Passports, visas and other services
Passports
Prior to arranging any international travel, it is essential that the traveller check the validity of his/her passport. Most countries demand at least six months validity on a visitor's passport.
RMIT will reimburse passport expenses for business travel
The traveller must pay for any passport expenses associated with personal (private) travel.
Passport Applications
It is the responsibility of the traveller to ensure their passport is current and has sufficient validity for each international trip. Passport applications are available from any Australia Post Office or from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Once completed (and with certified passport photos attached) they can be lodged by the applicant (and relevant fee paid) at any Post Office or at the:
Passport Office,
Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade,
Casselden Place,
2 Lonsdale Street (Cnr Spring Street)
Melbourne,
Tel: (03) 9221 5555.
For national enquiries Telephone: 131232.
Visas
It is the responsibility of the traveller to ensure they have all the necessary visas before departing Australia. The preferred travel supplier will arrange for a visa application and all other ancillary documents to be obtained in accordance with varying Consulate procedures. The traveller will need to complete certain information on each visa application and return it, along with their passport to the travel agent so that the visa can be obtained.
VISALINK offers a prompt and professional Visa and Passport preparation service to the Australian Travel Industry. The travel agent will send your Visa application and accompanying passport to Travel Express. Courier and Visa fees will be charged by the travel agent to your RMIT corporate MasterCard.
For all information about visa requirement for any journey please visit their website which is regularly updated with specific country information: Go to: VISALINK
The type of visa and its duration should be discussed with the travel agent at least three weeks before departure.
CT Connections and Navigator Travel will provide all visa application forms and advice for any destination and purpose of journey. Each country requires a different form.
Business visas are different to tourist visas - inform your travel consultant of the purpose of your visit in order to receive the correct documentation.
Allow at least 10 working days to obtain a letter of invitation from a hosting country for a business visa.
NOTE: If you hold a British or foreign passport, it is essential to have a re-entry visa into Australia before you leave.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) offers visa advice and information on their website:
The Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs offers advice on visa requirements for incoming visitors and students.
National Enquiry line: Ph 131881 for the best advice for incoming visitors.
RMIT will reimburse visa expenses for business travel. The traveller must pay for any expenses associated with personal (private) travel.
Expatriates
The expatriate and accompanying family must have and maintain valid passports and have appropriate work permits before leaving Australia.
The University will meet the cost of any visas, work and/or residence permits and other such documents required for entry into the Host Country for the purpose of the assignment. The cost incurred in obtaining a passport is covered by the relocation allowance.
The University will assist staff to obtain the appropriate visas and work permits required for the host location.
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