Australian visa

[nannakath]

I would like to know if anyone else has had my experience. I applied for two visas to Australia as a `Tourist` for a month. I had been told that they were `free` but when I came to the end of the `application` it requested fees. I cancelled the form and went back to take another look, this time I applied, after speaking to a london office, requesting a differently numbered visa which looked correct for a months stay. Not only was I getting messaged from Australian visa office regarding my first application but the second was requesting us to go to have a `medical` in Manchester as we were over 65years. This was very stressful at the time as time was getting nearer to leaving. In the end went to the company we had booked flights with and they did the visas for a fee. On arrival in Australian I was very keen for an official to ask to see our visas but no-one ever did. After all the frustrations of the several emails from Australian visa HQ it was galling that our visas were not even scrutinised. My sister who goes to NZ annually wondered why I was bothering to apply as she said they fill the ones given on the plane for their journeys but for Australia it clearly stated a visa was needed. I knew the travel agent could apply for us but I wanted to apply myself as I had booked hotels, hire cars etc. It seems I wasn`t a `tourist` but a `visitor`. The main problem experienced was that all communications from the visa site were in official jargon and nobody explained or answered my questions when things went wrong. It remains the only problem we had with a wonderful month in Australia visiting Perth, Tasmania and Melbourne where we have a son living and working there. It seems that once you start to apply and decide to cancel and you send them a message explaining they keep sending emails and won`t accept the cancellation. Am I the only one to meet with this problem?
What`s the point of visas if you don`t need to show them? We were given a form to fill in on the plane both ways so they can cross check your arrival and departure. This was our second visit to Australia and we want to return again but I would be wary applying for the visas!!!!

[Buenchico]

I have a nasty suspicion that you've applied via one of the many agencies who charge a fee for their services (and who get you to apply for a visa when you don't actually need one).

Anyone who holds a passport from an EU country (including, of course, the UK) can apply online for an eVisitor visa totally free of charge:
http://www.uk.embassy.gov.au/lhlh/visitor.html

Chris

[dzug2]

You don't need an actual visa to visit Australia on a short holiday - you need an 'e-Visitor', which is effectively an electronic visa. It's free if obtained personally from the right site. If you go through an agent or third part site they will charge.
It's checked by scanning your passport - noone will ask to see it.

[grasscarp]

I had a funny experience, having obtained an electronic visa, which was basically just a reference number. When I arrived in Australia a large lady at the desk said to me "Do you have an electronic razor?" I said no. She then said. "How do you expect to come into Australia without an electronic razor?". My brain was frantically thinking, why didnt someone tell me that everyone has to bring one with them.
Suddenly I realised she was saying electronic visa.........

[nannakath]

Thank you for your answers. Yes, I was careful to go to the correct site but I thought I needed a `tourist` visa(no. 1 mistake). It was withdrawing from that they wouldn`t let go of me. I thought they would clamp me in irons on arrival! Even after that bother I thoroughly recommend a visit. I would definitely like to see more of the western side, probably north of Perth next time.

[Buenchico]

If you didn't manage a trip out to the Pinnacles Desert this time, Nannakath, I can thoroughly recommend it for next time:
http://www.vacanzeaus...s-Desert-NamB2CEC.jpg
It's even more fun if you find yourself in an air-conditioned luxury mini-coach, full of OAP Girl Guides who are determined that you're going to join in their fun! I must have sung 'Waltzing Matilda' about a hundred times that day ;-)

[nannakath]

Thanks buenchico. Please can you resend that link as i can`t open it.

[Buenchico]

Try this version of it, Nannakath:
http://tinyurl.com/7s5zqjt

[nannakath]

Thanks but same problem. Tried to open it. Sounds like you had luxury on your travels whilst we drive along looking for Echidnas!

[Buenchico]

A different way of doing it!
http://www.google.co....UoAQ&biw=1280&bih=861

[nannakath]

Fantastic buenchico. I am going straight back to have another look. Actually, it doesn`t look that far north of Perth. We went south to Margaret River after Perth and then back up for flight to Tasmania, another `must`.
Thanks for patience and info.