Australia Visa Requirements
When traveling to Australia it's important to be aware of visa requirements to enter the country.
There are five types of visas for Australia: Visitor visa (subclass 600), Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601), eVisitor (subclass 651), Medical Treatment visa (subclass 602) and Special Category visa (subclass 444). All have different purposes depending on what type of trip you're planning. Be sure to read up on each to see which is suitable for you.
Many tourists either choose the visitor visa (600), electronic travel authority (601) or the eVisitor (651) as they are directly applicable to tourists and people planning short term holiday-based travel. Which one you choose depends on the type and duration of your travel. Generally speaking, the application process comes with a fee, with the exception of the eVisitor visa, which is only applicable to certain passport holders and is free. The price generally ranges from $20AUD upwards to $1000AUD.
It's also important to make sure to apply for your visa in plenty of time. Visa applications can take time to process, depending on which visa you apply for. The Australian Government website will give you an estimate of the wait time.
Each visa has different requirements for entry, so it's important to read to fine print and make sure you have everything you need upon arrival. Be sure to fill out all the appropriate forms and once approved, it's always a good idea to follow up with a phone call to the local embassy to make sure all of your ducks are in a row.
It's also extremely important that you abide by the rules laid out in your visa. For example, some visas allow work, while others do not, and some are ideal for multiple entry while others are not. It's important to get the right type of visa for your visit.
Always check the government website to ensure regulations have not changed and that you have everything you need for your Australian holiday.
