Australian Visa Information
It is vital to get the
most up to date details when dealing with visas. Below
are the places to find this information quickly and reliably.
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
Travelling
to Australia necessitates a valid visa or Electronic Travel Authority
(ETA), unless you are an Australian citizen or a New Zealand passport
holder (most). The information that follows is a brief overview.
It is recommended that you make use of the links provided to gain
the most upto date information.
The Department
of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs website provides
some visa application forms and can be found at: http://www.immi.gov.au
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra also provides visa information.
The Australian
Government advise persons intending to visit Australia,
to obtain a visa or ETA before "making any irreversible
arrangements such as paying for airline tickets, giving
notice to employers or disposing of real estate". In
addition health and character requirements must be satisfied.
Apply Online for an Electronic
Travel Authority Visa
Tourist - Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
This form
of visa requires no application form filling or passport stamping.
The Australian government offices recommend that you apply for
your ETA from a travel agent. Have your credit card and all the
passports you are appling for ready in front of you when you call.
There may be an additional charge by an agent for the visa.
The Tourist
ETA is valid for 12 months, or until your passport expires;
whichever is earlier. Multiple entries into Australia are
permitted, with a maximum stay of three months on each visit and in some cases up to 6 months.
Apply Online for an Electronic
Travel Authority
Business - Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
The Business
ETA is for people requiring entry to Australia for business purposes.
The Business
ETA is valid for 10 years, or until your passport expires; whichever
comes earlier. Multiple entries into Australia are permitted with
a maximum 3 month stay on each occasion.
Further Information: http://www.immi.gov.au
Working Holiday Visas
Working
Holiday Visas are for 18-30 year olds who wish to travel
in Australia for upto one year. You are entitled to work
in order to supplement your travel funds. Details can be
obtained by visiting the
embassy website. Fact
sheet 49 offers further information, as well as
visa restrictions and requirements.
Apply Online for a Working Holiday Visa
Temporary Residence Visas
Information
on Temporary Residence Visas for employment, cultural or
other purposes are available from the embassy website. Fact
sheet 47 offers further information, as well as
visa restrictions and requirements.
Migration Visas
Several different
visa classes exist for people wanting to permanently migrate to
Australia. The number of some visa classes granted is limited
by law so competition is likely to be fierce. There are eight
different migration information and application booklets available.
General information and advice is available on the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs Website found at: http://www.immi.gov.au
Citizenship Enquiries
Information on how to become an Australian Citizen can be obtained from the Government run Australian
Citizenship website.
Quarantine Regulations
Australia has very strict quarantine regulations. When intending to visit, or return to Australia, it is a good idea to check what you can and can't bring into the country with regards to food, animal and plant material. The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service check every piece of luggage that is brought into Australia and are also responsible for the screening of all mail sent to Australia. Further Information about Australian Quarantine Regulations.
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