VISAS & IMMIGRATION

Visas & Immigration

All visitors to Australia must have a valid visa before boarding their flight.

People living with HIV do not need to declare their status for entry.

Applying for an Australian Visa

Australia’s visa application process is difficult and complex, particularly if you are coming from a developing country, but there is no discrimination on the basis of HIV. However, if you are living with HIV, it is recommended that you do not indicate this on your form, as it is not a required piece of information. Visa applications can be expensive, fees are non-refundable, and it may take several months to process your application. It is therefore important to consider the time and cost involved in the visa application process.

All delegates should prepare the necessary documents for their visa application as early as possible. In April 2014, delegates will receive confirmation of abstract or scholarship approval, and at this time you should immediately commence the process of Australian visa application.

All delegates attending the International AIDS Conference should apply for a Business Visitor Visa, along with the letter of invitation from the Conference and/or letter of support from your organisation. Business visitor visas are generally easier to obtain than tourist visas, but assessment by the Department of Immigration is subjective.

Read more about visa applications (PDF)

Read more about health and the Australian visa process (PDF)

Also, visit the AIDS 2014 Visa Information page for up-to-date information.

StepWise is a place to share your visa experience and get insight from other community members.  This function will be available soon.  In the meantime, please feel free to share your visa experience on the StepWise Facebook page