eVisitor Visas, Easing the Way for the EU

Tourists and business people from all European Union member states now have access to a simple online visitor visa service to travel to Australia.

The new European Union eVisitor online service means anyone from the 27 EU member states will be able to apply for an eVisitor over the internet, free of charge.

‘All EU member states currently provide Australian citizens with visa-free access, with about one million Australians expected to visit Europe in 2008-09,’ Senator Evans said.

‘The EU-wide expansion of the eVisitor service is the culmination of Australia’s reforms to deliver reciprocal short-term entry arrangements for EU nationals visiting Australia as tourists or for business purposes.

‘This service will further enhance the convenience and speed of online applications, with eVisitor holders able to visit for up to three months at time for tourist or business purposes as many times as they like over a 12-month period.’

Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson said the eVisitor online service would provide a boost to Australia’s $38.9 billion tourism industry.

‘Making travel to Australia simpler for more than 1.2 million people from the EU each year will encourage tourism growth, strengthen cultural links and facilitate business relationships with Australia’s largest continental trade partner,’ Minister Ferguson said.

Senator Evans said there had been a steady growth in applications from the EU since the 2007 abolition of tourist visa application charges for EU nationals.

It is anticipated about 260 000 eVisitor applications will be lodged online by July 2009.

Senator Evans said the convenience and ease of the application process would be complemented by technological advances and improved efficiency to enhance Australia’s already robust security and immigration risk screening.

Web-site: http://www.evisitorvisa.com/

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