Australia is offering to refund working holidaymakers’ visas for travel in 2022

Australia is offering refunds on its working holiday visas for travellers who plan to visit in 2022 in a bid to entice backpackers and other visitors – and it’s easy to apply

Australia is offering to pay back travellers applying for working holiday visas, provided they visit the country in 2022.

Currently, those who hold a working holiday visa and are fully vaccinated can travel to Australia, as part of the destination’s phased reopening of borders.

A Working Holiday visa basically allows you to work for the same employer or organisation for more than six months up until 31 December 2022 without needing to request permission.

Under the new offer, anyone who applies for a working holiday visa and arrives in Australia by April 19, 2022, will be eligible for a refund of AUD$495 (approx. £260) on their visa application.

Which could mean extra money you can then spend on exploring some of Australia’s ridiculously beautiful places from iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, to sprawling national parks and picture-perfect beaches.

Sign up to the Mirror’s travel newsletter for more holiday updates and tips.

At the time of writing, Australia has partially reopened its borders. Currently you can only visit Australia from the UK if you are fully vaccinated against Covid and meet any of the following; being an immediate family member of Australian citizens or permanent residents, holding an eligible visa, or having a “compassionate or compelling reason” which is approved by Australian authorities.

Australia first began easing its Covid border rules in December 2021, having announced the news the month before.

Since it was revealed in November that working holidays would be able to resume, Tourism Australia says it has received over 24,000 applications for the scheme. Of these, the UK was top in terms of volume, followed by Ireland.

Phillipa Harrison, Tourism Australia’s Managing Director, said of the refund scheme: “The cost of a Working Holiday Maker visa application is currently refundable for those who arrive in Australia before 19 April 2022, so it’s a great opportunity for those who head to Australia now.

“This new incentive will enable thousands of backpackers to potentially start working and travelling in Australia sooner, and what’s more the visa application charge refund can help to boost their travel funds.

“We know the type of travellers that take up working holidays tend to stay longer, spend more and visit two or more destinations around the country as they combine work with travel – and Australia’s tourism and hospitality businesses are keen to welcome them back.”

You can find out more about the working visa refunds and other information on travelling to Australia on australia.com.

• Travel restrictions can change quickly during the pandemic. Always check the Foreign Office’s latest Australia travel advice before booking or going on a trip, as this contains important information including entry rules and other factors you need to know which may not be Covid-related.

Do you think the UK should have kept border rules in place like Australia in the pandemic? Let us know in the comments below.