In May 2020, Australia closed its borders, making it impossible for tourists to enter. These were necessary measures to stop the pandemic spread. They have proved to be effective and helped to prevent further hospital capacity emergencies. While the lockdown continues, the authorities promise to lift the restrictions come 2022. It gives tourists plenty of time to study the new requirements. Here’re updated facts and tips on how to prepare for the journey to the Land Down-Under.

Get Your Visa Beforehand

You should start the preparation weeks prior to the actual trip. It doesn’t apply to New Zealand citizens who can obtain an entry permit at the airport upon arrival.

One of the most popular ways to get a visa is through online services. You can get an eTA or eVisitor visa depending on your home country. The said document lets you stay in Australia for 90 days per visit. Both are valid for 1 year.

Eligibility Criteria

Having a criminal record puts you at risk of getting a rejection. The consular officer will consider you a danger to the community and won’t let you cross the Australian borders. Make sure your criminal history is clean.

The same applies to your health conditions. If you’re sick, your disease must not pose a threat to society. You won’t get a visa if you need serious care that will deprive Australian citizens of this medical treatment. Check out other restrictions on the official website.

2 Steps to Obtaining an Australian Visa

• Submit the application.

There are 2 ways you can go: online or in person. The first is the fastest option. It works even if you’re already in Australia and wish to prolong your stay. The visit to the Embassy takes longer and includes 2 trips: one to submit the documents and get the visa if it’s approved. The latter may be omitted if you use the courier service to receive your visa.

Here’s a checklist of required documents to keep in mind:

• A passport for international trips valid at least 6 months
• Copies of pages from your domestic ID containing important info
• Booked and paid for flight tickets
• A colored photo, compliant with the specifications

As the list is subject to change, take a look at the official website with updated tourist visa requirements

• Pay the fee.

Pay for the application processing. The price varies per country and you can transfer the money through one of the international systems: PayPal, BRAY, UnionPay, or Credit Card.

Keep in mind that you will also have to pay for additional expenses such as medical exams, insurance, flights etc. Include all that when putting the trip budget together.

Additionally, you may need to pay for translation of the documents. If you want to submit everything in person, count the commute into your budget plan. The least expensive part is getting your photo done if you opt for online tools.

Australia Visa Photo Online

Take a photo with your smartphone and let an online service make it 100% compliant with the specifications. Upload the image to the passport photo editing tool, pay only $7 for the operation, and get a cropped picture that is perfectly fit to the Australian visa standards. If you want to print it, use the templates, which are also included in the file that you get.

Anti-Covid Protection Measures

The most effective method is to get one of the existing vaccines approved by the WHO. Although it doesn’t guarantee you won’t be infected. In any case, it gets your immune system ready for fighting the coronavirus.

Certificate holders will have special privileges. They won’t have to wait two weeks in quarantine before being able to travel around the country. However, PCR tests taken 3 days before boarding the airplane are still required for all.

Make sure you have the following items to make your trip safer for yourself and the people around you: alcohol-based sanitizers, masks, meds, and a thermometer. Before going to the airport and boarding the flight, you can also call the airline you’re flying to learn about the safety precautions they take to clean the airplane. You can ask if they’re using products like Lysol wipes or the Aircraft Cabin Cleaner to disinfect seats and trays.

Australia is not planning to welcome tourists this year. But travelers expect this to change in 2022. So far, you’ve got plenty of time to get the necessary documents and photos. Draw an itinerary for the whole trip to make it smooth and enjoyable.

Top Things To Do and Explore

In addition to studying the new requirements, Australia will once again become a top destination for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences. The country boasts a diverse range of attractions and activities that cater to all interests. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast, a nature lover, a foodie, or a culture seeker, Australia has something to offer everyone.

One of the unique opportunities that await you in Australia is the chance to immerse yourself in different cultures and experiences. Furthermore, for language enthusiasts, there are language schools and immersion programs available across the country. Imagine studying Mandarin Chinese in Sydney or Spanish in Melbourne, or any other language, while experiencing the beauty and diversity of Australia. It’s a fantastic opportunity to enhance your language skills while creating unforgettable memories.

Moreover, Australia’s natural wonders offer endless possibilities for exploration. From the iconic Great Barrier Reef, where you can snorkel among vibrant coral reefs and colorful marine life, to the breathtaking landscapes of the Outback, where you can witness the awe-inspiring Uluru at sunset, the country is a treasure trove of natural beauty.

Explore the lush rainforests of Queensland, go hiking in the Blue Mountains near Sydney, or take a road trip along the scenic Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Australia’s remarkable landscapes provide an ideal backdrop for adventure activities such as surfing, kayaking, skydiving, and wildlife encounters. So, whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping experiences or tranquil moments in nature, Australia has it all.

So start planning your future trip to Australia, and get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with new experiences and cherished memories!