Backpacking Down under...

[Renoah]

Do i need a visa to go to OZ if im gonna be there longer than 6 week? Even if im not working...? Do i need a holiday visa or summat daft? cheeers. xx

[Buenchico]

Assuming that you can meet the relevant requirements, you can obtain an Electronic Travel Authority online. An ETA is valid for 3 months. There's a AUS$20 service charge (but no actual charge for the ETA itself):
http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/976/in dex.htm

Otherwise, you need a tourist visa. A tourist visa is usually issued for either 3 or 6 months but some applications for 12 month visas may be accepted. (If you want to stay longer than the period for which your visa is granted, you'll need to apply for a further visa while in Australia). The fee for an initial visa application is AUS$75 but, if you need to extend that visa, the fee for a further application is AUS$215. Applications can be made online or by post:
http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/676/in dex.htm

Chris

[Renoah]

thanks buddy... is your name any link to the leeds band buen chico by any chance?

[Buenchico]

Thanks for the reply.

My screen name is derived from the Spanish for 'good boy'. However, it's used colloquially to mean something like 'fine fellow'. Many years ago, I used to drink with a Spanish guy. After a few too many drinks, he'd nearly always end up by slapping me on my back and declaring '�Tu eres un buen chico! �Si, si, tu eres un muy buen chico!. This happened so often that, when I walked into the bar, the regulars would say 'Buenchico's here again!'

So, my name has nothing to do with any band, or with Leeds. That bar was actually in 'enemy territory' as far as most residents of Leeds are concerned. (I lived in Sheffield!).

Chris