New Aussie visa rules in effect

The Australian Embassy in Manila has announced a new pick-up and delivery service for all tourist visa applicants, which took effect July 16.

For a fee of P18 per minute, tourist visa applicants may phone 1909-3622779 (or 1909-EMBASSY) to request for a courier service.

A Telemessage telephone operator will schedule a Delbros courier to collect and deliver completed applications to the Australian Embassy. Decisions and passports will also be returned to either the home or business address of the applicant.

The courier service, excluding the visa application fee of P1,600, costs P150 in Metro Manila and P150, plus handling fee in the provinces.

Processing time for applications lodged by this method will be seven working days compared with applications lodged in person at the Embassy, which takes approximately 15 working days.

The embassy, however, stressed that the telephone service does not provide immigration advice or information on the progress of the application or decision. The service is provided by Telemessage and is based on contractual arrangements between PLDT, Telemessage and Delbros Couriers.

General immigration and visa information may be accessed at www.australia.com.ph or www.immi.gov.au.