Australia tourist visa

[sddsddean]

Just looked at the Australia House website, which implies that it costs $Aus20 per person for a 3 month tourist visa. Does anyone know if this is correct for a British citizen? I went to Canada this year and being part of the commonwealth, you didn't a visa at all.

[Buenchico]

Australia is very strict about both who and what they allow in. Visas are definitely required and you should expect some very strict checks when you enter the country. Don't, whatever you do, arrive with anything like a beef sandwich in your bag - you'll almost certainly be arrested! (This also applies if you've got, say, some pretty shells which you bought on a stopover in Singapore. The Ozzies are, quite rightly, determined to keep out any diseases which could be carried by animal or vegetable matter).

Chris

[sddsddean]

Do you know if the cost aspect is correct Chris?

[Buenchico]

If you can meet the criteria for an Electronic Travel Authority (e.g. no criminal convictions), you can apply online here:
http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/ETAAus4En.html
The cost is AUS $20, payable by credit card.

If you don't meet the criteria for an ETA, download and complete both of these forms:
http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/48r.pdf
http://www.australia.org.uk/vti/FORMS/vv_checklist.pdf
Then send both documents to the address on the second form, together with a sterling payment for the equivalent of AUS $70. (The currency conversion should be done using the facility at the foot of this page: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/990i.htm ).

Chris

PS: if you haven't decided where you're going to visit yet, Perth and the surrounding area (e.g. the Red Desert) is an absolute must!

[sddsddean]

Thanks Chris

[dzug]

Strictly speaking the visa (ETA anyway) is free, but there is an application fee payable whether it's granted or not. You DO need it as others have said.

You MIGHT find a friendly travel agent who will get you one for nothing (which is actually what it directly costs him) if you make all your arrangements through him. Most will want their pound of flesh though