Watch out for Australian visa errors
Daily Telegraph - 13 March 2010
John Mahon, from London, writes
Following your advice on how to obtain free e-visas for Australia, I should like to alert people to a potential danger of using this system. Travellers only receive a transaction number for an e-visa. With the alternative ETA system they get a physical copy of the visa.
Making a mistake when inputting passport details for an e-visa can result in passengers being unable to board their flight.
I agree that many travel companies charge too much for issuing ETA visas. This should cost A$20 (£11.67) via the Australian government's website, immi.gov.au
Our agency, Visas4oz, can issue ETA visas for only £6.50 per person and email a copy of the visa direct to the traveller.
I would say that at least 15 per cent of applicants using our service input incorrect data. We do not charge to amend any details and this avoids hassles at the airport.
Gill Charlton replies
The Australian Tourist Commission admits that travellers could have problems at the airport if they have given incorrect information (even a rogue letter or number) when applying for an e-visa. This may mean they have to reapply for the visa using an airport computer. It takes about two hours for a replacement e-visa to come through.
It may give peace of mind to apply for a more robust ETA visa through Visas4oz (01270 842670; visas4oz.co.uk)
