When Do I Need A Visa For Australia?
June 27, 2008
The main purpose of a visa is to give visa holders legal permission to remain in Australia either temporarily or permanently. Your visa may also include permission to travel to and enter Australia.
If you are a citizen of New Zealand or a permanent resident of Norfolk Island who meets certain requirements, you need no visa to travel to Australia but require a visa to remain in Australia. However, if you are a citizen of another country, you must obtain a visa before travelling to Australia. Certain nationalities can obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) if they intend to stay in Australia for less than three months, for tourism or for business.
If you are transiting through Australia for less than 72 hours, on your way to another destination via the next available flight, you will require a transit visa. Transit visas are free of charge. If you choose to have a short break in Australia for tourism purposes, you should apply for a visitor visa, not a transit visa. Please note that airlines may refuse to allow travelers to board their aircraft without valid visas / ETAs and passports.
If you intend to stay for more than three months or are not eligible for an ETA, a visa application must be lodged with the Australian Embassy/Consulate-General, together with the required fee.
