Getting to know the entire world is the top dream for many people from all around the globe, and visiting Australia leads the bucket list or the list of “places to see before you die” of a huge group of these adventurers since this captivating country has an incredible number of attractive reasons to offer from its geography to its fauna, with many unique animals and breathtaking landscapes. Along these lines, all the necessary steps to be taken in order to obtain a visa to visit Australia, will be listed to get closer to visiting the “Land Down Under”.
Where to begin?
A common question is related to not knowing where to get started, so, first of all, to apply for an Australian visa, the person must be a resident of a foreign country, which allows to apply for a tourist or business visa type. Also, the applicant must have a valid passport, email address and a credit card to fill out the online application form.
Now, what next?
All governments have regulations depending on the origin of the visitors, that is why this step to get the australia travel visa specifies that an e-Visitor ETA questionnaire must be completed if the country of origin is included within the following list:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Finland
- France
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Malta
- Monaco
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Italy
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Romania
- San Marino
- Spain
- Sweden
- Vatican City
And, an ETA questionnaire is required when the country of origin is listed below:
- Brunei-Darussalam
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- Republic of South Korea
- United States
At this point, it is important to notice that e-Visitor can not be demanded by British citizens or by those from an English colony (British National Overseas, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Protected Person or British Subject passport).
Suggestions for all travelers
Once the Australian visa is awarded, showing respect for the local laws is mandatory and some rules must be kept in mind before entering Australian territory
- Be aware at all times about customs regulations regarding foods, fauna and fiscal law.
- Drug trafficking is forbidden, this may cause severe consequences.
- Failing to make a trustful declaration on the passenger application that must be fulfilled during flight.
- Never hide anything subject to inspection during customs officer check out.
- Always check if all medications for a particular medical condition are legal within Australian territory, if not, make sure to obtain the appropriate solutions.
- Never carry other people’s belongings.
- Do not think that “you are untouchable”.
- Never lie to authorities.
- Do not carry products of falsified trade marks.
Remarks
The following questions must always be formulated prior to the trip
- What kind of visa is needed, tourist or business type?
- What are the requirements to obtain the visa?
- What are the personal obligations once on Australian territory?
- What restrictions accompany the visa awarded?
- What can be carried into Australia?
- What are the maximum limits for everything?
FAQ
Who is eligible for the Australia eVisitor-ETA?
- People planning to stay for a short time on Australian soil.
- People out of Australian territory when asking for the visa.
- People with a valid passport.
- The applicant is free from dangerous contagious illnesses.
- The applicant is free from a criminal record.
What is a tourist visa good for?
- Allows to visit the country as a tourist.
- Visit friends and next of kin.
- Attend educational programs for no more than three months.
What is a business visa good for?
- Allows working activities as long as they do not imply selling of goods and services to public and being an employee of a local company.
- Allows to investigate corporate affairs.
- Allows to search, sign and review commercial contracts.
- Official tasks related to government entities can be done.
- Assist to congresses, seminars and give lectures.
- Attend educational programs for no more than three months.
What if the plan is to work in Australia with a business visa?
Australian law strictly forbids this practice, so unfortunately this is not possible unless the visitor intends to do some volunteer work.
For how long can the visit last?
The visitor can only stay in Australian soil legally for a ninety days period only.
Can a full family visa application be demanded?
No, a single family member can not fill out an application that includes all members of a family, every person must fill out an individual application including all those under eighteen years of age.
How long does it take to get the permit?
It usually takes from twenty four hours to seven working days. Depending on the considerations that the Australian government takes on every individual case.
With an awarded visa, there is still more questionnaires to answer?
Yes, an application named “the passenger card” must be fulfilled during the flight. Everything must be answered with honesty and to the best of personal abilities.
What can be carried in the baggage?
This matter must be consulted at the customs regulations section.
Mistakes and refunds
Once the service is paid, refunds are not possible, so if any mistakes are made, the service must be contacted at once.
For how long is the visa valid?
For a whole year since the moment it is awarded or until the passport expires.
What if the transport to Australia is a cruise ship?
Once at the immigration facilities, passport, boarding pass and tourist ETA visa are needed.
Why is a visa rejected?
For failing to comply with all regulations and laws.
How much cash can be hand-carried into Australia?
There is no actual limit but if the amount is over ten thousand australian dollars, a declaration must be issued
Up to this point, most of the information needed to obtain a visa to visit Australia is pretty much well covered but if any further information is required for any particular need, personal contact with the local australian authorities is strongly recommended.