Australia Extends 10-Year Visa Scheme to ASEAN Countries

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Tuesday the extension of the 10-year frequent traveller visa scheme to eligible ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste.

The announcement came during the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit held in Melbourne and aims to foster stronger ties and enhance tourism between Australia and its Southeast Asian neighbours.

10-Year Frequent Traveller Visa

The 10-year frequent traveller visa scheme, previously limited to Chinese tourists, will now be accessible to eligible citizens of ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste.

• Eligible citizens from ASEAN countries (Laos, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) and Timor-Leste can now apply for a 10-year frequent traveller visa.
• This visa allows visitors to stay in Australia for up to three months per visit.
• Previously, only Chinese citizens enjoyed this extended visa program.

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Business Visitor Visas Extended to 5 Years

Furthermore, business travellers from all countries, including those in Southeast Asia, will now be eligible for a five-year business visitor visa, up from the previous three years.

This enhancement aims to streamline business exchanges and foster stronger partnerships between Australia and nations worldwide.

Visa Application Process

Eligible travellers from ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste can apply for the 10-year frequent traveller visa scheme through the official channels provided by the Australian government.

Detailed information on eligibility criteria and application procedures can be found on the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

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Boosting Tourism and Strengthening Ties

This announcement was made during the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, where Prime Minister Albanese met with leaders from Southeast Asian nations. The extended visa programs aim to:

• Increase tourist arrivals from Southeast Asia, a region that previously contributed significantly to Australia’s tourism industry.
• Strengthen economic and cultural ties between Australia and Southeast Asian countries.

Addressing the Shift in Tourism Trends

The Australian tourism industry has seen a decline in Chinese visitors due to travel restrictions and visa limitations. By expanding visa options for Southeast Asia, Australia hopes to regain lost ground and attract a wider range of tourists.

Conclusion

Australia’s move to extend visa schemes to ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste is a crucial step in bolstering regional partnerships and advancing tourism prospects.

With longer visa durations and simplified application procedures, Australia seeks to draw increased visitors from Southeast Asia, fostering cultural exchanges and driving economic prosperity in the region.