Australia is an incredible tourist destination that attracts holiday makers from all corners of the world, especially the United Kingdom. Tourists from the UK must be fully aware of each and every facet of travel so they can enjoy their vacations even more. Date : Tuesday, June 28, 2011
With remarkable natural attractions like beaches, deserts, forests and coral reefs, Australia is a leading tourist destination that is frequented by an overwhelming number of holiday makers each year. British tourists make up for one of the most significant portion of the crowd that books flight tickets to Australia. Cities like Sydney, Perth, Cairns and Melbourne are highly popular among Britons. However, it is important to be well acquainted with the different aspects of travel to Australia - be it entry requirements, health requirements, safety tips or flight information.
Entry Requirements - Visa
British travellers need a visa to travel to Australia. Britons can acquire any of the two kinds of electronic visitor visa:
- eVisitor visa can be obtained directly from the Department of Immigration & Citizenship. For this particular type of electronic visa there is no visa application charge or service fee.
- Britons can also apply for the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) through the airlines or their travel agents. There is no application charge for ETA but this visa requires a service fee of A$20.
Entry Requirements - Passport
There is no minimum passport validity requirement for the travellers visiting Australia. However, if one plans to have an onward journey to other countries in the region then it is advised that travellers verify the passport validity requirement for those nations. This also applies to the passengers making a transit from some other country en route to/from Australia.
Safety and Security – Crime
- One should be careful with valuable personal possessions as well as travel documents in popular tourist destinations. Avoid keeping all valuables in one bag and keep such possessions in hotel’s room safe.
- Do not leave luggage in unattended vehicles and camper-vans.
- Travellers must take extra care at busy tourist spots in Sydney like Kings Cross, Hyde Park and Centennial Park.
- There have been multiple incidents of harassment, robberies and attacks on foreign tourists recently in the country. Travellers must take basic safety precautions.
Safety and Security - Beach
Australia is a highly favoured holiday destination among surfers. However, strong currents at the beaches have resulted in many surfing accidents. To enjoy Australia’s beaches safely, following precautions must be adhered to:
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags - these flags specify a supervised location where life guards are on duty.
- It is a good practise to read the safety signs and instructions at the beaches.
- Holiday makers are advised to never swim alone.
- Do not swim after consuming alcohol or drugs.
Safety and Security - Road Travel
- One may drive in Australia as a visitor if they posses a valid UK driving licence.
- Australia drives on the left just like the United Kingdom. However, driving laws are different to the UK's and one is advised to get familiar with them.
Health
- Australia and the UK share mutual health care arrangements under which travellers with a British passport are entitled to subsidised health services in Australia. These health services do not include treatment that does not entail prompt attention. Check Medicare Australia’s official website for detailed information on the issue.
- There have been reported cases of Dengue, Murray Valley Encephalitis and Ross River Fever in different parts of the country. Travellers are advised to follow preventive measures as advised by the National Travel Health Network and Centre.
Local Laws and Customs
- Strict action will be taken against anyone who is found to be trafficking illegal substances by the Australian authorities. The offense may lead to a long jail sentence and deportation after the sentence.
- Australians are generally tolerant towards homosexuality; however some stray homophobic related crimes have been reported. Gay and lesbian travellers should respect the local sensitivities.
Flight from the UK to Australia
One can not find a direct flight from the UK to Australia due to the massive distance between the two countries. However, a number of hopping or indirect flights are available for the UK travellers looking towards having a gala time in Australia.
Qantas, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are popular airlines that offer hopping flights to the passengers. Qantas have halts at the Singapore and Bangkok; British Airways halts at Bangkok; and Virgin offers Singapore as the halt option.
Other preferred carriers for indirect flights to Australia from the UK are Royal Brunei (via Brunei), Singapore Airline (via Singapore) and Emirates (via Dubai). Royal Brunei is a popular option among budget travellers for doling out cheap flight tickets.
Baggage Allowance
All airlines offer more or less the same baggage allowance to the travellers. Check out the airline’s website or consult you travel agent for information on baggage policies of different carriers.
A380 Allure
Qantas operates UK to Sydney flights with A380 aircraft. Emirates also offers A380 experience on the onward journey from DXB to SYD.