Whoever you are and wherever you're from, you will need a visa of some sort to see more of Australia than an airport lounge. For those coming here to holiday, there are four basic types of visa.
More detailed information regarding all visas can be found at
Anyone needing to deal with Australian immigration authorities will most probably soon encounter a policy of confusion and discouragement, so stay keen, polite and patient, as there is often a way in even when all the doors seem closed.
Kiwis
New Zealand nationals receive a 'special category' visa on arrival.
Tourist Visas
These are issued at Australian Consular offices. A three-month visa is free of charge. A six month visa costs AUS$35. These two visas are both multiple-entry and valid for use within twelve months from the date of issue. There is also a four year-multiple entry-long stay visa, which costs AUS$35, valid for stays of up to six months for each visit.
ETA - Electronic Travel Authority
A splendid new innovation, free of charge, for anyone planning a stay of less than three months. An ETA is obtained as you book your travel arrangements. Available for citizens of over thirty countries, (the list is growing), from 55 airlines and 22,500 travel agents.
Working Holiday Visas
These are available for citizens of Canada, Japan, Malta, U.K., Republic of Ireland, Netherlands, & Republic of Korea. "Applicants from other countries can be considered where benefits can be expected within the spirit of the scheme." You need to be aged between 18 - 25 years, though applications from up to 30 year-olds have been accepted. These visas, valid for one year, only allow you to work for any one employer for a maximum of three months, but you can then work for another employer, and so on. You can apply for these work visas up to twelve months in advance, and numbers are limited so get in as early as possible. In January 2000, the Federal Government began talks regarding the granting of working holiday visas to visitors from 15 new countries.
Student Visas
The Australian Government operates an Overseas Student Program that allows people who are not Australian citizens to study in Australia. Those interested must obtain a Student Visa. To be granted a student visa you must complete an application form, pay the charge, satisfy student visa requirements and intend to study full-time. If you need to get a job while studying, you will need to apply for a new student visa with permission to work attached as a condition of that visa. The application charge for a student visa with permission to work is AUD$50. Work rights can't be given with a student visa granted outside Australia. Be warned - waiting lists can be extremely long.
Business Visitors
There are two types of visas for this area - Temporary Business Entry (up to 3 months) and Long Stay Temporary Business Entry (up to 4 years). Long Stay Business Entry applies to personnel (executives, managers and specialists) for companies operating in Australia; personnel from offshore companies seeking to establish a branch in Australia or participate in joint ventures and independent executives seeking to establish a new business or joining existing businesses in Australia.
Visa Extensions
The maximum stay allowed to visitors is one year, including extensions. Visa extensions are made through Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs offices in Australia and as it's a lengthy process, it's best to apply about a month before your visa expires. There is an application fee of $145 and even if they turn down your application, they can still keep your money.
Innoculation/Customs
Australia has no diseases that you require to be innoculated against before you get here. Yellow Fever vaccination is the only health requirement for travellers entering Australia and it is only required in some circumstances. If you have visited Africa or South America during the previous six days before arriving in Australia, you must tick 'yes' on the Travellers Statement form given to you before arrival. Quarantine regulations however are very strict and wide ranging and are well worth researching before you arrive, especially regarding anything of plant or animal origin - see our section on Quarantine.