Do I need a tourist visa to go to Australia?

Sidekick2

Hi there,

I havnt travelled to Australia in 2 years and back then I just showed up at Sydney airport with my British Passport and they stamped it and I was on my way...has it changed since then? Do I need to apply for one like you have to in the US and is it instant??

KiKi

Yes, you absolutely do, and will not be allowed entry without one. You would have had to have one 2 years ago. They're electronic, though, so you may have had one without knowing it.

They're free to get, for up to 3 months, so depends how long you want. It's visa 651 that applies to you, assuming you're British:

http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/visa-options.htm

KiKi

Sidekick2

^ I didn't have one two years ago...and the last 2 times before that!!! How Odd!!

Thank you for the link.

KiKi

Very strange - they wouldn't have let you in without one! If you booked via a Travel Agent they probably did one automatically for you, most travel companies do. Or they might have just added it to any flights you booked with a flight fee. Either way, you most certainly wouldn't be allowed in without something in your passport, or on their computer! They're one of the strictest countries in the world!

Enjoy your holiday, anyway!
KiKi

Sidekick2

maybe it has something to do with the fact that i was born in Brisbane and my UK passport was issues in AUS. However I've always been home on my British Passport and never in my life applied for a visa. I do suspect last time i went (two years ago) it was done via the travel agent but the time before that I booked my flight online and still got in okay.

Most certaintly strange!

Cade_Foster

Your circumstances are different to most peoples as you were born in Australia so I would ask the Australian Embassy /Consulate if you need one or you could fill a evisitor one in as its free,

spottydog

Unless you are traveling on an Aussie or New Zealand passport you definitely need a visa.

Sidekick, do you have australian citizenship? If you do then Aussie regulations require you to enter and leave the country on an Aussie passport as Aussie citizens cannot hold an aussie visa.

Heliflyguy

It doesnt say you cant travel on your British passport but it does say its not advisable :
For those saying get a visa, you cant.

http://www.uk.embassy.gov.au/lhlh/PptsFAQs.html

Q9 - I have an Australian passport and a British passport; which passport do I use when entering Australia?
To avoid delays at airline check-in and again at the border entry point, Australian citizens who are dual nationals are required to depart and enter Australia on their Australian passport. An Australian citizen cannot be granted a visa for Australia in a foreign passport.
When entering Australia, all Australians, including those who hold dual nationality, must be able to prove that they are an Australian citizen. An Australian passport is conclusive evidence of a person's identity and citizenship, and provides the holder with unfettered right of entry to Australia.
International airlines have an obligation to ensure that they only carry appropriately documented passengers to Australia. In the absence of an Australian passport, airlines are unable to assess a person's claim to Australian citizenship at the time of check-in and may decline to carry the traveller.

Q10 - I am an Australian citizen but as I did not obtain an Australian passport before departing Australia, I am using my British passport whilst I am overseas. Do I have to apply for an Australian passport in order to return to Australia?
An Australian passport is conclusive evidence of a person's identity and citizenship, and provides the holder with unfettered right of entry to Australia.
International airlines have an obligation to ensure that they only carry appropriately documented passengers to Australia. In the absence of an Australian passport, airlines are unable to assess a person's claim to Australian citizenship at the time of check-in and may decline to carry the traveller. It would therefore be in your best interests to apply for an Australian passport to enable you to return to Australia.

KiKi

Heliflyguy - I advised him to get a visa before I knew he was born in Australia; he hadn't mentioned it at that point.


KiKi

Heliflyguy

KiKi wrote: »

Heliflyguy - I advised him to get a visa before I knew he was born in Australia; he hadn't mentioned it at that point.


KiKi

As you say "no worries" no offence meant and nothing personal, just highlighting as it had been mentioned again after. :beer:

lookoutapiano_2

Does anyone know if lastminute.com provide a Visa with their flights or will I have to sort one out myself seperately?

And which one would I need if it's for two weeks to visit a relative? 976 and the e visitor seem similar except you have to pay a $20 service charge for 976?