I will be in Sydney for less than 36 hours, on my way to the States. Do I need a transit visa? If so can I apply for it at the Sydney airport or do I need to do this prior to departing? I hold a U.S. passport. Thanks.
You either need to apply for a free of charge transit visa (Subclass 771)
http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/transit/771/ .. which requires to fill a four-page application form and the submission of supporting documents to an Australian Immigration office http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/876.pdf .. or you simply apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 976) which can be done online at a fee of A$20. All you need is to provide your passport and address details; the ETA will be granted online on the spot in most cases; it's a so called label free visa; the airline and the Australian immigration officer are able to check your eligibility to travel electronically.
Comments
Transit without visa only applies for a stay of up to 8 hours.
http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/transit/no-visa.ht... ..
You either need to apply for a free of charge transit visa (Subclass 771)
http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/transit/771/ .. which requires to fill a four-page application form and the submission of supporting documents to an Australian Immigration office http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/876.pdf .. or you simply apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 976) which can be done online at a fee of A$20. All you need is to provide your passport and address details; the ETA will be granted online on the spot in most cases; it's a so called label free visa; the airline and the Australian immigration officer are able to check your eligibility to travel electronically.
https://www.eta.immi.gov.au/ ..