Visas
Every nationality except inhabitants of New Zealand need visas. Tourist visas and Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visas are valid for three months. ETAs are just under US$11; standard visas cost US$35. Longer-term visas can be applied for.
Note: Nationals of the following countries may obtain a tourist visa on arrival for stays of up to 30 days, provided holding valid passport, return or onward tickets, sufficient funds and a confirmed hotel booking: Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Guam, Ireland, Japan, Korea (Rep), Montserrat, Peru, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Turks & Caicos Islands, the UK and the USA.
Short and Long Stay Visas
Short-stay visas are valid for up to three months - Free.
Long-stay visas are valid for up to six months - AUS $35
For people between 18 - 26 years, there is the Working Holiday Maker visa, for visitors from Ireland, the Netherlands, the UK, Canada and Japan. It is available from the country of origin, valid for up to one year and carries a charge of AUS $145. It permits casual rather than full-time employment, meaning that you are only supposed to work for three of the twelve months.
Visa extensions
These may take a long time to obtain and may be surrounded by lengthy procedures so apply as early as possible. A $A35 fee must be paid up-front which may not be refundable, regardless of the outcome.
Australian Electronic Travel Austhority (ETA) visas
The ETA is an electronically stored authority for travel to Australia that allows people from certain countries (see below) to visit Australia for up to 3 months for tourism, short-term business or elective study purposes. An ETA is invisible and therefore will not show up in your passport.
Nationals of the following countries are eligible for an ETA
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, British Overseas Territories*, UK, USA and Vatican City.
Types of ETA and cost. (Travel agents and Airlines may charge a fee.)
Tourist/Business Visit Short-term: Free of charge.
Business Visit Long-term: £30.
Service fee of A$20 is charged when applying Online.
Validity of ETAs
Tourist Visit ETAs: 12 months or until the passport expires, whichever comes first and permit multiple entries into Australia for a stay of up to 3 months on each visit.
Short-term Business ETAs: 12 months or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, for a single entry of up to 3 months.
Long-term Business Visit ETAs: 10 years or the life of the passport and permit multiple entries for a stay of up to 3 months for each visit.
Other types of Visa and cost
Visitors not eligible for an ETA, or seeking a longer stay than an ETA offers, may apply for Tourist Visit (Non ETA) and Temporary Business Short-stay and Temporary Business Long-stay (Non ETA) visas. Tourist Visit and Business Short-stay visas cost £30; Business Long-stay visas cost £70.
Validity of non-ETA visas
The validity varies according to the type of visa, the purpose of the trip and the validity of the passport. The validity will be stated on the visa label in your passport.
Where to apply
ETA: Authorized travel agents or airlines, by telephone or, in some cases, online through Australian Visas Ltd.
Non-ETA: Australian Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates.
Contact Australian High Commission online: Australia High Commission
Visa applications must by lodged by mail. Forms can be downloaded Online.
Apply here now for your Instant Online Australian Entry Visa
Application requirements
Tourist Visitor ETA:
- Valid passport.
- Fee (if applicable).
- Completed application form (if applying by post).
Tourist Visitor (Non ETA):
1. Application form: Australia High Commission
2. An A4 stamped, self-addressed, registered envelope for return of passport.
3. Valid passport with two unused visa pages.
4. Fee (payable by cheque or postal order.
5. One or more recent passport photos as required.
6. Tourists over the age of 70 require a medical certificate.
Business Visitor (Non ETA):
The same as for Tourist Visitor (Non ETA).
7. Plus, applicant must provide proof of sponsorship and business interest.
Important: Prior to lodging an application, visitors should confirm the current visa fees by calling/visiting online the Australian High Commission. All travellers, including minors travelling on a parent’s passport, require their own visa or ETA.
Working days required to process visa application:
ETA: issued through DIMIA’s ETA website within 3 working days.
Non-ETA: 24 hours to 3 weeks.
However, processing may take even longer in busy periods.
Temporary residence
Applicants for temporary residence, working holidays and long-stay business visits to Australia should contact DIMIA or the Australia High Commission
Passport
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date of entry.
For further details contact an Australian Consulate, Embassy or High Commission, Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs or visit their main website: Immigration
