The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), has made an announcement with regard to eVisitor Visas.

As from 27th October 2008, applicants with a current Passport from the Countries listed below, which are all EU countries, plus Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican City, will be able to apply for eVisitor Visas for either tourist or business purposes.

The Eu countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.

DIAC have also announced that those applying on-line may do so free of DIAC fees.

Once the application has been approved, this visa will allow the holder to enter and stay in Australia as often as they like, for periods of up to 3 months at a time, with a maximum period of 12 months.

The applicant is not permitted to work.