Australia has different visa policies for different nationals. Except for the citizens of New Zealand, all foreigners need a valid Australian visa to enter the country, including the citizens of Switzerland!
In 2008, the Australian government introduced the eVisitor visa for Swiss citizens to speed up and simplify the visa application process. Continue reading to learn all about Australian visas and how to apply for an eVisitor visa!
Do Swiss Nationals Need An Australia Visa?
While traveling to a foreign country, the most important thing that you need is a visa. Although Swiss Federal Council has confirmed Australian nationals can enter Switzerland visa-free by fulfilling the visa requirements, Schengen regulations, and conditions of entry laid down by Swiss legislation, that's not the same for Swiss citizens.
All Swiss nationals who want to visit Australia must obtain a visa beforehand. The good news is that Australia offers different types of visas for citizens of Switzerland, such as:
Australia eVisitor Visa
When it comes to convenience, no other option can beat the Australian eVisitor visa. To get an e-visa, you don't need to visit the Australian embassy, follow complicated steps, or schedule an interview. Swiss nationals can apply for this travel document from the competent authority online.
An eVisitor visa allows a holder to travel to Australia for both tourism and business purposes. It is a multiple-entry visa that stays valid for 1 year. To get an Australian eVisitor visa, applicants need a handful of documents, including:
Passport - You must have your original Swiss passport with more than three months of validity remaining. Moreover, make sure it has at least 2 blank pages for stamps.
An E-mail Address - You must have a valid and active email address. Your email will be electronically linked to your passport. On approval, you'll get your e-visa via email.
Mode of Payment - Swiss citizens are required to pay embassy fees and service fees. As this entire process is streamlined, you'll need an online payment option, like a debit or credit card.
Australia Tourist Visa
To get an eVisitor visa, travelers must fulfill both health and character requirements. If, for some reason, you are not eligible for an e-visa, you can always apply for a traditional one. Australia offers tourist visas that can be used for tourism purposes, such as visiting friends or family members.
Unlike an e-visa, you'll need to visit the Australian consulate general office to get a traditional visa. Alternatively, you can also partner up with VisaHQ to save your precious time and effort. You'll need the following documents to get a tourist visa:
Visa application form
Personal invitation
Itinerary
Proof of accommodation
Proof of status
Employment letter
Bank statement
Original passport
Australia Business Visa
An e-visa can be used for business purposes. However, if you cannot get an e-visa, you'll need to apply for an Australian business visa. This travel document allows a holder to enter Australia for professional and commercial activities, such as attending a business conference.
A business visa is valid for multiple entries within a 1-year period. It allows a Swiss citizen to stay in the country for 90 consecutive days. VisaHQ can also help you obtain a business visa. All you need is to fulfill the following visa requirements:
Visa application form
Business Invitation
Itinerary
Proof of accommodation
Proof of status
Employment letter
Bank statement
Passport
How to Apply for an Australian eVisitor Visa
Compared to other Australian visas, getting an e-visa is both fast and simple. Unlike a traditional stamp visa, you can apply for an eVisitor visa online. All you need is a stable internet connection and a laptop or mobile device.
To get an e-visa, you'll need to follow three simple steps:
Fill out the e-visa application form
Pay the visa processing fee
Submit required documents
Depending on your purpose of visit, you might need some additional documents to get an e-visa. It's recommended to get a health declaration form and COVID-19 vaccination certificate beforehand to avoid self-isolation.
Visa Application Form
To get an e-visa, make sure your visa application form is free from errors and mistakes. To fill out the form, you'll need to provide personal, travel, passport, and contact details, including:
Full name
Date of birth
Passport number
Passport issue and expiry date
Travel date
Phone number
Email address
Permanent address
Criminal conviction record
Processing Time
While the processing time frame for a traditional visa is 10-15 days, Swiss citizens can get an e-visa within 48 hours. However, due to popularity and secondary checks, you may need to wait a little longer. So, it's best to apply for an e-visa at least 2 weeks prior to the departure date.
Keep in mind that an Australian visa does not guarantee your entry; the immigration officials have the final say!