The University of Melbourne
23–28 November 2008Conference Sponsors
Visa and Accommodation Information
Australian Visa Information
(General Guide Only)All travellers to Australia must have a valid visa before boarding their plane; they cannot apply for a visa on arrival.
(NB: The only exception is New Zealand and Norfolk Island passport holders who will be issued a visa on arrival in Australia and normally do not need to lodge a visa application prior to their departure, unless there are character or health concerns).Participants require either a Short Validity Business ETA or a Business (Short Stay) Visa (including those holding diplomatic passports).
These visas are intended for visits of up to 3 months.Subclass 977 – Business (Short Validity) ETA
(Electronic Travel Authority)
For passport holders from one of these countries:
Andorra Iceland Portugal Austria Ireland San Marino Belgium Italy Singapore Brunei Japan South Korea Canada Liechtenstein Spain Denmark Luxembourg Sweden Finland Malaysia Switzerland France Malta Taiwan * Germany Monaco UK ** Greece Netherlands USA Hong Kong (SAR) Norway Vatican City * Taiwan passport holders can be processed for an ETA only if resident in and applying in Taiwan.
** UK (British National Overseas) passport holders can apply for an ETA only if resident in and applying in Hong Kong (SAR).You can apply for an ETA:
Available via the internet at www.eta.immi.gov.au (in most cases online visa processing takes 20 minutes with an internet service charge of AUD$20.00)
Also available through participating airlines & travel agents overseas (service charge may apply)
No stamp or label in the passportPlease note that, in some instances, ETA is not automatically granted and you may be referred to the nearest Australian visa office of your current place of residence.
Subclass 456 – Business (Short Stay) Visa
For participants not from an ETA country, you should apply for
a subclass 456 visa:You are advised to apply for a visa at least
4–6 weeks in advance of your intended date of travel
- Complete application form 456
- Apply at an Australian overseas visa office
- Issued as a label into your passport
With the completed form 456, you must also include:
- Your valid passport (which must be valid for the duration of your visit)
- Visa Application Charge of AUD$100.00 (free for European Union Member States)
- Details of how you want your passport returned enclosing a self-addressed stamped envelope
You can obtain the form for the subclass 456 from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s website:
www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/456.pdfAccompanying Children
Children under 18 years of age who are travelling on their own will need a Tourist Visa (subclass 676). All children must include a consent form signed by the non-accompanying parent/s or legal guardian/s if the child is travelling:
- alone
- with only one parent or legal guardian
You can obtain the consent form from www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1229.pdf
All visa applicants must demonstrate that they meet all legislative requirements for a visa grant.Bringing family members, guests and friends
- If you are from an ETA eligible country: apply for a visitor ETA (subclass 976) via the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s website www.eta.immi.gov.au or through participating airlines & travels agents overseas.
- If you are not from an ETA eligible country: spouse and unmarried dependent children may be included in the subclass 456 visa application. Guests and friends may apply for a Tourist Visa (subclass 676). You can obtain the form via the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s website at www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/676/apply-person.htm.Accommodation
The following hotel rooms have been reserved at special accommodation rates with the below hotel establishments, all within walking distance to the Conference Venue. All hotel accommodation bookings must be accompanied by a minimum one night’s rate in order to secure a reservation. Accommodation via the Secretariat Office must be made by Monday 20 October 2008. All costs are in Australian Dollars and include GST.
701 Swanston St
Carlton
Superior twins
Parkview room
$179 per night
$189 per nigh
441 Royal Parade,
Parkville
5 minutes by tram
2-9 Finlay Place, Carlton
2 Bedroom Apartment
$220 per night
66 Lygon Street
Carlton
15-21 Therry St
Melbourne
Accommodation Booking Conditions
Please Note:
1. The above rates include the Australian Goods and Services Tax (GST).
2. Rates may increase without notice due to changes in government charges, taxes or levies.
3. Room only rates do not include breakfast.
Rates. Accommodation held by Melbourne Conference Management has been secured at highly competitive rates for Conference delegates.
Deposit. Rooms are being held by Melbourne Conference Management on behalf of the delegates until Monday 20 October 2008 at which time MCM will settle the deposit with the hotel. Accommodation bookings made without a deposit will not be accepted. Delegates must settle the balance of their account with the hotel concerned upon check out.
Change of Booking. Any change to a reservation must be notified to Melbourne Conference Management and not directly to the hotel. Please note, any changes should be made in writing to Melbourne Conference Management by Monday 20 October via gict08@unioin.unimelb.edu.au
Late Arrivals. Please indicate on your registration form or notify Melbourne Conference Management in writing if you will arrive at your hotel after 1800 hours, failure to do so may mean that your room will be released.
Arrival Time. Hotel check-in time is usually 1500 hours. If you are to arrive before this time it is probable that you will not be able to gain access to your room. To guarantee a room to be available for an early arrival you will need to pre-register and pay for your room for the previous night. If required please indicate on your registration form.
Accommodation Refunds. The deposit is non refundable if you cancel your accommodation booking on or after Monday 20 October 2008 and will also be forfeited if you do not arrive on the date for which you have booked.
Accommodation Cancellations must be made in writing.