Changed travel regulations during and after the corona pandemic
According to allcitycodes, there is still a comprehensive ban on all foreign travelers without a permanent residence permit in Australia. In particular, tourist visits are generally not permitted, and tourist visas are accordingly not issued. German nationals with a residence permit in Australia and their immediate family members (spouses, underage children, legal guardians, but not parents) are exempt from the entry ban.
Due to a Government resolution dated January 8, 2021, all passengers five years and older traveling to Australia must present a negative PCR test upon check-in. The test must not be older than 72 hours. Exceptions to this requirement may be possible under certain circumstances. For more information, please contact the Australian Department of the Interior. Masks are required for passengers and crew members on international flights to Australia, as well as on domestic flights in Australia.
Upon entry, the obligation to undertake a 14-day hotel quarantine, usually for a fee, in designated accommodation at the arrival airport still applies. The regulations in the individual states are partly different, read online for New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia.
Immediate onward travel to the destination in Australia is not permitted, not even in the case of direct airport transit. The Department of Home Affairs accepts applications for justified exemptions from the entry ban. At least 72 hours before entry, information on the health status and availability must be provided online.
General provisions for travel and residence (until the corona pandemic)
Vacation visa
If you just want to go on vacation, there are 3 different types of tourist visas for Australia. Each is valid as a visit, study (max. 3 months) and business visa (for conferences, etc.). However, you are not allowed to work with these visas. It is advisable to use a passport with a validity of at least 6 months for the application.
Visitor visa (class 600)
- Permits a stay of 3, 6 or 12 months
- Cost: 140 AUD
- Can be applied for inside or outside Australia, both online and at the embassy in Berlin
eVisitor (Class 651)
- The visa is valid for 12 months and allows multiple entries for a maximum of 3 months per stay
- No costs
- Must be applied for online outside of Australia
Electronic Travel Authority (Class 601)
- The visa is valid for 12 months and allows multiple entries for a maximum of 3 months per stay
- No costs
- Must be requested from the travel agency, airline or embassy outside of Australia. Online applications with a German passport are not possible
Work visa
Working Holiday Visa – Vacation and work in Australia:
With this visa you can stay in Australia for up to a year and earn money on the side. After half a year (6 months), however, the employer must be changed. You are most likely to find work in typical backpacker jobs (e.g. fruit picking) or as a waiter in a big city.
Requirements for issuing a Working Holiday Visa:
- Age – between 18 and 30 inclusive
- Citizenship – from one of the countries participating in the program (Germany is included)
- Adequate financial resources – a benchmark of around AUD 5,000
- Return or onward flight
You can get the Working Holiday Visa by ordering this visa online on the following official website: https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login
Processing usually takes two days. The visa is initially issued electronically. In Australia you will then have to go to an immigration office where the visa will be pasted into the passport. If you enter via Sydney, you can get the Working Holiday Visa right at the airport.
You can apply for a second work visa to extend your stay in Australia if you have worked in Australia for at least three months as a Working Holiday Visa holder.
