The Australian Tourist Visa Application Process
- 1). Apply for the Electronic Travel Authority (Visitor) visa that allows stays of up to three months in Australia. Several countries are covered by this visa, including visitors from the United States and the United Kingdom. It remains valid for one full year after you receive it, meaning you can make your trip of up to 90 days at any time during that year. Apply at the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship website for instant approval or visit your nearest Australian visa office to apply in person. No supporting documents are necessary for this visa.
- 2). Complete a tourist (Subclass 676) visa application if you plan to stay in Australia for longer than three months. This allows stays of up to three, six or 12 months and is a more versatile alternative to the basic ETA (Visitor) visa. Print the Application for General Tourists to Visit Australia for Tourism form from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.
- 3). Attach all supporting documents to your application. These include your passport--which will be returned to you--certified copies of your birth certificate and a recent, passport-sized photograph of yourself. Print your name on the back of the photograph.
- 4). Submit your completed application and supporting documents, along with the application fee, to the nearest Australian consulate in your country. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship has a list of immigration offices outside of Australia for you to search.
- 5). Undergo an exam with an Australian government-approved doctor, if prompted. This mainly occurs with applicants who are likely to enter a hospital or classroom environment, if they are older than 75 or if they have a medical condition.
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