Planning a trip to Australia? Don't forget your visa! Here's everything you need to know about the proper paperwork for tourists.
All visitors to Australia need a visa, except New Zealanders. There are several different visas available, from short-stay visitor visas to working-holiday visas.
The type of tourist visa you apply for largely depends on your country of origin, and it varies in price and length of stay. You can apply for all visas through the website for the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
The Visitor Visa is available to anyone who doesn't quality for the ETA or eVisitor visas, and it permits visitors to stay up to three, six or 12 months. The Visitor Visa costs AU$145 if you apply for it outside of Australia, but if you're in Australia it costs AU$365. Both take anywhere from six to nine months to process.
These visas cannot be extended and instead must be renewed. The Visitor Visa is the only visa that can be obtained while inside the country, so it would be the only option if you're looking to remain in Australia without having to leave the country first.
Visitors using the ETA and eVisitor visas are allowed to participate in some "business visitor activities" as outlined by the Australian Department of Home Affairs; check the website for the comprehensive list of approved activities. Australia also offers a variety of working holiday visa options, which vary based on your activities and country of origin. Use the Visa Finder on the Home Affairs website to help you choose the option best for you.