09 April 2008

World Youth Day pilgrims told: apply for Australia ETA Travel visa now

People travelling to Australia for the Catholic Church's World Youth Day are being encouraged to apply for their visas sooner rather than later. Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, has urged people attending the event to start filling out their Australian travel visa applications now as there are just three months left until it begins.

Over 10,000 Australia travel visas have been granted already for the event which begins on July 15th. However, over 125,000 individuals are expected to attend the event. Senator Evans commented on the need for attendees to apply for their travel visas sooner rather than later: "While the rate of applications for visas has been increasing over recent weeks, people must understand that the department cannot guarantee that applications lodged after June 1st will be processed in time for pilgrims to travel to Australia in July."

 People from more than 170 countries are expected to attend the event, and all will need an Australian tourist and visitor visa before arriving in the country. World Youth Day sees young people from all continents gathering together in the presence of the Pope.

An ETA visa is required for all short-term visitors travelling to Australia. Visa Bureau’s Australian ETA visa online application means that in most cases, they can be granted in seconds.