All visitors to Australia, except New Zealanders, require
a visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter the country.
You can get visa application forms from the Australia High Commissions,
embassies or consulates listed here...
Nationals of the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan and several European and Scandinavian
countries who intend to stay for less than 3 months can apply for an ETA, valid for multiple entries over one year.
Citizens of other countries or visitors who intend to stay for longer
tan three moths should apply for a visitor visa, valid for 3 to
6 months. You'll need to complete an application form and lodge
it either in person or by post to the embassy or consulate, and
takes around 4 weeks to process. If you think you might stay more
than 3 mos, it's best to get the longer visa before departure because
once you get to Australia extensions coast A$145
An important condition for all holiday visa applications is that
you have at least A$1000 a month to support yourself during your
stay and to get yourself home again. For more information on getting
a visa to Australia, click here...
For travellers, the Working Holiday Visa is the best way to supplement your travels.
Citizens of the UK, Ireland, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Japan, and Korea, aged 18 to 30, can apply for a 12-month visa.
It is only issued to those seeking a genuine working holiday, not for permanent work
and often require proof of onward travel and sufficient funds. Citizens of the US can consider applying for a work permit through
and organization such as BUNAC or CIEE.
There are certain prohibited imports to Australia as they have a delicate
balance of flora and fauna and foreign bodies can cause destruction when they are introduced to the environment. If you disregard the rules, you could be fined
NZ$200 or higher on the spot. Drug paraphernalia, such as pipes and bongs, as well as any type of weapon is prohibited. This is no joking matter, they bring dogs out and sniff everyone. Just another reason not
to smuggle drugs!!
The following must be declared at customs and will either be treated or confiscated: food, plants or parts of plants (dead or alive),
animals (dead or alive), equipment used with animals, camping gear, golf clubs, used bicycles, biological specimens and footwear
(specifically hiking boots).
The duty free allowance is 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars; 4.5 litres of wine or beer, plus one bottle
of not more than 1125ml of spirits.
|
