The Department of Home Affairs (HA) extended online lodgement of visitor visa applications to all Indian nationals in mid-2017. A more convenient option for Indians looking to visit Australia, the online application process allows visitors to apply for their Australian tourist visa from their homes. Hopefuls can apply for their Australian visitor visa through the Department&rsquos Immi Account portal.
Applicants will be spared the hassle of all biometric requirement or physically submitting their passport to the Department. The new e-lodgement facility will give tourists greater independence when planning a trip to Down Under. Since the introduction of this new visa system, arrivals from India to Australia have surged by 20 per cent providing further optimism in increasing tourist arrivals from India.
In an age where travelers are growing more self-reliant while planning and booking holidays, online visa lodgement offers several benefits. From providing 24/7 accessibility to electronic payment of the visa application charge as well as the ability to check the status of applications lodged online.
An important step in managing the large number of visitor visa applications processed in India, the expansion of online lodgement to Indian applicants will lead to the processing times of visas largely reducing.
Additionally, if the applicant permits, the online form can be completed by a third party such as a family member here in India or in Australia, or even HA&rsquos contracted visa application centre, VFS.
The introduction of online visitor visa lodgement is seen as a progressive and innovative measure to ease travel logistics. The ease of access is seen as a catalyst that drives decision making. By going digital for visa facilitation, the appeal to travel to Australia is further strengthened.
Getting There Travelling to Australia can be a tad bit challenging especially for those going from Mumbai. While Air India does offer a direct flight from Delhi to Sydney, there are no direct flights from Mumbai. However, going to cities like Melbourne and Adelaide will require individuals to take stopovers as there aren't any non-stop flights.
For more information visit www.tourism.australia.com www.facebook.com/seeaustralia
To book your holiday to Australia, visit www.australia.com/explore