AUSTRALIA - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Do I need a visa to come to Australia?
A: A valid passport or similar acceptable travel document is required of all people wishing to travel to and enter Australia. Everyone, except holders of Australian and New Zealand passports, requires a visa to enter Australia. New Zealand passport holders apply for a visa upon arrival in Australia. All other passport holders must hold a visa before travelling to Australia. See the following link for more information: The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs Official Australian Government migration and immigration website, with information and application forms for migration and temporary entry to Australia, and information about living in Australia, including Australian citizenship. www.immi.gov.au
Q: Can I come to Australia on a working holiday?
A: Citizens of certain countries and age groups are able to come to Australia on a working holiday. See the Australia Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs web site for more information about working holidays in Australia and how to apply for a visa for Australia.
Q: How do I immigrate to (come to live in) Australia?
A: See the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs site which has information about immigration and other useful contacts. Please note: The Australian Tourist Commission is not able to assist with any immigration queries. Please contact the nearest Australian Consulate or High Commission for information.
Q: Where is my nearest Australian Consulate located?
A: Please refer to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Internet site for a comprehensive list of Australian diplomatic and trade offices worldwide. This site provides contact details and opening hours for the worldwide network of Australian Diplomatic Mission and Australia offices. Australian Embassies, high commissions, consulates, multilateral missions and representative offices www.dfat.gov.au/missions/
Q: What goods can I bring when I come to Australia?
A: Australia has strict quarantine guidelines designed to protect our native flora and fauna against many pests and diseases. The general guideline for bringing any item through customs is that if you are concerned, please declare it. The Australian customs website for more information is www.customs.gov.au
Q: Do I need vaccinations to enter Australia?
A: Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from or visited a yellow fever infected country or zone within 6 days prior to arrival. For related vaccination information (in the U.S.) call the Centre for Disease Control - PH: (404) 6393311.
Q: Can I claim a refund on the tax I pay in Australia?
A: Yes, through the Tourist Refund Scheme. This is subject to certain conditions. The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) will operate at all Australian international airports and cruise terminals. The TRS enables visitors to claim a refund of the 10 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) and 14.5 percent Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods (costing $A300 or more) purchased in Australia. The refund only applies to goods taken as hand luggage when leaving the country.
Q: How do I claim my tax refund under the Tourist Refund Scheme?
A: If you are leaving Australia through an international airport (Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Cairns, Adelaide, Darwin and Coolangatta), you may collect your refund in cash on departure (if the refund is $A200 or less) or choose a non-cash option. Non-cash options, which will be paid within 30 days of departure, include: - cheque - credit to an Australian bank account; or - payment to a credit card. At the booth you will need to produce: - your goods (to prove you are taking them out of the country) - the tax invoice from the retailer (to provide information for Customs officers) - your passport; and - your international boarding pass or other proof of travel. If you are leaving Australia from a cruise liner terminal located at Circular Quay or Darling Harbour in Sydney, or terminals in Cairns, Darwin or Fremantle, you will need to present the same items to the Customs officer on duty, who will assist you to make your claim. Cash refunds are not available.