| As in the United States and other countries in the | | | | three months per travel. Unlike ETA's, tourist visas |
| world, non-Australian residents who would like to visit | | | | have corresponding government charges. |
| or work in Australia need to obtain a visa. However, | | | | For people who want to do business in Australia, |
| there is an exception to this rule, as New Zealand | | | | business visas are also available. The length of stay in |
| residents are not required to get an Australian visa | | | | Australia for business visas depends on the |
| before entering Australia. They will be issued a visa | | | | agreement that will be arrived at after the applicant |
| upon their arrival in the said country. | | | | consults the Australian visa office. Normally, business |
| There are a number of places where non-Australian | | | | visas are valid for five years. |
| residents can apply for an Australian visa. A most | | | | Temporary visas are also available for people who |
| accessible source would be the Australian embassies | | | | wish to go to Australia to perform some special |
| located in several countries around the globe. Other | | | | activities such as entertainment performances, sport |
| sources include High Commissions and Consulates, | | | | competitions or short-term company assignments. |
| travel agents and airlines. | | | | Meanwhile, those who seek to be granted temporary |
| There are generally four types of Australian visas. The | | | | residence in Australia may need to be sponsored by |
| first one is called electronic travel authority or ETA | | | | an Australian organization or company. |
| visa. This is an electronically stored permission to stay | | | | The length of the stay indicated in the visa should be |
| in Australia for a minimal amount of time. This is | | | | strictly followed. When the visa is about to expire and |
| applicable for tourism and business purposes and | | | | the owner still needs to stay longer, he or she is |
| comes free of government charge. | | | | strongly advised to consult with the Department of |
| The second visa type is the tourist visa. Normally valid | | | | Immigration and Multicultural affairs office in Australia. |
| for a period of one year, this visa allows an owner to | | | | Serious penalties are imposed for violators. |
| travel to and from Australia with a maximum stay of | | | | |