6-year Australia Visitor Visa for Singaporeans
Are you planning a visit to Australia and wondering if Singaporeans need a tourist visa, or now known as the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) and eVisitor visas, to visit? The answer is YES.
Although Australia is one of Singaporeans’ favourite travel destinations, Singapore citizens must apply for a visa to visit, just like every other nationality in the world, except for New Zealanders.
The good news is, the current ETA application process is quick and easy. It can be done electronically using the Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) system. You can download the ETA app to your mobile device via the Apple Store or Google Play Store (Android).
In fact, Singaporeans flying to Australia as a tourist or for business purposes, can now enjoy "exclusive access" to a long validity, multiple-entry Visitor visa (subclass 600).
Read on to find out the details of this long-validity Visitor visa option, as well as other details you should know before you book your flight to the Land Down Under!
What is the validity period of this Visitor visa option?
The long-validity, multiple-entry Visitor visa is valid for a period of up to 6 years. Visa holders can stay in Australia for up to 3 months on each arrival.
Who can apply for this long-validity, multiple-entry Visitor visa to Australia?
This visa type is only available to Singapore passport holders, and residents in Singapore.
Singaporeans who want to visit Australia for a holiday, whether for sightseeing, social or recreational reasons, with relatives or friends, can put in an application for this visa type. Under the Business Visitor stream, the visa can be used for selective work-related activities, such as making general business or employment enquiries, negotiations or participation in a conference.
This long-validity, multiple-entry Visitor visa is not intended for people who want to work in Australia or who want to spend extended periods in Australia, which would amount to residency.
What is the application criteria for this Australian Visitor visa type?
Singaporeans will be granted the long-validity, multiple-entry Visitor visa if you meet these requirements:
- Able to submit documents proving your eligibility
- Demonstrate purpose of travel compatible with this visa type
- Show proof of financial means for the period of your visit
- Meet the general character and health requirements set by the Australian government
How can I apply for the long-validity visa option?
You can apply for this Visitor visa via the Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) in Singapore.
All Singapore citizens or residents will be required to provide their personal biometrics identifiers when applying for the long-validity Australian Visitor Visa. Biometrics are collected via the AVAC website using a quick, discreet and non-intrusive process.
Besides that, here are other important things you should prepare if you wish to obtain this long-validity Visitor visa to Australia:
- Valid passport – Singaporeans cannot travel to Australia without a passport. If you do not have one or need to renew your passport, you can visit the official website of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) for processing. If you do have a passport, make sure that it stays valid for a minimum of 6 months from your date of entry in Australia.
- Payment method – In the application process, you will be required to pay for iVisa services in order to submit it. You can use your credit or debit card. Conveniently, Singaporeans can also pay through PayPal as well.
How much does the long-validity visa cost?
The Visa Application Charge is currently SGD$158/AUD$145 and you will also have to pay an
administrative charge (approximately SGD$50) to the Australian Visa Application Centre for priority service to lodge your application.
What are my other Visitor visa options to Australia?
If you do not require a visa with long-validity, here are other Visitor visa options you may consider:
| Australia ETA or Electronic Travel Authority subclass 601 | Singaporeans with an ETA can stay in Australia for 90 days per entry over a 1-year period after being issued. The applicant should not be suffering from tuberculosis. Also, the applicant should not have a criminal conviction for which the sentence is 12 months or longer, regardless of whether the sentence has been completed or not. |
| Work and Holiday visa | Singaporeans aged between 18 to 30 at the time of application.Hold a polytechnic diploma or university degree, or have completed the equivalent of two years of full-time tertiary study at a polytechnic or university. |
Visit Australia and Have a G’Day Mate!
Applying for the long-validity, multiple-entry Visitor visa to Australia for Singaporeans, is rather easy. Just submit all the required documents and be honest with your answers. It requires a little time and effort, but before you know, you’ll be on the next plane out.
Plus, although you can usually get your ETA in a matter of hours, you are advised to apply for the long-validity Visitor Visa at least 3 months in advance. This is because currently the immigration department of Australia may be experiencing an influx of applications since the reopening of borders. You would also need to complete the Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD) form before entry into Australia.
One final important thing to consider is travel insurance. It is not mandatory to have travel insurance to visit Australia, but it is strongly encouraged. We recommend that you check if your travel insurance plan includes COVID-19 cover if you’re worried about falling ill while travelling.
