Book Cheap Flights to Australia and Oceania with Ease

Most travelers departing from Qatar for Australia and Oceania will need to secure a visa prior to departure. For Australia, many nationalities can apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) online. New Zealand requires an NZeTA for many visitors. It is vital to apply at least several weeks before your flight to avoid processing delays. Ensure your Qatari residency permit and passport are valid for the duration of your stay. Unlike the relatively quick visa-on-arrival processes in some Middle Eastern countries, Oceania nations have strict entry protocols. Always carry a printed copy of your visa grant notice and your return flight itinerary to present to immigration officers upon arrival at major hubs like Sydney, Melbourne, or Auckland.

Australia and Oceania are vast, making domestic flights the most practical way to travel between major cities. Low-cost carriers like Jetstar and Virgin Australia offer frequent services. Within cities like Sydney or Melbourne, public transport is excellent, utilizing integrated card systems like Opal or Myki. In New Zealand, renting a campervan is a popular way to explore the North and South Islands at your own pace. For smaller Pacific islands like Fiji or Vanuatu, inter-island ferries and small propeller planes are the primary modes of transport. Driving is on the left side of the road, similar to the UK, which may be a change for those used to driving in Qatar. Always plan for long travel times between regions, as distances are often much greater than they appear on a map.

The culture in Australia and New Zealand is generally laid-back and informal. Tipping is not mandatory as it is in some other regions, though it is appreciated for exceptional service in high-end restaurants. Respect for Indigenous cultures—Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia and Māori in New Zealand—is paramount. Always follow signs regarding sacred sites and photography. In Pacific Island nations, dress modestly when outside of resort areas, especially when visiting local villages. It is customary to remove your hat and shoes when entering a home or community hall. While Qatar has a more formal social structure, you will find that 'mateship' and a relaxed 'no worries' attitude prevail in Oceania. Engaging in small talk with locals is common and welcomed in most social settings.

Australia and Oceania are among the safest regions for travelers. However, the biggest safety risks are often environmental rather than criminal. Always swim between the red and yellow flags at beaches to avoid dangerous rips, and use high-factor sunscreen as the sun is much stronger than in the Middle East. When hiking or 'bushwalking,' stay on marked trails and carry plenty of water. Scams are rare, but be cautious of unlicensed taxis at airports and 'too good to be true' tour offers in high-traffic tourist zones. In some Pacific islands, be aware of local 'village fees' for accessing certain natural attractions; these are usually legitimate but should be clarified beforehand. Compared to the urban safety of Doha, the main difference here is the need for awareness of wildlife and changing weather conditions in remote areas.