Visa

Australian Visa

There are various visa options for entry to Australia, depending on where you are from and the purpose of your visit – see below for more information and relevant links for each visa type. The BWA is working with the Australian Department of Home Affairs to be sure we have up to date and relevant visa information for our event. The links below should be checked regularly for current information.

Which Visa?

To find out which visa options are open to you, see https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/visit

Under the “Main purpose of your visit”, select *Attending an event
Select your passport country and continue
Your visa options will be displayed with details of any conditions, fees, processing times and the step by step application process. Please read the conditions carefully to be sure you are able to meet these, ahead of starting your application.

Application Process

Electronic Travel Authorities (ETA)

If you are eligible to enter Australia with an ETA (subclass 601), (citizens of most European, North American and some other countries) the website above will also explain how to download the App and apply for an ETA.  

EVistor or Visa 

If a Visa (including an EVisitor) is needed, use the apply link to create an ImmiAccount (one per person) as soon as possible.  The Australian homeaffairs website gives all relevant information on the application process.  Once you have an ImmiAccount, you should apply for a Tourist Stream Visitor Short Stay Visa to attend a religious event.

Application Timing

Electronic Travel Authorities and eVisitor visas tend to be processed within 24 hours. For those for whom these are not an option, the best advice we have currently, is that visa applications should be lodged at least 6 to 8 weeks, but no more than 3 months, prior to an applicant’s intended date of travel.

Applications lodged too far in advance of an event may be set aside as the result of prioritising visa case loads. The timing above will ensure the visa is processed in good time without expiring before your arrival in Australia. It can also mitigate integrity concerns where a visa holder has a change in circumstances which would make them ineligible for a visa and therefore denied entry upon arrival.

Invitation Letters

If you need a visa to enter Australia, you will have opportunity to request an invitation letter during your registration process. These will be sent within 2 weeks of receiving a completed (ie fully paid) registration. Given the recommended application times above, the BWA will only issue these letters up until May 15, 2025 as any visa applications made after this date will not allow sufficient time for visa applications to be processed.

CANCELLATION POLICY

A full refund of registration fees will be issued to those who have their visa denied only if the visa application was lodged prior to April 30, 2025. To receive a refund, you must apply by June 30, 2025, by emailing your request to congress@baptistworld.org and including a copy of your denial letter along with proof of your application having been made before April 30, 2025.

Possible Visa Options

Electronic Travel Authority – ETA (subclass 601)

All ETA-eligible passport holders must apply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app. In most cases you will be notified of the result of your ETA application immediately.

Click the button below for this visa type:

ETA Subclass 601