Visa information for Australia
Please note that it is the delegate’s responsibility to investigate visa requirements for Australia and apply for a visa, if necessary. Delegates are advised to apply for their visa as soon as possible.
All travellers, except citizens of New Zealand, must obtain a visa or electronic travel authority (ETA) before travelling to Australia. To enter Australia as a visitor, please review and follow the steps listed on this page.
Step 1
Familiarize yourself with Australia’s border and entry requirements. For further information, see Entering and leaving Australia.
Depending on the nationality, delegates and speakers should apply for one of these three visa types
- In case a passport holder is eligible for the eVisitor or the Electronic Travel Authority – ETA, please use the links below to start the visa application process:
- eVisitor (subclass 651) (Tourist Stream) visa. For more information, including eligible passport holders, see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/evisitor-651
- Electronic Travel Authority – ETA (subclass 601). For more information, including eligible passport holders, see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601
- In case a passport holder is not eligible for either ETA or eVisitor, the delegate or speaker should apply for the Visitor (business stream)
- Visitor (subclass 600) (Business stream) visa. For more information see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/visitor-600/business-visitor-stream
Please note that visa applicants outside of Australia will need to provide biometrics at an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) or an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre (ABCC) if they apply for a visa that is part of the biometrics programme or from a country that is part of the Australian biometrics programme.
To apply for a visa, you will need to create an ImmiAccount as a part of the process. For assistance on how to create an ImmiAccount, you can find a step-by-step guide here, along with the health declaration Q&As here.
Fully registered participants can obtain a personalized invitation letter either while completing the IAS 2023 registration form or by contacting the IAS 2023 Registration team.
Step 3
Allow time for the processing of your visa. Visa applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis and are handled by the Australian migration representatives of your country or a neighbouring country.
The actual processing times can vary due to individual circumstances, including:
-
Whether the applicant has lodged a complete application, including all necessary supporting documents, and paid associated visa application charges
-
How promptly the applicant responds to any requests for additional information
-
How long it takes to perform required checks on the supporting information provided
-
How long it takes to receive information from external agencies, particularly in relation to health, character and national security requirements
-
When the application is lodged taking the current global visa processing times into account
For more information about visa processing times, please see the website of the Department of Home Affairs.
Australia’s COVID-19 and vaccination regulations
Information was updated on 31 May 2023.
As of 11 March 2023, people travelling to Australia from China, including Hong Kong and Macau, are not required to show evidence of a negative pre-departure test for COVID-19.
For more information, see Entering and leaving Australia.
It is important to remember that airlines, vessel operators and other countries may have specific requirements that travellers must comply with.
If you have any questions, contact the IAS 2023 Immigration Support team at visa@ias2023.org.