View Larger Map
With plenty of sunshine, Australia is an enticing land of vast beaches, pulsating cities and huge expanses of bush land. It has an alluring sense of space and plenty of diversity from region to region.
From sun & beaches to tropical rainforests, from the Outback to the Great Barrier Reef, Australia offers it all and has a diversity of people. Don’t forget a visit to the Sydney Opera House. Brisbane is Australia's third-largest city, and zipping between its sights via its main arterial waterway is a sublime pleasure in itself.
Adventure sports abound in Queensland, where you can sail, white-water raft, paraglide, and delve into the natural underwater wonder that is the Great Barrier Reef, awash with turquoise tints and sealife.
Sydney has a host of quality beaches on its doorstep, including the world-famous Bondi Beach and Manly. Sydney itself is the dynamic hub of the southern hemisphere, and one of the most stunning cities in the world, surrounded by World Heritage areas.
Tasmania harbours distinct wildlife, and many of the species are endangered or extinct elsewhere; the infamous Tasmanian devil, the spotted-tail and the eastern quoll are the three biggest carnivorous marsupials in the world.
Information HideBest time to go: Summer (October to March) is the busy tourist season, however it's a popular travel destination throughout the year.
Capital: Canberra
Currency: Dollar (AUD)
Dialling code from SA: 0061
Language: English
Time: UT +8
Cruise the Great Barrier Reef 6 Nights
Brisbane
Fraser Island Breakaway 2 Nights from R 3 350
Brisbane
Brisbane and Auckland 6 Nights
Cairns
Cairns and Lizard Island Cruise - Coral Princess Cruises from R 13 670 p/person
Melborune
Depart: 18 Dec 2010 Australia and New Zealand South Pacific Cruise - Rhapsody of the Seas
Perth
Holiday in Perth 4 Nights from R 7067p/person
Sydney
Blue Mountain Escapade 2 nights from R 3600
Sydney & Melbourne
Sydney & Melbourne 6 Nights
Barrier reef cruises
Captain Cook Cruises
Coral Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
This information should be used as a guide only. Please confirm requirements with the consulate or embassy.
Visas are required by South African, UK and all other passport holders except New Zealand (See ETA details)
ISSUING AUTHORITY:
(Visa Section)
a) The Australian High Commission
292 Orient Street, (Cnr. Schoeman Street)
Arcadia, Pretoria 0083
Private Bag X150 Pretoria 0001.
Tel:
012 423 6000
Fax: 012 342 4222
Website: www.immi.gov.au
NOTE: Unnecessary phone calls delay the processing of all visa applications. The Australian High Commission in Pretoria has entered into an agreement with VFS (RSA) Pty Ltd to provide visa and citizenship lodgement services which offer greater accessibility and extended opening hours. You may lodge your visa or citizenship application directly with VFS at their offices in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban. VFS also has an arrangement with TNT couriers for collection and return of applications / passports to any location in South Africa. For more information about VFS including contact details, office locations, office hours and lodgement procedures see:
Web: www.immi.gov.au/pretoria/index.htm OR www.vfs-au.co.za
E-mail: info.diacsa@vfshelpline.com
VFS Call Centre telephone number:+ 27 0 839 1336 36
Fees:
Application Lodgement: R205.00
Visa Evidencing: R92.00
AUSTRALIA VISA APPLICATION Centre
Submissions: 08h00 - 12h30 and 13h30 - 15h00
Collections: 13h30 - 16h00 Work days: Mon - Fri
Further info: www.immi.gov.au/pretoria/index.htm
Pretoria:
1067 Arcadia Street, SAQA House,
2nd Floor, Room 202, Hatfield
Johannesburg:
9 Walters Avenue, cnr. 158 Jan Smuts Avenue,
4th Floor - Offices 25 & 26, Rosebank
Cape Town:
TNT International Couriers, Unit D4, 705-733
Maitland Industrial Park, Voortrekker Road
Durban:
TNT International Couriers,
Unit 4A, 82 Intersite Avenue, Umgeni Business Park
What is an ETA?
An ETA is equivalent to a visa, but with no stamp or visa label in your passport. You can apply for an ETA via the internet www.eta.immi.gov.au, or through most travel agents or airlines. There is no need for you to visit an Auatralian overseas mission to submit an application, however you can apply through an Australian overseas mission if you wish. The ETA is issued electronically and when you arrive at an airport for check-in on a flight to Australia, the airline check-in staff can electronically confirm that you have authority to board the flight to Australia.
Electronic Travel Authorities (ETAs) are available (at no visa charge) to holders of the following national passports: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal,San Marino, Singapore, Republic of South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, USA, Vatican City.
Types of ETA: There are 3 different types of ETA's:
976 - Tourist (short validity) ETA / 977 - Business (short validity) ETA / 956 - Business (Long validity) ETA. All three ETAs allow multiple entries into Australia for a maximum stay of up to 3 months from the date of each entry into the country.
How much do ETAs cost? Subclass 976 and 977 (short validity) ETAs allow you to travel to Australia as often as you need within a specified period (12 months or the expiry date of your passport - whichever is earlier) from the date the ETA is granted. These ETAs do not attract an Australian immigration visa application charge. Please note, however, that VFS Global (VFS) will still charge a service fee to process the applicaiton for you. Subclass 956 (Long validity) Business ETA allows you to enter Australia on multiple occassions during the life of your passport. This ETA attracts an Australian immigration visa application charge. Please contact VFS for the current charge amount. VFS will charge a service fee on top of the immigration charge.
South African passport holders - visitor visa for stay of up to 12 months:
• Tourist visas are intended for visitors seeking to enter Australia for the purpose of tourism or other recreational activities. They do not permit the applicant to engage in work or business activities.
• A single-entry or multiple-entry visa may be issued, depending on the needs and circumstances of the applicant. This is entirely at the discretion of the decision maker.
• Further along is an application checklist to assist you in lodging a tourist visa application. Please complete and submit this checklist along with a completed and signed application form 48R.
• Previous travellers to Australia – If you are aged between 18 and 74 years old, have previously travelled to Australia within the last 10 years and complied with all visa conditions, you need only submit a completed application form, evidence of payment of the application charge, passport photo and your passport.
• Persons with no travel history to Australia – If you have never travelled to Australia, you must provide all the additional documentation.
• Applications can only be processed quickly if all appropriate supporting documentation is provided at the time of lodgement. Due to the high volume of visa applications received, a decision may be made on the information available without requesting further documentation, therefore it is in your interests to submit all required documentation.
• Visa application charge – Please contact VFS for their acceptable payment options and current immigration visa application charge amounts. VFS will charge a service fee above the visa application charge.
• Please note that an airline ticket is not a visa requirement and does not in itself lead to a visa being granted. You should not make unalterable travel arrangements until such a time as you have
confirmation you have been granted a visa. There is no guarantee a visa will be granted.
• Further information regarding Australian visas is available on the Australian Department of
Immigration and Citizenship website:
www.immi.gov.au.
Please Note: The Australian High Commission, Pretoria, reserves the right to request further
information at any time, if deemed necessary.
ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION MUST BE IN ENGLISH, OR ACCOMPANIED BY A CERTIFIED TRANSLATION.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT A VISA WILL BE ISSUED.
APPLICATION CHECKLIST:
With your completed and signed application form 48R you must include the following:
• Current Valid Passport with at least 6 months validity, plus a photocopy of your passport biodata page.
• A recent (no older than 6 months) passport-sized photograph of yourself.
• Payment of the Australian Government Visa Application Charge. Advice on how to pay this charge can be found at www.vfs-au.co.za OR if the Visa Application Charge has been paid to an office of the Department of Immigration & Citizenship in Australia, the original pink copy of the receipt must be submitted.
• Have you travelled to Australia within the last 10 years? (If yes, no other documents are required, unless you are under 18 years old, over 75 years old, or intend staying longer than 3 months, intend visiting a hospital/patients, or have been charged with or convicted of an offences - see "Additional Documentation Checklist" below)
• A Photocopy of the biodata page of your current valid passport.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION CHECKLIST
• Evidence of funds. Either ORIGINAL or CERTIFIED COPIES of bank statements showing a history of savings of at least 3 months prior to date of visa application. The statements must show the account holder’s name, account number & current account balance; OR Bank statement for the past 3 months of the person/s who will be supporting you while in Australia as well as a letter or e-mail from them stating their willingness to do so. (NOTE: Internet statements, ATM statements, term or investment accounts will not be accepted)
• An original letter from your employer confirming your employment and leave dates (must be on company letterhead) OR evidence of enrolment at a school, college or university.
If you are 75 years or over:
• An original assessment from an Australian approved panel doctor stating you are fit to travel (see list of panel doctors at: www.immi.gov.au/contacts/paneldoctors/index.htm). Note: a fit to travel certificate is only valid for 6 months, so should only be obtained within 6 months of proposed date of travel. The assessment is valid for one visa.
•Evidence of travel or medical/health insurance which, at a minimum, covers emergency medical treatment in, and medical evacuation from, Australia. The evidence must include the name/s of the persons covered, period of coverage, which events are covered, the coverage amount and confirm that the coverage applies in Australia. The insurance needs to cover the full period of your intended visit to Australia.
If you are under 18 years old:
• Original or certified copy of your full birth certificate, showing your name and the full names of both your biological mother and your biological father.
• If either parent/guardian is not travelling with you, a fully completed form 1229 OR an original certified letter from the non-travelling parent/guardian authorizing you to travel to Australia. If you are travelling without both parents, then both parents must provide written consent for your travel. The letter must specify the dates of travel as well as who will be caring for you while in Australia. If one parent/guardian is deceased – a certified copy of their death certificate is required to evidence this.
Other:
• If you have served in the armed forces (army, navy, air-force, reserves) in any capacity in the last 10 years, a discharge certificate indicating the period you served and the date of discharge.
• If you have been charged or convicted of any offences in any country, a police certificate from the police authorities in the relevant country.
• If you intend staying in Australia longer than 3 months or visiting a hospital/patients for any period, a chest examination from an Australian approved panel radiologist (see list at: www.immi.gov.au/contacts/paneldoctors/index.htm).
*If you are visiting a school/classroom for more than 3 months you are also required to undertake a physical examination with an approved panel doctor.
• If you are travelling with a family member who holds a valid visa, or is an ETA or E-visitor eligible passport holder, a certified copy of their passport and visa is required.
Business (short stay) visa - 456
APPLICATION CHECKLIST:
With your completed and signed application form 456, you must include the following:
*Current valid passport with at least 6 month validity.
*A recent (no older than 6 months) passport-sized photograph of yourself and of any persons accompanying you on this visa.
*Payment of the Australian Government Visa Application Charge. Advice on how to pay this charge can be found at www.vfs-au.co.za OR if the Visa Application Charge has been paid to an office of the Department of Immigration & Citizenship in Australia, the original pink copy of the receipt must be submitted.
*Have you previously travelled to Australia?
*A photocopy of the biodata page of your current valid passport.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION CHECKLIST:
*Original or certified letter from employer/company in your country of usual residence detailing the duration and purpose of your travel to Australia. This letter must also include a full business itinerary, training schedules, whether the employing company will be covering all costs and expenses for the trip. If you are personally covering the costs for the trip - 3 months of your original bank statements must be provided. THIS LETTER MUST BE SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR - NOT MARKED "PP". (Internet or ATM Bank Statements WILL NOT be accepted. Funds MUST be available and not held in term or investment accounts and clearly show the account holder's name, account number, and available balance.)
*Original, faxed or e-mailed invitation letter from the company in Australia indicating the purpose of your visit and the duration of stay. If you are attending a conference - proof of paid conference registration must be provided. THIS LETTER MUST BE SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR - NOT MARKED "PP".
*If you are self-employed, the ORIGINAL or CERTIFIED COPY of your company registration showing your involvement in the business must be provided.
*Itinerary from travel agent with proposed arrival and departure dates.
*If you have been charged with or convicted of any offences in any country, an original police certificate from the police authorities of the relevant country (no older than 12 months)
*If you have served in the armed forces (army, navy, air-force, reserves) in any capacity in the last 10 years, a discharge certificate indicating the period you served and the date of discharge.
*If you are visiting a hospital/patients for any period, a chest x-ray & report from an Australian approved panel radiologist.
IF YOU ARE 75 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER:
Same as above info (if over 75 under tourism visa req)
If you are including family members in your visa application you will need to provide the following:
**Original or certified copy of the UNABRIDGED birth certificates of any children under the age of 18, and
**if either of the parents/guardians of a child under 18 years is not travelling, a certified signed consent letter must be submitted from the non-travelling parent/guardian showing permission for the child to travel, including dates.
**A certified copy of your marriage certificate
NOTE: If travelling with a family member who holds a valid visa, or is an ETA or E-visitor eligible passport holder, a certified copy of their passport and visa is required.
TRANSIT VISA (SUBCLASS 771) : PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS, AND SIGN FORM 876.
With your fully completed and signed application form 876, you must include the following:
**Current valid passport with at least 6 months validity.
**A recent (no older than 6 months) passport sized photograph of yourself
**Evidence of visa to onwards destination
**Have you previously held an Australian visa?
**A photocopy of the biodata page of your current valid passport.
**Full itinerary from travel agent/airline with proposed arrival and departure dates and all countries of destination. Note that a confirmed flight ticket is NOT REQUIRED and as there is no guarantee you will be granted a visa, you should not make unalterable or non-refundable travel arrangements.
IF YOU ARE A CREW MEMBER WISHING TO JOIN A SHIP IN AUSTRALIA: Attach evidence that you have been granted a Maritime Crew Visa (MCV) on the same passport which you are using to apply for this transit visa.
CHARGES (general):
Fees are non-refundable. VFS will charge a service fee above the visa application charge.
Transit Visa (less than 72 hours) Form 876 - Free
COST:
Tourist Visa - R750
Temporary business visa : R750.00
Due to the increase in the Visa Application Charge, please ensure that all applications received at the High Commission have the new VAC attached. All applications received with the old VAC will be invalid and will not be accepted by Department of Immigration and Citizenship - they will be returned. To ensure this does not happen and that clients are not disadvantaged by the changes please ensure that your clients are aware of the changes in plenty of time to arrange the correct bank issued cheque.
Passenger to indicate whether applying for 3, 6 or 12 months in Australia
PROCESSING TIME:
Tourist - 10 working days
Business (short stay) - 5 working days
Medical Treatment (short stay) - 2 weeks
Medical Treatment (long stay) - 2 weeks
ETA (visitor) - 1 working day
ETA (business - short validity) - 1 working day
ETA (business - long validity) - 1 working day
Transit - 10 working days
NOTE: Applications from West Africa (incl. Nigeria) take approximately 15 working days. Processing times can be longer for applicants who are not able to immediately satisfy Australia’s visa requirements. An extra day is to be added in the case of public holiday falling during the week.IMPORTANT: The Australian High Commission is committed to assessing all visa applications in the most efficient and timely manner possible. However, due to recent high volumes of applications, the Visa Section is currently processing visa applications within 10-12 working days. Clients are asked to take this into account when planning travel dates. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this busy period
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES:
Because of delays resulting from multiple telephone enquiries, travel agents are requested to contact their couriers on delivery and collection matters. Calls to the High Commission should be limited to matters involving urgent situations.
Notice to travel agents:
Travel agents are asked not to contact the Australian High Commission duty officer after hours with routine visa enquires. After hours this number is for Australian citizens and residents who require assistance in emergencies. In genuine emergencies where applicants require a visa after hours they should be advised to contact their airline representative for assistance.
Australian panel Doctors:
MP = Medical Practitioners R = Radiologists
CAPE TOWN (021)
MP: • Drs Stoner; Greeff; Rosendorff & Morton
Tel 424-2003
• Dr R Leaver and Dr D O’Cuinneagain
Tel: 712-9367/8
R: • Drs P Morton & Partners Tel: 424-2332
Constantiaberg Medi Clinic Tel: 761-0036
Kingsbury Hospital Tel: 683-4567
Fish Hoek Imaging Centre Tel: 782-6428
DURBAN (031)
MP: • Dr J & Dr S Blanckenberg Tel: 266-9258
• Dr R Dungan Tel: 261-8291
R: • Drs Lake, Smit & Partners Tel: 201-1285
Also at: X-Ray Department, Westville Hospital
Tel: 265-0944
Entabeni Hospital Tel: 273-2600
EAST LONDON (043)
MP: • Dr G Arthur & Dr P Samuel Tel: 722-2437
R: • East Coast Radiology Tel: 722-2453
GEORGE (044)
D: • Drs Taylor and Neethling Tel: 874-4180
R: • Drs Scribante & Partners Inc. Tel: 803-5000
PORT ELIZABETH (041)
MP: • Dr Koch Tel: 373-4390
• Dr L Visser Tel: 583-2121
R: • Drs Visser, Erasmus & Partners
Tel: 365-4333
BLOEMFONTEIN (051)
MP: • Dr J L Fouche Tel: 444-1240/1565
R: • Drs A Van Dyk & Partners Tel: 444-1625
PRETORIA (012)
MP: • Dr E Lingenfelder & Dr J Momberg
Tel: 362-7180
• Dr J Malan Tel: 460-4357
• Dr P Buys Tel: 998-5928
• Dr Van Staden & Dr WS Conradie
Tel: 807-0385/0239
R: • Dr Bezuidenhout & Partners
Tel: 807-0222 / 343-0141
• Dr L F Weir Tel: 998-8959/947
• Dr Burge Radiologists Tel: 664-1013
JOHANNESBURG (011)
MP: • Dr H Cobb Tel: 788-1344
• Dr M Singer Tel: 485-1418/1439
• Dr K Ingham & Dr S Nieuwoudt Tel: 315-5817
Also at: ARWYP Clinic Tel: 922-1253
R: • Dr L Sulman & Partners Tel: 447-3244
• Dr van Rensburg, Grobelaar & Partners inc.
Tel: 310-1576 / 475-1364 / 875-1010
815-2394 / 794-4688
• Dr S Divaris Tel: 622-8463
• Burger Radiologists Inc
Tel: (011) 970-3216/7 or
425-2583/2589/462-5403/4
• Dr K Sneider & Associates
Tel: 640-7612
UPINGTON (054)
D: • Drs de Klerk & Eksteen
Tel: 337-7400
R: • Drs von Bezing, Graham & Brand Inc
Tel: 332-4185
SA REPRESENTATIVE:
Also accredited to New Zealand, Fiji, Cook Islands,
Pacific Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Kiribati
South African High Commission
Cnr. Rhodes Place & State Circle,
Yarralumla, Canberra ACT 2600
Tel: (0061-2) 62727300
Fax: (0061-2) 62727365 (Consular)
E-mail: consular@rsa.emb.gov.au
Web: www.sahc.org.au
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 08h30-13h00