Australia is a popular destination for UK travellers, whether it’s for tourism, study, or business. However, Australia has a variety of entry requirements and visa options that you need to be aware of to ensure a smooth journey. So, here’s a breakdown of what UK citizens need to know when planning a trip to Australia. 

Types of visa 

There are a few options when it comes to Australian visas. The right type for you will largely depend on the purpose and length of your stay. 

Tourist visas 

One of the most common visas for tourists is an eVisa, which permits you to stay in Australia for up to three months per visit. You can visit as many times as you want within a 12-month period. It’s ideal for those who are looking for short-term visits. These visas cost around £80. 

If you have family or friends that you visit regularly, you can get a frequent traveller stream visa, which can be granted for up to 10 years and you can visit as often as you like in this validity period. However you can only stay for up to three months each time you enter and can only stay for 12 months in total over any 24-month period. These are roughly £688.

Student visas 

If you are choosing to study in Australia you will need to acquire a student visa. You must be studying at a recognised educational institution and be able to provide evidence of this. You also need to provide proof of your finances, English proficiency skills, have health insurance, and have no substantial criminal record. The visa lasts up to five years and will set you back about £766. 

One thing to note is that you are only permitted to work for a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight. So if you need additional work, you must apply for another visa that permits you to work in Australia. 

Business visas

If your company has connections in Australia and you need to travel there for business purposes, you will need to get a business visa. They’re also commonly known as ETA Short Stay business eVisas. 

With this visa, you can make multiple business trips to Australia that allow you to stay for up to 90 days per trip. You can attend business meetings and seminars, meet partners or customers, or conduct any other business-related activities. One thing you can’t do is be paid for any work you carry out whilst in Australia. These visas start at £40.

Plan ahead 

No matter what the purpose of your visit is, you need to obtain a visa to enter Australia. It’s important that you plan ahead and get the right visa to ensure your trip goes without a hitch. 

A CHOIR of young South African singers is returning to Wales as part of its latest UK tour, with performances and busking dates confirmed in St Davids and Cardiff.

The Project Zulu Choir, made up of 20 children aged 11 to 14 from two township schools in KwaZulu-Natal, will arrive in the UK on May 17. Over the following three weeks, they will showcase their vibrant traditional Zulu songs and dances at venues across the South West.

Their Pembrokeshire stop includes a visit to St Davids, where they will be hosted by Celtic Camping. The choir will busk in the city centre on Sunday, May 26, followed by a full concert at Celtic Camping on Monday, May 27. They will then travel to Cardiff for a final day of busking on Tuesday, May 28.

Ian Griffiths, owner of Celtic Camping, said: “It has been an immense privilege over the years to host and foster a wonderful relationship with the Project Zulu Choir. The venue here will provide a fantastic setting for them to perform, and a memorable experience for everyone to enjoy.”

Every pound raised during the tour will go directly towards improving educational facilities at the choir members’ schools back home in South Africa.

Last year’s tour raised a record-breaking £32,000, and organisers are hoping to surpass that figure in 2024.

Dr Benjamin Knight, director of Project Zulu, said: “The choir will bring boundless energy and charisma during their tour, projecting their incredible sound and thrilling audiences. Every ticket bought and every donation made will directly impact young people’s futures.”

THIS May, award-winning live theatre and events company, The Production Garden, brings you The Mumford & Sons Story – Awake My Soul only at the Torch Theatre. The show recreates the incredible tale of the floor-stomping folk-rock band that in 2009, took the world by storm.

Four musicians, including Milford Haven’s very own Samuel Freeman, come together in tweed waistcoats, skinny jeans and bushy beards to celebrate the best of Mumford & Sons’ iconic music and their explosive rise to fame. This is a stomp and holler not to be missed!

“I was such a massive fan growing up. Their first two albums were the soundtrack of my sixth form. But they were also a huge influence for me as a musician and composer in theatre. Mumford & Sons taught me the power of fantastic storytelling. The sheer ability they had to make an acoustic guitar and double bass sound like the world’s biggest and loudest rock band gave me the confidence to write like that myself,” said Samuel Freeman, the double bassist of the band.

This spectacular quartet will have you on your feet, authentically performing Mumford & Sons’ distinct and original sound. You’ll be taken on a musical journey of the first two albums, Sigh No More and Babel, from their start in West London dive bars, to the group’s legendary Glastonbury gig and worldwide renown.

The show has recently received a stellar review at The Tivoli Theatre in Aberdeen being described as a “tribute band worthy of bearing their name.”

Sam concluded: “Matthew Emeny (Guitar) and I were lucky enough to recruit the exceptionally talented Josh Wells (Keyboard) and Stan Elliot (Banjo) to join us, and we locked ourselves away in a rehearsal room to capture the sound and essence of the ultimate Mumford & Sons tribute.

“We still must pinch ourselves really. Last year we put this show together almost as a laugh, got 14 gigs, jumped in a van and hit the road…a year on, the response has just been phenomenal. We are so grateful to everyone who has come along and had a blast with us every single night, and because of that, 2025 is looking so much bigger and better with incredible things to come!” 

After a debut hit tour last year, this spectacular band is back bigger and better than ever. With beautiful vocal harmonies and foot-stomping drums playing all of Mumford & Sons very best hits, including Little Lion Man, I Will Wait, The Cave, Roll Away Your Stone and many more. You’ll have a night to remember!

Tickets for The Mumford & Sons Story on Friday 9 May at 7.30pm are £23. Visit the website for further details www.torchtheatre.co.uk or phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267.