| Many travellers may not realise that to visit Australia in any capacity, for business or pleasure, requires an up-to-date, government-approved, visa. It is equally important to note that securing a valid Australia visa for your visit to the country can range from being a simple, painless experience that lasts barely a few minutes, to a much longer and more complicated process, depending on a variety of factors. |
 |
| Fortunately, if you are visiting Australia on holiday for less than three months, then obtaining a visa is relatively straightforward. Holidaymakers heading to Australia must apply for an ETA Visa. ETA stands for Electronic Travel Authority and replaces the stamp or label on your passport and also removes the requirement to fill in an application form. The ETA Visa can be applied for online provided you are resident and hold a passport in one of the 34 approved countries that have been accepted by the Australian government to participate on the programme. |
|
| Similarly, if you are heading to Australia for business purposes, then you can apply online for one of two business ETA visas, depending on how long you intend to stay or how many times you are going to visit the country. |
|
| If you intend to stay in Australia on business for less than three months then you can apply for an ETA business visa, which carries the same criteria as the ETA visa for visitors, but with the added feature that while you are in the country, you are permitted to conduct business matters there. |
|
| If you are going to be in Australia frequently and intend to make several visits to the country on the same passport, then you can also apply online for an ETA business long-stay visa. This visa permits the holder multiple entries into Australia for the duration of the passport and is an excellent, cost-effective way for the business traveller to secure a visa that will address their long-term needs. |
|
| Although applying for each of these visas for temporary residence in Australia is straightforward, it is still well worthwhile investigating the criteria stated for each visit on a website provided by a company that has experts available to advise any potential visitor as to the visa requirements pertaining to their visit. While this advice may be advisable for any visitor needing a visa to travel to Australia, it is imperative that other visitors who may not be from ETA registered countries, or who have other reasons for visiting the country seek professional advice as to their visa requirements. |
|
| The number of other visas that are available is staggering and potentially a minefield for someone who does not fully understand the Australian visa system. The system is particularly complex; there are visas for those seeking to immigrate to the country and obtain permanent residence, whereas there are an entirely different set of visas for those who seek only temporary residence. Different visas are needed for those who want to stay longer than three months on holiday, those who want to visit the country as part of a working holiday experience, or as a student and also for many more scenarios. |
|
| In such circumstances, expert advice is not just advised, but required. Speaking to an Australian visa expert can help ensure that you not only apply for the right visa, but also provide all the information necessary to expedite the processing of your application. It is the most effective and quickest way to ensure you get the correct visa for your trip. |
|
|
