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Special visas for Commonwealth Games

AUSTRALIA will have special visa arrangements in place for the accredited Commonwealth Games Family Members for the period extending from 15 February 2006 to one month after the Games.

All visitors (with the exception of New Zealand passport holders) going to Australia for meetings, test events, sporting events, training or any other purpose prior to 15 February 2006 will be required to have a valid visa for the duration of their stay.

All visitors (with the exception of New Zealand passport holders) going to Australia as Games spectators will need to obtain an ETA or tourist visa. This applies to the family and friends of accredited Commonwealth Games Family Members.

The type of visa needed will depend on how long an individual wishes to stay in Australia and what they want to do during that stay.

The documents required for entry clearance on arrival are:
* passport, and
* Incoming Passenger Card.

It is essential that visitors depart Australia before their visa expires.

Further information on visas can be obtained from any overseas Australian mission (eg Australian Embassy, High Commission, Consulate-General) or by consulting the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs website at: http://www.immi.gov.au/visit/index.htm