SOUTH African travellers
are now required to provide
biometric data when
applying for an Australian
visa, effective June 8.
Previously, travel agents
could make the application
on the client’s behalf by
completing an application
online. “The application is
still submitted and loaded
online, after which a request
to set up an appointment
is immediately made
available,” says Debbie
Nicholson, managing
member of Visas and
Passports Unlimited.
Applicants can submit
their fingerprints and facial
photographs at one of
the four Australian Visa
Application centres in Cape
Town, Durban, Johannesburg
and Pretoria. Travellers
will need to resubmit their
biometric data each time
they apply for an Australian
visa.
Application fees have
also been affected by the
introduction of the new
requirements, with a tourist
or business visitor visa
base application charge of
AU$135 (R1 380).
Debbie adds that, since
the system was launched,
the visa company has not
experienced any delays
with the process and that
all applications have been
successfully completed.
“Everything has been
smooth sailing on our side,”
says Carla Douglas, national
business manager for visas
at MDS Visapak, adding
that every time the visa
company has submitted an
application it has been able
to book an appointment for
biometric data collection
immediately.
“We do not expect any
negative impact on travel
to Australia with the new
visa requirements,” says
Michi Messner, regional
manager for Africa of Qantas
Airways
Australia changes visa process
Comments | 0
