Australia to introduce label-free visas for Laos

November 2012

The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is pleased to announce that from 26 November, most visas will be issued without a visa label placed in the applicant’s passport.

Australia has progressively expanded label-free visa arrangements since the 1990s. Electronic records of all visas are maintained centrally by DIAC.

The Immigration Department of Laos People’s Democratic Republic has advised that Australian visa holders do not need to have a visa label in their passport when departing Laos and boarding a flight to Australia. DIAC has also advised this change to relevant airlines and travel agents. It is your responsibility to check international entry and exit requirements for countries you may transit through on your way to/from Australia.

Passengers transiting another airport en route to Australia will continue to be checked against Australia's Advanced Passenger Processing (APP) at that airport to confirm eligibility to enter Australia.

Laos citizens wishing to apply for a visa to travel to Australia should continue to lodge their applications at the Australian Embassy in Hanoi.

Visa applicants outside Australia will receive a visa grant notice. This paper document is provided for reference only, and is not required for airline check-in or arrival in Australia. After 24 November 2012 Australian visa holders world-wide can check their label-free visa details by using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system at www.immi.gov.au/ aboutyourvisa.

Applicants lodging through a 3rd party should ensure they receive an official application receipt as evidence that their application has been lodged. If their visa is refused, they will receive a formal decision letter from the Immigration Section.

ENDS