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VISA INFORMATION
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
www.immi.gov.au
Phone: 131 881
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. Recorded information is available outside these hours.
Australia's Entry System for Visitors
The aim of Australia's entry system for visitors is to manage the growth of visitor numbers in a cost-effective way through the use of cutting edge technology and to deliver a level of service consistent with the expectation of today's travellers.
New systems and technology, are allowing Australia to develop the world's most electronically sophisticated immigration entry system for visitors.
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) system
The ETA system was introduced in 1996. It is available to passport holders from a number of countries, regions and locations.
The ETA system can be accessed by more than 300 000 travel agents worldwide, more than 75 airlines and through the Internet. The ETA is an electronically stored authority for travel to Australia for short-term visits or business entry. It replaces the visa label or stamp in a passport and reduces the need for travellers to visit an Australian Embassy.
Most ETAs are issued immediately by computer links between the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, travel agents, airlines and specialist service providers around the world. In a small number of cases, some additional processing is required.
eVisitor
The eVisitor is available to passport holders from the European Union and a number of other European countries wanting to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes. The eVisitor authorises multiple entry to Australia over a twelve month period, for stays of up to three months on each occasion. Eligible travellers can apply for an eVisitor using the simple online form available from the Australian immigration website.
eVisa system
Eligible tourists who want to visit Australia for up to one (1) year can also apply for their visa online, using the eVisa system. The eVisa system is quick, easy to use and convenient. Applications are processed in two to 10 days. Alternatively, travellers can arrange for an approved travel agent to make an eVisa application on their behalf, meaning that more people than ever will be able to apply for a visa to visit Australia without having to post their passports and documents or travel long distances to an Australian immigration office.
Document readers
Australia has pioneered the use of document readers to automatically capture information from passports and visas. Document readers are used at many of Australia's overseas missions and all Australian airports.
TOURISTS
Extending Your Stay
To remain longer in Australia than your original visa allows, you are required to obtain another visa. If you want to remain in Australia for tourism or recreational purposes or to visit family or friends, you may apply for a Tourist visa.
If you are refused a further visa, you must leave Australia before the expiry of your original visa.
See: Tourist (e676) Visa – Online Applications
Visa Options for Tourists
For people visiting Australia for holidays, tourism, recreation or to see family and friends. If you are an Australian Citizen or have obtained Australian Citizenship by descent, you are not able to apply for, or be granted an Australian visa.
ETA (Visitor) (Subclass 976)
An electronically stored authority for short-term visits to Australia of up to 3 months. Available to passport holders from a number of countries and regions, who are outside Australia.
eVisitors (Subclass 651)
An electronically stored authority for visits to Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three months. Available to passport holders from the European Union and a number of other European countries, who are outside Australia.
Tourist visa (Subclass 676)
A temporary visa allowing a stay in Australia of up to three or six or 12 months. Applicants can apply from both outside and in Australia. Some tourists are eligible to lodge an online application for an e676 Tourist visa.
Sponsored Family Visitor visa (Subclass 679)
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.
WORKING HOLIDAY
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)
For people from Belgium, Canada, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan and United Kingdom.
Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)
Information for applicants from Bangladesh, Chile, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey and the USA on holiday and work visas in Australia.
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