Visa guidelines for international participants
If you’re an international participant, attendee, or speaker attending WCP2026 from outside of Australia, you may need to apply for an appropriate visa. The visa requirements can vary based on your specific circumstances and the nature of your involvement in the event.
For individuals who will not be working, performing, or receiving payment for their contribution, the following visa options may be suitable:
- Visitor (subclass 600) (Business stream) visa: This visa allows for business visitor activities, such as attending conferences or meetings.
- Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (subclass 601): Eligible passport holders can apply for this visa to visit Australia for business or tourism purposes.
- eVisitor (subclass 651) (Business Stream) visa: This visa is available for eligible passport holders visiting Australia for business-related purposes.
On the other hand, if you are a participant, speaker, or contributor who will be working or receiving payment for your involvement, you may be eligible for:
- Temporary Activity (subclass 408) (Invited Participant) visa: This visa is for individuals invited by an Australian organisation to participate in a specific event or activity.
- Temporary Work (subclass 400) (Short Stay Specialist) visa: This visa is suitable if there is no inviting Australian organisation, but you need to work in Australia for a short period.
Please note that visa requirements can change, and it’s advisable to visit the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information and specific details regarding your circumstances.
Invitation letters
Invitation letters can be provided upon request. After registering for the congress, you will receive a confirmation email containing a link to request an invitation letter. Simply complete the short online form, and your invitation letter will be emailed to you as a PDF.
Travel Notice for International Delegates
Delegates planning international travel to attend the WCP Congress in Melbourne from 12–17 July 2026 are advised to consider alternative flight routes in light of the current situation in the Middle East.
Where possible, we recommend selecting itineraries that avoid transiting Middle Eastern airspace. Suitable alternatives include routing via major Asian hub airports such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, or Kuala Lumpur, where flight services are currently operating normally. Delegates travelling from North America may also consider direct services to Australia or connections through the United States.
Airlines such as Qantas operate routes to Melbourne and Sydney via Asia, including connections through Singapore and Tokyo, as well as direct services from cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, and Dallas.
Please note that international flight schedules may change with limited notice. Delegates are encouraged to monitor airline updates when planning their travel.
If you have any questions regarding your participation or travel arrangements, please contact the Congress Secretariat. We look forward to welcoming you to Melbourne for WCP Congress 2026.