Australia waves EU visas fees
Australia to change immigration policy for European Union citizens.
The assistant minister for Australian Immigration and Citizenship, Teresa Gambaro, has said the logistics of visiting Australia is about to change for European Union citizens.
Beginning on 1 July 2007, EU citizens, planning on staying in Australia for three months or less, will be able to obtain electronic tourist and business short stay visas without having to pay an application fee.
“These changes will foster a closer relationship between Australia and EU countries and will vastly improve client service for travelers from the EU,” said Gambaro.
It will become easier, more convenient, and yes, cheaper.
The online tourist visa facility (known as e676), which reduces visa processing times significantly, is already available to all EU visitors, and new arrangement will be especially beneficial to new European Union members Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia.
“This initiative is an important step in the Australian Government's commitment to ensuring visa reciprocity with the EU and treating all member states equally,” said Gambaro. “It will also ensure that Australian citizens continue to enjoy fee free visas to the European Union.”
June 26, 2007
Posted in: Australia