International visitors
International visitors
International delegates
We look forward to welcoming international delegates to AusIMM conferences. Please find below information to help plan your visit to Australia.
Visa information
All visitors to Australia must have a valid visa to travel to and enter Australia (other than New Zealand passport holders who will normally be granted a Special Category visa on arrival, provided they meet health and character requirements; and permanent residents of Norfolk Island who may be granted a Permanent Resident of Norfolk Island visa on arrival).
There are many visa options available to people wishing to visit Australia. The appropriate visa will depend, amongst other things, on your purpose for visiting Australia. Find out which visa is best for you here.
You should apply for your visa well in advance of the conference date. We strongly recommend that you apply at least two months prior to your intended date of departure. The Department of Immigration and Border Protection reserves the right to change regulations, so for all the latest information relating to obtaining an Australian visa, please visit:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/entering-australia
Invitation letters
Invitation letters will be provided to persons who have registered and paid the complete registration fee. The letter will provide proof of registration and proof of payment. Official acceptance and invitation letters may be obtained by contacting Event Management by email: conference@ausimm.com.au.
Invitation letters can only be requested once payment of registration has been received. Please note when applying for your visa you should include a copy of your registration confirmation.
Health and character requirements
Australia has health and character requirements which you will have to meet as part of the visa application process.
For more information on health requirements, go to https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health
For more information on character requirements, go to https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/character
Quarantine
Australia is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries. Very strict quarantine rules apply to the importation of animals and plant products and many cannot be brought into the country without prior application. To have a smooth transition through quarantine and to enjoy your visit in Australia, it is important that you understand Australia’s quarantine regulations. Visit https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/travelling/to-australia#before-you-travel for more information.
Customs
Please ensure that along with your passport and visa, you also pack your registration confirmation letter within your carry-on luggage. You may be asked to produce this when going through customs at your arrival airport. In addition to this, please be sure to fill out your Incoming Passenger Card with all details and answer each question honestly.
Insurance
It is strongly recommended that delegates take out adequate travel and health insurance prior to commencement of travel. AusIMM, the organising committee and the Conference does not provide any such insurance. Further information can be obtained from your travel agent.
Tax
Australia applies a tax to the purchase of both goods and services called the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The rate of tax that applies to taxable products and services is 10%. Tax is already included in the advertised prices. Non-Australian delegates may be eligible for a refund of GST via the Tourist Refund Scheme.
Tipping
Tipping is not as widespread or regulated in Australia as it is in other parts of the world. Tipping is your prerogative, a reward for service. It is customary to tip hotel porters, and a gratuity of about 10% is usual in restaurants if good service is received. Some hotels charge a credit card surcharge for payments via credit card, the rate varies based on card type and hotel policy.