Visa question: To Australia with my Thai girlfriend

Dear editors,

In September, when I'm in Bangkok, I want to fly to my uncle and aunt in Australia for about 8 days (I'm in the area anyway). I would like to bring my Thai girlfriend (she doesn't live in NL yet, but in Bangkok).

I assume she needs a tourist visa like me? How can she arrange this or does she still have to meet certain conditions?

Yours faithfully,

Willem

Dear Willem,

For Europeans it is quite easy to travel to Australia by arranging an electronic visa in advance via the internet. I did that myself a few years ago and it was so round.

Thai also need a visa, but they have to go to the Australian embassy. Further instructions can be found on the Australian Embassy website. I am not familiar with the exact requirements set by Australians but in general the traveler will need to demonstrate that:

1. The trip is affordable (sufficient resources).
2. That the traveler will return to the country of origin (demonstration of ties in Thailand such as work, care for family, ownership of land/house/car). 

Of course I would also add information showing that your partner will join you, for example by enclosing your e-visa and a copy of your passport plus a letter from you.

Consult the websites of the embassy and the external service provider VFS here: http://thailand.embassy.gov.au/bkok/Visas_and_Migration.html and www.vfs-au.net

For more practical information, I recommend that you take a look at ThaiVisa: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/534835-australian-tourist-visa-application/

I hope this information helps you in the right direction,

Yours faithfully,

Rob V