Xmas Travelers to Australia Advised to submit visa applications early

15 November, 2007


The Australian High Commission is advising people intending to travel to Australia over the Christmas period to lodge their visa applications before the end of November.

A spokesperson for the High Commission’s Immigration Section said the office usually processes a large number of applications at this time of the year.

“We’re encouraging people to apply early. The cut-off date to process fully completed visa applications for travel from 22 December will be Friday, 30 November,” the spokesperson said.

“We’re unable to guarantee that applications lodged after this date will be finalized in time for travel by Christmas.”

The High Commission is aware of the shortage of Fiji passports and has advised intending travelers to still lodge their applications while awaiting delivery of their new passports.

The spokesman said while a final decision on the visa application will only be made once a passport is provided, early submission of completed application forms will result in visa applications being processed faster.