Visa Requirements for Australia

Visa applications

Under Australia's universal visa system, all visitors to Australia must have a valid visa to travel to and enter Australia (other than New Zealand and Norfolk Island passport holders, who will normally be issued a visa on arrival in Australia unless there are character or health concerns). For more information, see the fact sheet: http://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/17nz.htm).

There are many visa options available to people wishing to visit Australia.
The appropriate visa option will depend, amongst other things, on the person's purpose for visiting Australia.

For international visitors

All travelers to Australia must have a valid visa before boarding their plane. They cannot apply for a visa on arrival in Australia (except New Zealand and Norfolk Island passport holders who do not normally need to lodge a visa application prior to departure.

International visitors who wish to attend an event, conference or meeting in Australia are encouraged to apply at least four to six weeks before departing Australia.

Visitors must meet all requirements to be granted the appropriate visa.

Passports must be valid for travel and the period of intended stay.

Visas for specific purposes

(See attached file: Business Visitor Visa Information as at July 09.pdf)

NB: IECN assistance will NOT guarantee a visa grant. Visa applicants must demonstrate that they meet all the legislative requirements for an Australian visa. It is strongly recommended that visa applications are lodged well in advance of a participant's intended date of travel (6-8 weeks before).

For background information in relation to:
visas for people to come to Australia for a business-related visit,
please see:
www.immi.gov.au/skilled/business/business-visit-visa-options.htm

Health and character requirements

All visa applicants will be required to meet certain character and health requirements as part of their visa application process. These requirements exist to uphold the safety and security of the Australian community. The following documents provide further information on these requirements.

(See attached file: Form 1163i.pdf)(See site: www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/79character.htm)  
Australian tourism consumer information

Tourism Australia's website has useful information for anyone intending to visit Australia, including a range of important tips for travellers at www.australia.com

Also see South Australia site for more information on local tourist destinations http://www.southaustralia.com/

What you cannot bring into Australia

For information on what you can and cannot bring into Australia, please visit the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) website at www.aqis.gov.au/businesstravel