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VISITORS to Australia need a full passport, plus a valid visa for the duration of their intended stay. This applies to all people entering Australia - except for New Zealanders - such as students, people on working holidays, businessmen and migrants.
You can now apply on-line for most visas through the Australian High Commission at: www.immi.gov.au
You will not be allowed to board your aircraft if you do not have the necessary visa. You may also need a visa for countries you may stop off at along the way, such as Thailand, Indonesia and Burma to name a few. Your travel agent will help you to obtain these and give you general advice.
There is no entry fee on arrival in Australia, but there is departure tax and this is collected as part of your international ticket cost and is shown separately on your ticket. There may also be various other taxes shown especially if you are also going to other countries.
For a visa label stamped in your passport a fee is payable to the Australian High Commission. A short stay visitor visa allows multiple entry and stays of up to three months on each entry. This type of visa is valid for one year or four years. A long stay visitor visa allows multiple entry and stays of over three months and up to six months on each entry. This type of visa is valid for one year or four years.
If your visa is marked Ômultiple travelÕ you can visit Australia as many times as you like while the visa is valid. On each visit you can stay as long as your visa allows. A visitor may be asked to show evidence of a return flight or onward flight ticket and funds to support themselves while in Australia.
You can obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) from participating travel agents, airlines, cruise lines and specialised companies. A fee is normally payable.
ETAs allow multiple entry to Australia for a stay of up to three months on each entry. A Tourist Visit ETA is valid for 12 months or until expiry of your passport, for tourism purposes.
You should also ensure that you have adequate travel insurance, to cover not only your baggage but also sickness and accidents. If travelling through America you should make certain that the amount of the insurance will cover the very high medical and hospital costs there - in case you do fall ill or have an accident.
You can obtain travel insurance from your travel agent or specialist insurance agency for a reasonable premium, which depends on the length of time you wish to stay away.
But make sure that the agent gives you a valid insurance policy, with a receipt showing you have paid the premium. If the travel agent offers free travel insurance as part of your total travel package again make certain that you are given a completed travel insurance policy and it is signed by the issuing agent.
You should take this insurance policy with you on your holiday, although you may not be able to make a claim on it until after you have returned home. But in many cases the insurance company will pay some money if you have a big medical bill or have lost your clothes, etc.
Make a list of the major items that you are carrying in each suitcase, as you will need this in case of a claim. Some insurance policies will also cover any duty free items which you have bought during your travels. It is best to compare three or four insurance policies to make sure you get the one that covers the items you want insured. Also make a note of the number and expiry date of any credit cards you take and keep this separate to the card.