FAQ – eVisitor visa
WHAT IS “eVisitor”?
As from 27th October 2008, citizens who hold passport from EU and other countries who are eligible to apply for the Electronic Travel Authority are entitled to apply for the eVisitor visa authority. This authority allows these citizens to travel to Australia for Tourism or Business purposes for up to 12 months, staying for up to 3 months at a time. This visa or authority, can only be applied for online and from off-shore (outside Australia). The countries are:- Andorra; Austria; Belgium; Bulgaria; Cyprus; Czeck Republic; Denmark; Estonia; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; Hungary; Iceland; Ireland; Italy; Latvia; Liechtenstein; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Malta; Monaco; Netherlands; Norway; Poland; Portugal; Romania; San Marino; Slovakia; Slovenia; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; United Kingdom and the Vatican City (Holy See).
The category of United Kingdom passports excludes British National (Overseas), British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Protected Person and British Subject passport holders.
HOW MUCH?
The Visa Application Charge (VAC) or authority charge is FREE.
ARE THERE ANY CONDITIONS?
Yes. You must be in good health, including being free from TB (Tuberculosis). You must not have any criminal convictions. You must not work as a Tourist. Those on Business visa/authority have limited activities permitted. Further conditions may be explained when the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) email the grant notice. Business eVisitor applicants must apply for the Business eVisitor visa/authority. The activities which a Business application may be sort would include, but would not be limited to:- Exploring existing/future business opportunities; Attending a Conference or Meeting relevant to the applicant’s business or occupation; Undertake training activities which will be relevant to the applicant’s business or occupation – this would not normally include work replacement.
HOW DO I APPLY?
All eVisitor visa/authority must be done online www.immi.gov.au and you must provide an email address as all correspondence will be conducted electronically. A seperate application must be done for each applicant travelling, even those under 18 years of age, including accompanied children and infants.
WHEN SHOULD I APPLY?
It is recommended that an application should be made at least 2 weeks prior to intended travel. This application must be completed in English. In most cases the application will be approved within minutes. Status of the application can be checked by visiting http://www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/check-progress.htm and approval can be downloaded from this site. A Password will be required when an application is either saved part way through or upon completion. This must be used to check status.
CAN I APPLY FOR AN eVisitor WHILE HOLDING ANOTHER VALID VISA?
Should an application be lodged for an eVisitor visa/authority while holding a valid visa for Australia, there will be a warning given as part of the online process. This will advise that your current valid visa will be overridden by the eVisitor application, should it be granted. If an ETA visa is currently held, this will still be valid for travel up until the advised expiry date. From 27th October 2008, ETA visas will no longer be available via the internet, but they will still be available through Travel Agents and Airlines, when purchasing the ticket to travel.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT eVisitor?
Visit www.immi.gov.au
