Visa Information

Letters of Invitation for Visa Applications

Letters of invitation are not issued automatically. Please complete your registration online first, then email the conference secretariat at contact@dicta2026.dictaconference.org to request your letter. Be sure to include your full name as it appears in your passport, your affiliation, your registration confirmation number, and your paper title and ID (if applicable).

General Information

All visitors to Australia must have a valid visa to travel to and enter Australia. The exceptions are New Zealand passport holders, who will normally be granted a Special Category visa on arrival provided they meet health and character requirements, and permanent residents of Norfolk Island, who may be granted a Permanent Resident of Norfolk Island visa on arrival.

If you are planning to visit Australia for a business event such as a conference, trade fair, seminar or expo, there may be different visa options available to you. The appropriate visa will depend, amongst other things, on your purpose for visiting Australia.

Visa Options

The most common visas recommended for short travel to Australia to attend a conference or congress are:

1. ETA (subclass 601)

  • Online application process
  • Quick

Eligibility for an eVisitor visa and an ETA is determined by the country of passport that the applicant holds. The ETA is a quick, online process. A service provider charge applies, and possibly a further charge if applied for through a travel agency, airline agency or specialist service provider.

Further information: Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)

2. eVisitor (subclass 651)

  • Online application process
  • Quick
  • One working day processing time
  • No application charge or service fee

Eligibility for an eVisitor visa and an ETA is determined by the country of passport that the applicant holds. The eVisitor visa is an online visa process with a one working day processing time for low-risk applications. There is no visa application charge or service fee.

Further information: eVisitor (subclass 651)

3. Visitor Visa (subclass 600) — Business Visitor stream

  • Online or paper application process
  • An application fee applies

Passport holders who are not eligible to apply for an eVisitor or an ETA should apply for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) in the Business Visitor stream.

Further information: Visitor visa (subclass 600) — Business Visitor stream

Things to Consider Before Lodging an Application

Invitation and registration to attend the event

Although this is a separate process to lodging your visa application, when assessing whether you meet the criteria for the grant of a visa, the department may take into account whether you are registered or were invited to attend the event.

Confirmation of registration, or a copy of your letter of invitation, should accompany visa applications. For online subclass 400 and subclass 600 applications, information about the documents that need to be attached will be provided as part of the application process.

To request a letter of invitation, please email the conference secretariat after completing your registration — see Letters of Invitation for Visa Applications above.

Processing times

Visa processing times vary depending on the visa type and your individual circumstances. Please refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for current processing times, and plan your application accordingly.

Travel sanctions

For information on countries subject to travel sanctions, please refer to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's sanctions page. Nationals of these countries may not be permitted to travel to and enter Australia.

Biometrics Programme

Biometrics may need to be collected at an Australian Visa Application Centre for visitors and business people lodging a visa application from the countries listed on the department's website.

If you lodge your application online, the department will advise you in writing if you need to provide your biometrics.

Obligations of Visa Holders

On arrival at Australia's border you must identify yourself, present your travel documents, and complete an Incoming Passenger Card (IPC). The IPC requires visitors to declare their health status and any prior criminal convictions.

If you do not meet immigration clearance requirements, you may be refused entry to Australia.

More information: At the border

You must comply with your visa validity and visa conditions while in Australia. When you receive your Australian visa you are issued with a visa grant notice that explains the conditions of the visa, including period of validity and entry requirements. You are advised to carry this visa grant notice when travelling for your own reference.

Your visa may be cancelled if you breach any of the conditions. If your visa expires while you are still in Australia, you become an unlawful non-citizen. Unlawful non-citizens are liable to be detained and removed from Australia.

Enquiries

Please direct all registration enquiries to:
DICTA 2026 Conference Secretariat
Email: contact@dicta2026.dictaconference.org