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Visa rules are not simple, and they change. Some countries require visas even for a short transit stop. Others may turn you back if they find a visa for a country they don't like in your passport.
- A visa is a permit to travel to another country. It goes in your passport. You may be charged for it.
- If you are on a tourist visa or a visa-free scheme... carrying a resume can cause suspicion.
- Whether you're on a visa or visa-free, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the time you enter.
When you apply for a visa, be honest about yourself and your plans. Take notice of the visa conditions. Plan to give consistent answers to questions at the barrier when you land or you could be turned back.
Visiting Australia
To visit Australia you need a current passport, valid for six months after your departure, and if not an Australian citizen you need a valid Australian visa to enter and spend time in Australia.
Australian Visas are free for three months, but a fee is chargeable for a six month visa. You will also pay a departure tax when leaving Australia, but this would usually be included in your air fare.
With the exception of New Zealand citizens travelling on New Zealand passports, all foreign nationals must obtain an Australian visa before travelling to Australia. (New Zealand citizens are issued with a visa on arrival in Australia.)
Visas are available from Australian visa offices such as Australian Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates. They are also available from travel agents and airlines in certain countries.
Please note that:
- Airlines may refuse to allow travellers without valid visas and passports to board their aircraft.
- It is recommended that intending visitors first obtain a visa before purchasing airline tickets, or enter into any other financial commitments dependent upon entry to Australia.
- Visitors are subject to visa requirements while in Australia.
- Tourists are not allowed to work during their visit to Australia.
People who want to work need to apply to an Australian visa office for a temporary residence visa. Penalties apply for people who breach work conditions.
The type of visa you will need depends on how long you wish to stay in Australia and what you want to do during your stay. For example, you may want to make a visit as a tourist, or business person, or you may want to live temporarily in Australia to play sport, train or work.
Entry and visa information
An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is an electronically stored authority enabling genuine short-term visitors to Australia to obtain authority to enter Australia at the same time as they book their travel arrangements. There is no need for the traveller to complete an application form for an Australian visa.
About the Electronic Travel Authority
Australia's Electronic Travel Authority system (ETA) is the most advanced and streamlined travel authorisation system in the world. It enables visitors to Australia to obtain authority to enter Australia, at the same time as they book their travel arrangements.
There is no need for the traveller to complete an application form for a visa. The ETA is issued within seconds by computer links between the Department of Immigration and Multi cultural Affairs (DIMA), and travel agents, airlines and specialist service providers around the world.
An ETA is the modern-day replacement for a visa label or a stamp in a passport, although these are still used where the ETA is not yet available. ETA arrangements are now available to passport holders from 31 countries and locations. More than 55 airlines and 22,500 travel agents worldwide (as well as Australian offices overseas) currently participate in the system.
The Governments of the USA, Canada, France, Spain, Japan and the Republic of Korea have recognised the ETA as equivalent to visa-free travel and, in return, no longer require Australian visitors to hold visa's for short-term travel to those destinations.
- How does an ETA work?...Your travel agent will ask for your passport details. Participating agents can access the ETA system through the computer reservation system used for your other travel arrangements. Within a few seconds your travel to Australia can be electronically authorised. When you arrive at the airport for check-in, the check-in staff can electronically confirm that you have authority to travel to Australia.
- Where can I get an ETA?...The place to obtain an ETA is at a participating travel agent that is connected to one of the major computer reservation systems, or from the reservation office of a participating airline. You can also obtain an ETA at the nearest Australian diplomatic office or at the Australian Electronic Travel Authority website.
There are 3 types of ETA
- If you are travelling for tourism or to visit friends or relatives and wish to stay for up to three months on each visit within a twelve month period, you should apply for the free Tourist ETA.
- If you are travelling on a business visit, and wish to stay for up to three months on each visit during the life of your passport, you should apply for the Long Validity Business ETA. There is a fee for this ETA. Payment is by credit card only.
- If you hold a USA, Canadian, French or Spanish passport and you are travelling on business, you may apply for the Short Validity Business ETA. This ETA is free and entitles the holder to one visit, may be used anytime over 12 months and permits a stay of 3 months from date of arrival.
Extending your stay in Australia
If you wish to extend your stay beyond three months, you will need to contact the nearest office of the Department of Immigration and Multi cultural Affairs in Australia before the end of your 3 months stay period. There is no provision for obtaining a further ETA when you are in Australia. The Department of Immigration is available to answer your inquiries at 131 881. 
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