Just about anyone traveling to the land downunder will need Australia travel visa.
This might surprise some people, but the general rule is unless you have an Australian or New Zealand Passport you need a visa to enter Australia.
Travel visas are required for all visits including:
holidays business trips working holidays emigration
Visitors from UK are usually the most surprised that they need a visa. Even though Australia is still (2008) part of the Commonwealth, UK citizens require a visa for entry to Australia.
There is good news however, you do not necessarily have to seek out your local Australian Visa Office (usually the High Commission or Embassy) and attend in person. The new electronic visas or Electronic Travel Authorities (ETAs) are available to passport holders of ETA approved countries who meet the eligibility criteria.
These eVisas are fast, convenient and simple to apply for. You will need a current passport, credit card and access to the web.
Eligibility criteria for an ETA visas (eVisas) include:
You must have a current passport from an ETA approved country You must be in good health You must have NO criminal record You must apply for a visa outside Australia
Electronic visas are usually processed within 24 hours and are valid for 12 months from the date of issue with stays up to 3 months. The Australian govenment recommends that you apply for your visa before making travel arrangements.
If you are in a country other than your home country you should check with their immigration whether a stamp or label Australia travel visa is required at your point of departure. You will not be allowed to board your transport to Australia without a valid visa.
By: Annie R
Posts Tagged ‘Travel Visa’
India Tourist Travel Visa – Requirements and Costs
October 12th, 2009
The other day I had a client call me up, and boy was he upset. Apparently, he filed for an India tourist visa, and they had requested references prior to approval. So who does he call? His trusty travel agent. We were able to submit the paperwork and get him across the border in time to attend his sister’s wedding.
Here are several important things to consider when you apply for an India tourist visa:
Purchase ahead of time. Try to allot yourself at least one week for any red tape. My client was not anticipating filing references, and this added six days to the waiting period. When you do apply, be prepared to fill out an application, proof of onward travel, and two additional photos. As with any government institution, the rules change quickly, so confirm the details with you embassy beforehand.
Same day service is possible, provided there aren’t any snags to slow the process any. If you have been to India before and everything went smoothly, you can usually get same day service for an additional fee. However, I recommend book ahead of time just in case.
US citizens must pay $73 for an India tourist travel visa; other nationalities can pay as little as $53. It’s important to factor visa expenses into your budget; if you are border hopping a lot on your trip, the costs can get quite high in a short amount of time. Keep in mind that you must pay the consular fee, and a service fee. Think of Ticketmaster, but more bureaucratic. On second thought, don’t…
Speaking of bureaucracy, there is no country in the world more embedded in red tape than India. I cannot stress this point enough: to avoid a never ending onslaught of delays, file all your paperwork for an India tourist travel visa prior to arriving in India. This alone will save you countless headaches.
By: Adam Costa
