Visas & COVID-19 Information

Visa options:

Participants, attendees and speakers that will not be working, performing or otherwise be paid to contribute at the symposium may be eligible to apply for the following visa options:

• Visitor (subclass 600)(Business stream) visa.  For more information see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/visitor-600/business-visitor-stream
• Electronic Travel Authority – ETA (subclass 601).  For eligible passport holders and more information see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601
• eVisitor (subclass 651)(Business Stream) visa.  For eligible passport holders and more information see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/evisitor-651

Exhibitors working at an event which targets a specific industry and, which does not involve selling goods or services directly to the public, may also be eligible for the Visitor visa options provided above.

NB: These are the visa options available presently but the Department reserves the right to change regulations. Visa applicants must demonstrate that they meet all the legislative requirements for an Australian visa.

Biometrics:

Visa applicants outside of Australia will need to provide biometrics when they apply for a visa that is part of the Australian biometrics program, or where they are from a country, or located in a country at time of application that is part of the Australian biometrics program.

For information regarding Australia’s biometric program including visas and countries that are part of the program, please see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/biometrics

Visa Application Process and Processing Times:

Visa applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and actual processing times can vary due to individual circumstances including:

• whether the applicant has lodged a complete application, including all necessary supporting documents and paid associated visa application charges
• how promptly the applicant responds to any requests for additional information
• how long it takes to perform required checks on the supporting information provided
• how long it takes to receive information from external agencies, particularly in relation to health, character, and national security requirements
• when the application is lodged taking the current global visa processing times into account

Processing times are impacted each month by cases that are complex, changes to volume of applications and changes to Ministerial Directions.  More information about visa processing times please see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/overview.  For this reason, we would advise that visa applications be lodged at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to a person’s intended date of travel.

COVID-19 PCR TRAVEL TESTING IN HOBART

Hobart Pathology performs COVID-19 RT-PCR testing for all travellers at our dedicated COVID-19 collection centre.

Full details on arranging a COVID-19 test can be found here: www.hobartpath.com.au/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-for-travel