set_sail

Lol

Not exactly. Being over 75 my sister was advised she had to apply for 600e visa (not 651 which I mistakingly referred to in prior post) That was following trying to get ETA visa. Cost for this 600e visa at the time was $140 plus. Costs will have changed obviously since 2019. Please read link previously posted of article re over 75’s and visa application however no doubt rules and costs have changed since then.

I wonder if she was advised she had to get 651e visa being over 75 despite not needing to as no medical problems to declare. Just read this article written 2015 https://silvertraveladvisor.com/articles/blog-advice-suggestions-and-top-tips-getting-an-australian-visa-for-mature-travellers-with-pre-existing-health-conditions/

I’m sure she had applied for the Electronic Travel Authority. When finally issued It only gave her limited holiday stay of 3 months and repeated 3 months visits if she left Australia and returned over the year validity

I know it was awful last minute panic especially as the reason was to be with me after family loss. I think most people would book flights from UK prior to applying for what should be nearly instant approved online visa. I can only suppose they pick out some applicants over 75 years at random for health checks with all costs on applicant. Seems odd but I can think of no other reason.

In 2019 my sister a very healthy 79 old and not on any medications had purchased flights to Sydney for a 3 weeks holiday from the UK and applied online for visitors visa ( stays up to 3 months) having done this before with no problems. Much to her surprise she was flagged for X-ray and health check being over 75. This entailed a visit to an Australia House designated only doctor for a full health check and her nearest being in Harley St, London or Southampton. At this point too late to cancel trip she had to travel over 50 miles to endure a ‘stripped down’ medical at a cost that was nearly as expensive as the air fare. At the time she and her daughter (working in solicitors office) checked that medical was really needed re the visitor visa she required and not a mistake Needless to say my sister will not be making a return trip. I still find it unbelievable that this happened. My sister already had return flights and Travel/ health insurance cover neither taken into account