In the modern world there are few things governments protect more fiercely than the security of their borders. Australia is no different. As such, there seem to be a countless number of different visas, each appropriate to only a very specific set of reasons for visiting Australia. It is all too easy to become lost in the paperwork and jargon. This article aims to clear the metaphorical fog and explain exactly what visa you require for your particular trip to Australia.
Perhaps one of the simplest travel visas available is the ETA tourist visa. ETA stands for Electronic Travel Authority and represents the fact that this visa no longer takes the form of a stamp in your passport. Instead, if approved, the authorisation is stored electronically against your passport number. The only requirement set for those applying for a tourist visa is that they hold a passport in one of the thirty-four approved countries. However, do not assume that just because you meet this requirement you will then automatically qualify for a visa, this is simply not the case. Therefore, it is recommended that you do not book flights until your visa has been approved, this ensures that you will not...