Australia requires everyone on the planet except New Zealanders (also known as "Kiwis") to obtain a visa before leaving on their trip. Tourist visas are free, they're valid for three months, and they expire one year from the date of issue.
There are two ways to apply for an Australian visa.
- You can apply for a three-month visa through the Electronic Travel Authority. This can be done through your travel agent, who has access through his/her computer reservation system. This process takes only a few minutes and the information is stored electronically rather than as a stamp in your passport. This method is available in both Canada and the U.S., and is so convenient that you should not even bother reading about the second method.
- You can get yourself a paper application in the U.S. at:
Australian Embassy
1601 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington D.C., 20036-2273
Voice: (202) 797 3000
Fax: (202) 797 3100
Counter hours: 8:30am - 12.30pmOr:
Australian Consulate General
2049 Century Park East, 19th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Voice: (310) 229-4840
Fax: (310) 277-5620And in Canada, at:
Australian High Commission
50 O'Connor Street, #710
Ottawa, ON KIP6L2
Voice: (613) 783-7665
Fax: (613) 236-4376
Don't mess around with these visas. If you don't have one, the stewardess won't let you on the plane. Then you'll cry. And the stewardess will laugh. Also, be aware when purchasing your plane ticket that you will have to prove to Australian customs officials that you will be able to leave the country, either through the return portion of your ticket, or with a ticket elsewhere.
It is a serious offense to overstay your visa. If your three months fly by and you find yourself wanting to stay longer, visit the Department of Immigration and Multi-Cultural Affairs.
SoYouWanna know more? Check out our full-length article SYW plan a trip to Australia?