Visa Information
All visitors to Australia must have a valid visa to travel to and enter Australia (other than New Zealand passport holders who will normally be granted a Special Category visa on arrival, provided they meet health and character requirements; and permanent residents of Norfolk Island who may be granted a Permanent Resident of Norfolk Island visa on arrival).
While great care has been taken in collating the following information, all conference delegates are advised to carefully check the detailed information about each visa category on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website before applying.
Visa Options for Conferences, Congresses, Trade Fairs, Seminars or Expos
The most common visa options for short travel to Australia to attend a conference or congress are:
1) Electronic Travel Authority ETA (601)
- Online application process via the ETA app
- Quick – In most cases, applicants will be notified of the result of their ETA application immediately
- Available to passport holders of eligible countries
Eligibility for an eVisitor visa and ETA will be determined by the country of passport that the applicant holds. The ETA is a quick, online, charge free process, but incurs a AUD$20 service provider charge, and/or a further charge if applied for through a travel agency, airline agency or specialist service provider. Further information can be found on the ETA website.
2) eVisitor Visa (651)
- Online application process
- Quick
- One working day processing time
- No Application charge or service fee
Eligibility for an eVisitor visa and ETA will be determined by the country of passport that the applicant holds. The eVisitor visa is an online visa process, with a one working day processing time for low risk applications. There is no visa application charge or service fee. Further information on the eVisitor visa, including how to apply online, can be found on the eVisitor Visa website.
3) Visitor Visa (subclass 600) in the Business Visitor stream
- Online application process
- Application fee of AUD140
Passport holders who are not eligible to apply for an eVisitor or an ETA should apply for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) in the Business Visitor Stream. Further information can be found on the Subclass 600 Visa website.
Requesting a Visa Application Support Letter
ACII can provide visa application support letters to attendees, authors of accepted papers and posters, and conference committee members. Attendees eligible under the ETA scheme do not require a visa application support letter.
Please note that such an invitation letter will only be sent to conference attendees who have completed their registration (including payment) for the conference. Should participants withdraw from the conference after the issue of the Letter of Invitation, the Australian Department of Home Affairs will be notified of the withdrawal accordingly.
If you require a visa application support letter, please email visa-chairs@acii-conf.net.
Things to consider before lodging a Visa Application
When to Apply for a Visa
The visa application process for ETA and eVisitor visas is quick and outcome is typically known within 24h. Applicants under the Visitor Visa (subclass 600) should allow two months. More information about visa processing times is available on the department’s website.
Health and Character Requirements
All visa applicants must be assessed against Australia’s health and character requirements. These requirements are designed to protect the safety and security of the Australian community.
As part of the visa application process, applicants may be required to undertake a medical examination, chest x-ray and/or other health checks. The Department of Home Affairs will advise applicants of the applicable health checks (if any), based on the individual circumstances. Information on which health checks may apply is available on the department’s website.
As part of the visa application assessment process, the onus is on the applicant to satisfy the character requirements set out in Section 501 of the Migration Act 1958. Further information on the character requirement is available on the department’s website.
If you are unsure whether you satisfy the character requirements because of prior criminal convictions, you should lodge a paper based application at the Australian visa office nearest to your current place of residence, at least four months prior to the event start date.
Contact information for Australian visa offices is available on the department’s website.
Travel Sanctions
For information on countries subject to travel sanctions, please refer to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s website. Nationals of these countries may not be permitted to travel to and enter Australia.
Biometrics Programme
Biometrics may need to be collected at an Australian Visa Application Centre for visitors and business people lodging a visa application from the countries listed on the department’s website. If you lodge your application online, the department will advise you in writing if you need to provide your biometrics.
Obligations of Visa Holders
On arrival at Australia’s border you must identify yourself, present your travel documents, and complete an Incoming Passenger Card (IPC). The IPC requires visitors to declare their health status and any prior criminal convictions. If you do not meet immigration clearance requirements, you may be refused entry to Australia.
More information on immigration clearance processes at Australia’s borders is available on the department’s website.
You must comply with your visa validity and visa conditions while in Australia. When you receive your Australian visa you are issued with a visa grant notice that explains the conditions of the visa including period of validity and entry requirements. You are advised to carry this visa grant notice when travelling for your own reference. Your visa may be cancelled if you breach any of the conditions.
If your visa expires while you are still in Australia, you become an unlawful non-citizen. Unlawful non-citizens are liable to be detained and removed from Australia.