Visa Information

If you travel to Australia, you may need a visa. Whether you need a visa, and which visa, depends among other things on your nationality.  And whether you want to stay in Australia for shorter or longer than 90 days.

We recommend you to check on the website of the Australian Government, Department of Home Affairs if you require a visa or not. When applying for your visa we recommend that you include:

  • evidence of any international travel outside of their own country (for example, copies of visas and passport pages containing entry and departure stamps)
  • information and evidence of attendance at similar events of this type/nature.

When you travel to Australia, please be aware that many items are restricted or prohibited and cannot be brought into Australia. Learn more about what you can bring into the country.

Visa Application Process and Processing Times

Visa applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and actual processing times can vary due to individual circumstances including:

  • whether the applicant has lodged a complete application, including all necessary supporting documents and paid associated visa application charges
  • how promptly the applicant responds to any requests for additional information
  • how long it takes to perform required checks on the supporting information provided
  • how long it takes to receive information from external agencies, particularly in relation to health, character, and national security requirements
  • when the application is lodged taking the current global visa processing times into account

Processing times are impacted each month by cases that are complex, changes to volume of applications and changes to Ministerial Directions.  More information about visa processing times please see: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/overviewAn application for a visa or an airport transit visa for Australia is usually processed within 15 days. In some cases, however, it could take up to 45 days. For this reason, we would advise that visa applications be lodged at least 6 weeks prior to a person’s intended date of travel.

Letter of Invitation

Individuals requiring an official Letter of Invitation can request one through the Summitt website. The Letter of Invitation does not financially obligate the Summitt organizers in any way. All expenses incurred in relation to the Summitt are the sole responsibility of the attendee.

Responsibility

It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to take care of his / her visa requirements. Attendees who require an entry visa must allow sufficient time for the application procedure. Attendees should contact the nearest embassy or consulate to determine the appropriate timing of their visa applications. It is recommended to apply for a visa at least 3 months in advance of the summit.

Due to recent changes in how countries process visas, often using external, outsourced companies, IFLA is unable to intervene on your behalf with embassies or visa processing companies in order to change or influence decisions. IFLA respects that each sovereign country has the right to make their own decisions on the granting of visas.

If your visa is not granted in time for you to attend the conference and you have paid the registration fee in full, the registration fee minus a handling fee of EUR 50.00 will be refunded not later than 14 days after the congress. You will receive this refund if the visa was applied for in time, and proof of this, together with an official notice from the embassy confirming that a visa could not be granted, is forwarded to K.I.T. Group (Conference Organiser).