Am I allowed to lock my luggage?

Transportation Security Administration officials are responsible for screening checked luggage. Either by choice or by chance, your luggage may be selected for examination. You may lock your luggage if you wish. However, if TSA screeners cannot open your checked baggage through other means, then they may have to break the lock.

TSA suggests that you help prevent the need to break your locks by using a TSA recognized locking mechanism. TSA is not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes.

TSA screeners will secure your bag if they need to open it for screening. If your bag has a TSA recognized locking mechanism, and TSA officials open your locked bag, they will re-lock the bag after the screening process.

TSA recognized locking mechanisms are available in retail outlets around Australia.

Do I need a visa to visit the United States?

Australians travelling to the United States on holiday for less than 90 days generally do not need a visa if certain conditions are met, however, from 12 January 2009 you will need to apply for an electronic travel authorization BEFORE departing Australia.

• Visa waiver program - info from U.S. Consular Services in Australia
• Electronic system for travel authorization (ESTA) - from U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Important info about ESTA - from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Visa waiver program - info from U.S. Dept. of State
• U.S. Dept. of State Bureau of Consular Affairs

Do I need an international driver’s license to drive in the United States?

An International Driving Permit serves as proof of validation of your Australian state license and as another form of photo identification. However, you must also carry your Australian state license. Some rental car agencies require an international driver’s license as part of the agreement. Contact your local Australian motoring association for more information.

• NRMA (NSW & ACT)
• RAA (South Australia)
• RAC (Western Australia)
• RACQ (Queensland)
• RACT (Tasmania)
• RACV (Victoria)

Useful websites for Australians planning to drive overseas:

• AAA affiliate benefits
• State highway safety laws
• Depts. of Transportation by state
• IDP info on Smartraveller
• International Handbook for Motorists
• Vehicle importation regulations

Useful websites for Americans planning to drive overseas:

• Road safety overseas
• Australian Automobile Association

How do I claim back the sales tax I paid while in the United States?

The U.S. government does not refund sales tax to foreign visitors.

You can only claim back the sales tax for purchases from selected stores in the state of Louisiana.

You cannot claim back sales tax from any other state. Each state in the U.S. has the right to charge its own local taxes, including a sales tax on certain purchases. The sales tax varies from state to state and from item to item. This sales tax is not the same as the GST in Australia or the VAT in the United Kingdom and cannot be claimed back except, as noted above, in Louisiana.

How do I know if my Australian passport is machine-readable?

Australian passports have been machine-readable for many years. You may verify this and check on your own passport by contacting the Australian Passport Information Service on 131 232.

What can I take with me on the airplane?

Some websites you may find useful:

• New aviation security measures for carry-on baggage at international airports
• Permitted & prohibited items
• Make your trip better using 3-1-1 for carry-ons

What else do I need to know about travelling to the United States?

Some websites you may find useful:

• U.S. Customs & Border Protection
• U.S. CBP travel information
• U.S. CBP travel info for international visitors
• U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security
• U.S. DHS travel security & procedures
• U.S. DHS U.S.-VISIT program
• U.S. Transportation Security Administration
• U.S. TSA air travel information
• Welcome to the United States: a guide for international visitors

If you encounter difficulties:

• DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program
• TSA Claims Management Office
• What can I do about always being stopped for questioning and inspection when clearing immigration and customs?
• Why was I (or my friend, relative, etc.) denied entry to the U.S.?