Australian Visa options for Conferences and Events

✈️ Visa Options for Conferences, Congresses, Trade Fairs, Seminars, and Expos in Australia

All international visitors must hold a valid visa to travel to and enter Australia, except for New Zealand passport holders (who are generally granted a Special Category visa on arrival) and permanent residents of Norfolk Island (who may be granted a specific visa upon arrival).

If you’re planning to attend a business event in Australia — such as a conference, congress, trade fair, seminar, or expo — several visa options may be available depending on the nature and purpose of your visit.

To explore the most suitable visa for your travel, visit the Department of Home Affairs website and answer a few simple questions via their visa finder tool.

📌 Visa Options for General Attendees, Delegates, and Observers

Attendees, participants, or speakers not receiving payment or undertaking work may be eligible for the following visa categories:

1. Electronic Travel Authority (ETA – Subclass 601)

  • ✅ Fast and simple online application
  • ✅ Ideal for short-term visits
  • ✅ Immediate approval for eligible passport holders

More information and application details are available on the ETA website.

2. eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651 – Business Stream)

  • ✅ Online application
  • ✅ Typically processed within one working day
  • ✅ No application fee

Available to passport holders from eligible countries. Visit the eVisitor visa page for eligibility and details.

3. Visitor Visa (Subclass 600 – Business Stream)

  • ✅ Available to applicants not eligible for ETA or eVisitor
  • ✅ Apply online or via paper form
  • 💰 Application fee: AUD $190

More information can be found on the Visitor Visa Business Stream page.

🧑‍💼 Visa Options for Speakers, Exhibitors, and Paid Contributors

If you’re participating in a paid capacity or are contributing through work or performance, the following visa options may apply:

1. Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408 – Invited Participant)

  • ✔️ For those invited by an Australian organization
  • ✔️ Requires a letter of support from the inviting organization
  • 📄 A legislative requirement

More details can be found on the Temporary Activity Visa page.

2. Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 400 – Short Stay Specialist)

  • ✔️ For short-term, highly specialized work
  • ✔️ Ideal where there is no inviting Australian organization
  • 📄 Supporting documentation required

Visit the Subclass 400 Visa page for more details.

📝 Important Notes Before Lodging Your Application

🔐 Entering and Leaving Australia

Familiarize yourself with Australia’s entry and border regulations. See the Entering and Leaving Australia section on the department’s website.

📩 Invitation and Registration for the Event

Although separate from your visa application, the Department of Home Affairs may consider your registration or invitation when assessing your eligibility.

  • 📧 A confirmation of registration or a copy of your invitation letter should be included in your application.
  • 📨 To request a visa invitation letter, email the event secretariat at JessicaL@icmsaust.com.au.

📆 Cut-off Dates for Applications

You should lodge your visa application:

  • At least 2 months before your intended departure
  • 4 months in advance if you have any health or character issues

More on visa processing times is available on the Department’s processing time page.

📜 Visa Holder Obligations

Upon arrival, visa holders must:

  • Present valid travel documents
  • Complete the Incoming Passenger Card (IPC)
  • Declare health and character details

Failure to meet immigration clearance requirements may result in denial of entry.

🔎 Your visa grant notice outlines conditions and period of stay. Carry this notice during travel. Non-compliance may result in visa cancellation or detention.

🧬 Biometrics Collection

Applicants from selected countries may be required to provide biometric data at an Australian Visa Application Centre.

  • If required, you’ll be notified after submitting your visa application.
  • A list of countries subject to biometrics is available on the department’s website.

🏥 Health Requirements

All applicants are assessed against Australia’s health and character requirements. Depending on your case, you may need to undergo:

  • A medical examination
  • A chest X-ray
  • Other health checks

The department will notify you of any required checks based on your personal circumstances. Learn more about health requirements on the health assessment page.