By Tricia Chaves
Australia requires Spanish citizens to obtain a visa only if they plan to stay for more than 90 days. For shorter visits, Spaniards need to obtain either an Electronic Travel Authority or eVisitor document, both of which require just a valid passport and the absence of a serious criminal record.
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
You can obtain an ETA from your airline carrier or travel agent for a nominal fee. You must have a valid passport and are ineligible if you have a criminal record that includes serving a sentence of more than one year. Apply 30 days before your trip to Australia.
An ETA is valid for visits of up to three months and expires one year after it is issued, or on the passport expiration date, whichever comes sooner. With an ETA you are not allowed to work, except as a volunteer; you can, however, study, but for no more than three months.
EVisitor Document
To avoid a fee with your travel agent or airline company for an ETA, citizens of Spain may apply online for an eVisitor document. This is an electronic authorization for entry. You should apply for the eVisitor authorization at least two weeks before your planned travel date and prior to making any travel plans. You must meet the same requirements as for an ETA.
Applications are processed online through the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship website. The eVisit documents are valid for visits of up to three months and expire one year after their issue date or on the passport expiration date, whichever comes sooner.
Tourist Visa
If you are planning to visit Australia for more than three months, you should apply for a tourist visa. You can do so online, via mail and in person at a consular office. For a current list of required documents and the address of the consular offices, visit the website of the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (see Resources). You must have proof of your capability to support yourself during your visit.
Students
Australia applies different assessment levels depending on a student's nationality. These dictate the visa requirements. Spain is on assessment level 1. If you are enrolled in an approved course of study or research program, you and your partner and dependents can gain admission to Australia, along with specified work and study privileges. You must be able to furnish proof that you can support yourself, have a health exam, maintain international health insurance, accept Australian values, have no outstanding debt to the country and pay visa fees. There are eight student visa types: ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students); primary or secondary school course; vocational education and training; higher education (bachelor's through doctoral); postgraduate research; non-award (enrichment); AusAID and Defense (government-sponsored students); and student guardians (those accompanying a minor student).
Workers
Australia has a demand for doctors, nurses and skilled trades people. Visa classes and requirements vary with the type of worker. For details and forms, visit the website for the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (see Resources).
About the Author:
After working in advertising and promotions for entertainment publisher "The New Times," Tricia Chaves began writing professionally. In 2005, she earned her real-estate salesperson license from the state of Ohio and certification for leasing and property management from the Northeast Ohio Apartment Association. She was certified as a life and weight loss coach and Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming in 2011.
