Tourism Australia is delighted to be welcoming back travellers from India with borders now open for quarantine-free travel, for fully vaccinated visa holders.
“At Tourism Australia we are so excited to be welcoming back international visitors who make up a critical part of our visitor economy. We know Australia remains an incredibly desirable destination, especially for visitors from India and we can’t wait to once again share all of the unforgettable tourism experiences we have to offer here in Australia,” Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said.
Tourism Australia Country Manager – India, Nishant Kashikar said “Our research has consistently shown that there is a huge pent-up demand for travel to Australia amongst Indian travellers. Through our campaign activities, engaging Public Relations (PR) and Advocacy initiatives, collaborations with Key Distribution Partners (KDPs) and airline partners, we are optimistic of converting this demand and seeing India return to growth in arrivals to Australia”.
Tourism Australia’s recent Consumer Demand Project research suggests that 1.8 Mn (or 82%) out of 2.2 Mn High Value Travellers from India intend to visit Australia over the next two years. This demand is well complemented by the boost to direct aviation access between India and Australia with the commencement of direct flights by Qantas and Air India in recent times.
Another initiative to encourage holiday visitors from India is the Visa Application Charge (VAC) waiver announcement by Department of Home Affairs, for those tourists whose visa to Australia has either expired or will expire between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2022.
Australia will be hosting the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup from 22 October – 13 November this year and it presents a fantastic opportunity for Indian cricket loving tourists and business travellers to visit and enjoy an experience of the game and beyond.
TOURIST VISAS:
Department of Home Affairs have started processing all visa categories and urges you to lodge your visa applications as early as you can, before the intended date of departure.
Visa Application Charge (VAC) Waiver for Tourists
If a traveller held a Visitor visa (Subclass 600) that expired, or will expire, between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2022, then you will be able to apply for a future Visitor visa, at no cost, under Visa Application Charge (VAC) waiver provisions. You must lodge your application by 31 December 2022 to receive the VAC Waiver. You can indicate your eligibility for the VAC waiver when you apply for your new visa. For further details, visit efunds and waivers of Visa Application Charges | COVID-19 and the border (homeaffairs.gov.au)
