Will you be in Australia on August 11th, 2026? The Australian Census – the obligation every tourist has

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If you are going to be in Australia on August 11th, 2026, then you need to complete the Census.

The Census is a survey of all people in Australia conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics once every 5 years. It is compulsory, and everyone must be included, including babies and international tourists. If you are visiting Australia and will be in Australia on the 11th of August, 2026, you will need to do it too. Here is what you need to know.

What is the Census in Australia?

The Census is a demographic survey of all people in Australia conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics once every 5 years. It asks questions about people’s lives, such as their living situation, where they live, religion, gender, income, and health conditions to name a few topics.

Who needs to do the Census?

The Census is compulsory for everyone who is physically IN Australia on Census night (for 2026 it is August 11th). Everyone must complete a census form, or be included in one, even if you are just a tourist and visiting temporarily. This includes babies, people in hospital, people on boats, people travelling on overnight buses and trains, international tourists, backpackers staying in remote areas, and people camping or staying on campsites or living in camper vans, to name a few.

The only people who are exempt are people who are not physically in Australia (for example a citizen or resident who is travelling overseas at the time of the census), or foreign diplomats and their families who are visiting Australia.

Typically, a household only needs to submit one, as long as everyone who usually lives there is included. However, you can also call the Census Contact Centre to request your own form if you want to fill out your own form.

When is the 2026 Australian Census night?

The Australian Census only asks questions about one specific night – the Census night. For 2026, it is August 11th. This means if you know you will be in Australia on August 11th, 2026, you can complete your form any time before the due date, which is August 14th 2026.

How do tourists complete the 2026 Australian Census form?

Tourists an international visitors staying in a hotel will be given instructions by hotel staff. A paper letter with a code and password will be mailed to each private home.

In theory, international visitors staying in private accommodation such as a friends house or short stay rental accommodation like Air BnB should get that letter, simply go to the website stated on the letter and log in with the code and password to fill out the census online.

However, you may or may not get the letter depending on whether you have access to the mailbox.

What are the consequences of not doing the 2026 Australian Census for a tourist or international visitor?

In theory, not completing the Census will lead to fines of $364 a day, up to $3,640. The Census team will attempt to contact you, by writing, calling, or visiting the home of any long term resident, including international students. If you still refuse to do the census, you will be fined.

However, practically, it is near impossible for the authorities to chase after a temporary visitor who may only be in Australia for a short time with a tight and fast paced itinerary. Realistically, a short stay visitor might arrive on August 5th and leave on August 12th, and no one would be willing to spend their last night in Australia on holiday filing out a Census form, especially if you need to get up early the next day, or if you arrived late at night on Census night, heavily jetlagged and so sleepy you didn’t even want to move from the taxi.

For more information, see the official Census website:

https://info.census.abs.gov.au

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