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.
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 up to date information.
The Department of Home Affairs website provides extensive visa information and application forms.
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.
Tourist Visas
Tourist Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) : Subclass 601
The Electronic Travel Authority is an electronically stored authority allowing the visa holder short-term visits to Australia of up to 3 months for the purpose of holidays, tourism, recreation or to see family and friends. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of selected countries and regions. Applicants must apply outside of Australia.
eVisitors : Subclass 651
The eVisitors is an electronically stored authority allowing the visa holder to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three months. This visa is available to passport holders from the European Union and a number of other European countries. Applicants must apply outside of Australia.
Sponsored Family Visitor Visa
The Sponsored Family Visitor Visa is for people seeking to visit family in Australia for a stay period of up to 12 months. Formal sponsorship by an Australian citizen or permanent resident is required.
Business Visas
eVisitors : Subclass 651
The eVisitors is an electronically stored authority allowing the visa holder to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three months. This visa is available to passport holders from the European Union and a number of other European countries. Applicants must apply outside of Australia.
Business Short Stay Visa : Subclass 600
The Business Short Stay Visa allows business people to make a short visit to Australia for up to three months for business purposes. Business purposes include a conference, negotiation or exploratory business visit. This visa is available to all passport holders who are not eligible to apply for a Business Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or an eVisitor.
Other Visas
Working Holiday Visa : Subclass 417
The Working Holiday Visa is for people aged between 18 and 30 (or 35 years for some countries) who would like to travel to Australia for an extended holiday of up to 12 months. Visa holders are entitled to work in order to supplement their travel funds. Working Holiday Visas are only available to people from selected countries.
Student Visa
There are a number of Student Visas available for people who would like to travel to Australia for the purpose of study.
Other Visas
Several other visa classes exist for people wanting an extended stay in Australia or 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 several Fact Sheets available online. Extensive general information and advice is available on the Department of Home Affairs Website found at: https://immi.homeaffairs.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. Every piece of luggage that is brought into Australia is checked and all mail is screened. Further Information about what Can be brought into Australia.