visa to visit Sydney?
Yes. British citizens can usually get an eVisitor or an ETA through the Australian ETA app (AUD 20 service charge); check the Home Affairs website for your nationality.
How do I get from Sydney Airport to the city?
Take an AirportLink train to Central, Museum, St James, Circular Quay, Wynyard or Town Hall; tap on with Opal or a contactless card.
What is the emergency number in Australia?
000 for police, fire and ambulance.
How much is public transport in Sydney?
Adult Opal fares cap at $19.30 a day Monday to Thursday, $9.65 Friday to Sunday and on public holidays, and $50 a week.
Entry rules and fares change. Check immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and your government’s travel advice before you travel.