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Visas and migration
General information
The Australian Embassy in Lisbon does not process visa applications. Currently, visa processing for Portuguese nationals and residents is undertaken by DIAC’s on-line eVisa service, Onshore Processing Centres and the visa office at the Australian Embassy in Berlin.
Changes to Information Services Provided in Lisbon
During the months of August and September 2008, we will be changing how we deliver client information to prospective visa applicants residing in Portugal. From 30 September 2008, direct client information services at the Australian Embassy in Lisbon will no longer be available.
Further information on what the exact changes will be
Client Service and feedback
We value your compliments, complaints and suggestions to help us to provide better products and services. We seek client feedback in a number of ways, including through client satisfaction surveys, and direct feedback from clients. Please consult our Client Service Charter and Feedback form.
Visa information
Tourist and short stay business visas
All non-Australian citizens, except New Zealand citizens, travelling to Australia require an electronic travel authority (ETA) or a visa.
If you wish to travel to Australia for tourism or short stay business purposes, you should choose one of the following visa options. Working is not permitted on those visa subclasses.
If you hold an ETA-eligible Passport, and wish to visit up to 3 months for tourism or business purposes, you can apply for an ETA through a travel agent or airline.
If you hold an eVisitor-eligible Passport, and wish to visit up to 3 months for tourism or business purposes, you can apply for an eVisitor on-line.
If you hold an e676-eligible Passport your stay is for tourism purposes and is exceeding 3 months and up to 12 months and you can apply for your Electronic Tourist Visa (e676) on-line.
If you are unable or ineligible to apply for an electronic visa you will need to lodge a paper application for tourism or short stay business purposes with our visa office in Berlin.
Transit visas
Most people transiting Australia to another country or passing through Australia to join a ship as crew must obtain a visa overseas before travelling to Australia.
Note: A transit visa is required even if a traveller remains on the same aircraft in the same airport.
The relevant visa is Transit Visa (subclass 771) and allows the holder to enter and remain in Australia for 72 hours.
For further information on how to apply please consult our visa office at the Australian Embassy in Berlin.
Travel agents
For instructions on using the Electronic Travel Authority system, please consult our visa section at the Australian Embassy in Berlin.
Airlines and Air Crew
Information and requirements for airlines, and visa information for air crew, see Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
Sea Travel
Information and entry requirements for the shipping industry, passengers and crew arriving by sea, please consult Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).
The Maritime Crew Visa is replacing the Special Purpose Visa from 1 July 2007. For more information on how to apply, please see Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Student visas
Visitors to Australia who wish to attend a formal or informal course, which lasts for up to 3 months (for example: English language course, diving course, or computer course) can do so using a Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). You should be aware, however, that work is not permitted while holding a tourist visa, and that health formalities still apply.
If your course of study lasts for more than 3 months, or you are participating in a Secondary School Exchange (no matter how short) you need to apply for a Student Visa. Secondary School Exchange refers to official exchange programs registered with an Australian State Department of (School) Education.
If you are a student who is assessment Level 1, once you have been provided your Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment, you may apply on-line. Please also consult additional information available from our visa office at the Australian Embassy in Berlin.
If you are not eligible for an electronic student visa, you must apply through our visa office at the Australian Embassy in Berlin.
Temporary residence visa options
If you are seeking temporary residence for one of the purposes described below, please consult our visa office at the Australian Embassy in Berlin.
• For invited academics to visit Australia to observe or participate in research projects, without remuneration other than a contribution towards living expenses and travel costs
• You wish to participate in a sporting event, perform as an artist or travel to Australia as a film maker, photographer or journalist.
• Investor retirement visa
• Special program visa
• Occupational trainee visa
Australian permanent residents
If you have resided in Australia as a permanent resident and wish renew or replace your resident return visa please consult our visa office at the Australian Embassy in Berlin.
Australian citizenship
From 1 October 2009, all Citizenship by Descent applications for nationals and residents of Portugal will be processed at the Australian High Commission in London. All other information relating to citizenship will remain unchanged.
Migrating to Australia
Skills-related Migration Visas
There are different visa options available for people who want to migrate to Australia and who have the required skills and qualifications. Please read the following overview.
Partner and Family Migration Visas
If you intend to stay in Australia permanently or if your personal circumstances require a permanent residence permit for Australia, you need to apply for a migration visa. Please read the following overview.
Other Information and Contact Details
If you applied for an electronic visa, your application will be processed onshore. All eVisa services are provided by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship in Australia.
Please use the following link to check your online visa status before you make any enquiries regarding your electronic visa application. You need to have your transaction reference number [for example: EGMN69SVX] and your passport ready.: EVisa Status Request
All other enquiries regarding online visas, should be made to the relevant helpdesks.
Electronic Tourist Visa
If you need to contact the department, please use the: Visa Enquiry Form
Electronic Travel Authority
If you or your travel agent or airline encounters any problems with your ETA, you should send an e-mail with a scan or digital photo of the personal details' page of your passport, your intended travel dates and the purpose of your travel as well as the error message that you received to the following address: ETA Helpdesk
Student visa
If you need to contact the department, please use the: Visa Enquiry Form
Temporary Long Stay Business Entry (subclass 457)
If you need to contact the department, please contact the relevant: Australian Business Centre
Locations and contact details for Australian Offices, Overseas Offices, Australian Business Centres, Australian Processing Centres.
Visa Evidencing
If you have applied online for a tourist visa, working holiday maker visa or student visa, you do not need a visa label.
If you have obtained an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) from a travel agent or airline, you will not receive a visa label. The visa is stored electronically.
If you have received written notification from another DIAC office that your visa has been granted and that you need to obtain a visa label in your passport, you should send your passport together with a copy of the letter that you received to. Please see How to have a visa label transferred into your passport.
Other Information
Forms and information booklets
Service Standards for Processing Times
Contact details for panel doctors and radiologists in Portugal
Forms 26 (medical examination) and 160 (chest x-ray)
List of sworn translators
Processing fees and accepted methods of payment