Entry into Australia

Do I require a Visa?

All visitors to Australia must have a valid visa before boarding their plane regardless of the length of stay. Note: New Zealand and Norfolk Island passport holders do not usually need to lodge a visa application prior to their departure unless they have health and/or character concerns. The International Event Coordinator Network (IECN) can advise you on the following:

how to apply for a visa
what visa to apply for
when to apply for a visa
where to apply for a visa

What Should I Do to Help With the Visa Application Process?

Determine which visa you should apply for. See:Visa options for business events such as conferences, meetings or seminars, ( 73KB PDF file)Business Visit Visa Options. Complete the online IECN Enquiry Formfor visa advice as soon as you register for, or are invited to attend, an event if you are unsure about which visa is the most appropriate. See:IECNEnquiry Form

Apply for your visa at least 6–8 weeks before your intended date of travel to Australia (or two weeks for online applications) as visa processing times may vary. Consider Australia's health and character requirements, which you will have to meet as part of the visa application process. See:Fact Sheet 79 – The Character Requirement Fact Sheet 22 – The Health Requirement. If you are not from an eVisitor or ETA eligible country, ensure you obtain a confirmation of your registration to attach to your paper-based visa application. Lodge paper-based visa applications at the Australian visa office nearest to your current country of residence. See:Immigration Offices Outside Australia.

Important: IECN assistance will not guarantee a visa grant. In order to be granted a visa you must meet all the legislative requirements of that visa.

Confidentiality

In accordance with Australia’s Privacy Act 1988, any information an event organiser or participant passes on to the Department’s IECN, will only be used to facilitate visa processing with the relevant Australian overseas visa office.