Unless you hold Australian residency/citizenship or you are from New Zealand, you will need to obtain a visa to enter Australia. There are two main types of visa and the one you choose will depend on how long you plan to stay and if you want to work.
Australian ETA Tourist Visa
The ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) Visa is an electronic visa which allows you to stay in Australia for up to three months. As it is electronic, you won’t have any paperwork and when you book your flight ticket, the travel agency can organise an ETA Visa for you. This visa does NOT allow you to work. If you wish to undertake paid work whilst travelling, you will need to apply for a Working Holiday Maker Visa.
Working Holiday Maker Visa
The WHM Visa allows people aged 18-30 from a variety of countries to work in Australia for up to 12 months. However, you are only allowed to work for the same employer for up to 6 months. This visa is a stamp in your passport and you will need to show your employer your passport as proof of being eligible to work. To find out more about this visa and how to apply, read our dedicated Working Holiday Visa Guide which can be found in the Work and Jobs section of the website.
Student Visa
If you wish to study at an Educational Institution or Language School in Australia for longer than three months then you will need to obtain a Student Visa. You will have to meet certain requirements such as an offer of a place from the institution where you (Confirmation of Enrollment), funds to pay course fees and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). For more details on this student visas, visit http://www.immi.gov.au/students/index.htm
Please note: Visa requirements can vary depending on the country you are from. To be sure about which visa you need, please check out the requirements for your nationality by visiting the Australian immigration website. http://www.immi.gov.au/
