– Information for International Guests –

Climate
Cairns enjoys very comfortable weather conditions in August – generally sunny and dry. Average temperatures range between 18 and 26 degrees Celsius (around 64 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit). Casual clothing is recommended, with a light jacket coming in handy on cooler nights.
Time Zone
The time zone for Cairns is Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) which is GMT+10. Queensland does not observe day light savings time.
Banking and Currency

Decimal currency is used in Australia with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents = A$1). Notes come in A$100, A$50, A$20, A$10 and A$5 denominations. Coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, A$1 and A$2 denominations. Currency exchange facilities are available in most banks, hotels and airports and operate normal business hours. Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops, the most widely used being MasterCard, Visa and American Express.

Taxes

All prices quoted for this conference are inclusive of 10% GST (Goods and Services Tax), unless otherwise specified. GST applies to most goods and services in Australia. 

The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) is administered by the Australian Customs Department and enables travellers departing from Australia to claim a refund of the GST and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods bought in Australia. For detailed information on the TRS, visit the website of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Services of the Australian Government. 

Language
English is Australia’s main language, with more than 300 other languages spoken within its diverse local communities. Multilingual interpreters are available at international entry points, major hotels and department stores.
Electricity
Electrical current is 240/250V, AC 50Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from that in many countries, so you will need an adaptor. If your appliances are 110V, check if there is a 110/240V switch. If not, you will need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels.
COVID Update (as at July 2022)

COVID-19 Testing 

You do not need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test to meet Australian inbound travel requirements. Some countries and airline operators may require a pre-departure test result at check-in before you can board your flight. Check the entry requirements of the country you are travelling or transiting through, and your airline operator’s requirements. 

Visit the SmartTraveller website for more information.  

Vaccination and Masks 

You do not need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to travel to and from Australia. 

Masks are mandatory on inbound international flights. You must also meet the mask requirements of the airline you travel with. To reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and influenza, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) strongly recommends mask wearing in indoor settings, especially where physical distancing is not possible. 

Further and updated information is available here. 

Vaccinations (non-COVID)

There are no vaccinations required for entering Australia. However, if you enter Australia from a yellow fever declared country but do not hold a vaccination certificate you will receive a Yellow Fever Action Card for further information. More information can be found on the Department of Health of the Australian Government website. 

Quarantine

Australia is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries. Very strict quarantine rules apply to the import of animals and plants which cannot be brought into the country without prior application. Animal and plant products are also restricted. For more information please refer to the ‘Travelling to Australia’ section on the website of the Department of Agriculture. 

Visa Information

Under Australia’s universal visa system, 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).

Please apply for your visa well in advance of your intended date of travel to Australia. Information about visa processing times is available on the Department of Home Affairs website: www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about/access-accountability/service-standards/global-visa-citizenship-processing-times

There are many visa options available to people wishing to visit Australia. The appropriate visa for you will depend on a range of things including your purpose for visiting Australia. The full range of visa options is available at https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder.

Provided you will not be undertaking any paid work or performance while in Australia you will most likely be eligible for one of the following visa options:

  • eVisitor (subclass 651)(Business Stream) visa. 
  • Electronic Travel Authority – ETA (subclass 601). 
  • Visitor (subclass 600)(Business stream) visa.

NB: These are the visa options currently available, however the Department of Home Affairs reserves the right to change regulations. ICAZ assistance will NOT guarantee a visa grant. Visa applicants must demonstrate that they meet all the legislative requirements for an Australian visa.

The Conference Manager will provide you with a confirmation of registration letter to assist in your visa application. Confirmation can only be issued to attendees who have registered for the conference and paid their registration fees in full. If you require a confirmation of registration letter, please contact the Conference Manager, providing your full name as it appears on your passport.