Australia has fairly strict requirements for foreign visitors entering the country. The bottom line is that a visa is required for anyone except holders of an Australian Passport or holders of a New Zealand Passport. New Zealand passport holders apply for a visa upon arrival in Australia. All other passport holders must hold a visa before travelling to Australia. A valid passport or similar acceptable travel document is required of all people wishing to travel to and enter Australia.

The good news is that vacation visas are not typically all that hard to obtain. You can do this electronically and your airlines may even do it for you when you book your ticket to Australia. You can also apply for a visa electronically through the ETA or Electronic Travel Authority. People from the following countries can apply for an ETA. (as of May 21, 2001)

Basically an ETA is an electronically-stored authority for travel to Australia for a short-term tourist or business entry. No application form is required and it replaces the visa label or stamp in your passport. You qualify for an ETA if:

• Your have good health.
• You have no criminal convictions.
• You are visiting for tourism, business meetings, visiting relatives, attending a conference or convention.
• Your Passport is approved for an ETA (see the list of countries above).
• You cannot work in Australia with an ETA.
• You cannot stay in Australia for more than 3 months with an ETA.

If you are interested in any other type of visa, you should consult the Australian Government Immigration website as it may become more complicated.

There are companies that can help you get you the appropriate visa and advise you on how to move forward. Here are a few examples:

• Dolphin Migration Services Australia: Registered Australian migration agent helping you maximize your chances of migrating to Australia. Specialist in skilled and partner migration. Free initial consultation.
  
• AMS Migration Services: AMS migration services a registered migration consultancy offering a FREE INITIAL ASSESSMENT as well as migration advice and services for all visa categories to Australia.
• evisas.com
• Migrate Online: We provide professional & registered Australian migration services online! Services include help attaining Working Holiday Visas.
  
• Meridien Migration Australia: Visa advice for visiting and living in Australia by registered migration agents, 5 years' experience and professional service.
  
• Go Matilda: Visa, tax and financial planning assistance for people who are migrating to Australia, plus advice on many other subjects.Free e-newsletters on topics of interest to people heading for Australia, and on-line cost of living calculators.
• Higgins and Webster Migration Services
• Beyderwellen & Co: Sydney immigration firm focused on individual migration and business visas for Australia. Provides information and assistance in all AUSTRALIAN visa and immigration categories.
• GWM Lawyers: Lawyers Solicitors Attorneys Barristers ~ Law Professionals ~ Expert Legal Advice. All areas of Immigration, Personal & Commercial Law ~ Port Macquarie, NSW Australia. Law Society of NSW accredited specialists in Business Law and Personal Injury