What do I need to know about visas, customs etc?

Visitors must have a valid visa and current passport for entry into Australia. A visa must be issued in your own country and be entered in the passport before the travel date.

Australian tourist visas are free of charge and applications should be made to the relevant Australian Embassy, Consulate of High Commission.
If you are a non-resident and wish to work in Australia, a work permit is required. Visitors should ensure they apply for the correct visa to suit their requirements.

What is temporary residence?

Temporary residence is if you enter Australia on a temporary basis as visitors, students or for specialised purposes under the temporary residence program. Temporary Residence is the right to live and/or work in Australia for a limited time, or is the right to live in Australia in retirement.

In the case of skilled employment, social/cultural benefit and international relations, you are allowed to come to Australia for specific purposes, which will result in some benefit to the Australian community.

This includes people with specialist skills, such as managers, academics and medical practitioners, people who make a social or cultural contribution to the community, such as entertainers, media and film staff, sports people, religious workers, visiting academics and public lecturers; and people who contribute to the development of international relations, such as diplomatic personnel, participants in exchange programs and working holiday makers.

I have heard that I will only get a student visa if I select a registered course. Is that true?

Yes, a registered course is the education or training course offered by an Australian education provider registered with the Australian Government to offer courses to overseas students.

AA specialises in helping you to find a registered course. Please fill out our enquiry form and we will respond to you individually.

What are the conditions on my tourist visa?

If you wish to visit Australia for sightseeing, travel, visiting friends and relatives, caring for dependants who are in Australia on a student visa, or other short-term non-working activities, you will need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or a tourist/holiday visa.

What are the conditions for my working holiday visa?

Only applicants who are aged between 18 and 30 years and without dependent children, where conditions have been prearranged, are eligible to apply for a Working Holiday visa.

Australia has reciprocal arrangements with fourteen countries - the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, the Republic of Ireland, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malta, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Cyprus.

Are we able to bring our dog?

You can bring family pets, but they will have to be quarantined. For more information, please contact us.

Where can I get more information about visas?

Fill out the AA enquiry form and we provide you with the information requested.