Australia is now near to having full reciprocal visa arrangements with citizens of the most recently elected members of the European Union (EU) after announcing improved electronic visa services.
Andrew Metcalfe, secretary of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, said that the majority of tourist visa applicants from Bulgaria, Poland and Romania could have their visas processed on-line in minutes.
The ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) visa has been available to citizens of eligible countries throughout the world for a number of years and, by extending this facility to all tourists from EU nations, it will bring Australia nearer to a reciprocal arrangement with the EU where tourists can visit on a short-term business. Currently an ETA visitor visa lasts for up to a year and allows visitors to enter Australia for up to 3 months in any one visit.
To further enhance security and immigration risk screening, October will see the introduction of a new on-line service to help streamline the processing of visas for both tourists and those visiting Australia on short-term business. This will involve advances in the technology currently being used and also help eliminate the necessity of completing application forms.
In making entry into Australia simpler for a further million visitors from the EU each year not only enhances cultural links but helps grow tourism to Australia and makes business relationships that much easier with Australia’s biggest partner in trade.
The introduction in October of the e-visitor service adds to the progress already having been made in this new era of close co-operation between Australia and the European Union.
Electronic visa services are available on-line at Instant Travel Visa.