Can I visit Australia after leaving the country without paying a drunk driving fine?
My British friend left Australia when he was on a Working Holiday Visa without paying his drink driving fine of $700 and is wondering if he would be allowed back in the country if he pays it, even though it was 2 years ago?
Best Answer
Australia requires everyone entering the country who isn't a citizen to be of good character (or have the requirement waived, which is so rare it's not discussed on the website and you'll probably need a lawyer if you're in this situation). This has specific requirements in Australian law. Most of these are for particular offenses or sentences, but there is a catch-all:
(c) having regard to either or both of the following:
(i) the person's past and present criminal conduct; (ii) the person's past and present general conduct;the person is not of good character; or
It's conceivable that an immigration officer might decide that someone who has not paid their fine is not of good character under this subsection.
Other than that, a fine and driving disqualification does not really meet any of the listed requirements which would cause a finding of not passing the character test.
Remember that you need to tick Yes on the landing card and disclose the conviction to the immigration officer. You'll have a chat with the immigration officer, likely about why it took so long to pay the fine, and the officer will assess your character. Ticking No is a great way to guarantee a refusal of entry.
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Can you go on holiday to Australia with a criminal record?
You must not have any criminal convictions, for which the sentence or sentences should not equal a total period of 12 months duration or more (whether served or not), at the time of travel to, and entry into, Australia.\u201dCan I go to Australia with a drink driving conviction?
If you have a criminal record, you may also have to apply for a police certificate which can take up to 49 days. However, while it may delay your application, it is very unlikely that a conviction for a drink driving offence will prevent you from obtaining a VISA to enter Australia as it is not considered significant.What convictions stop you from Travelling to Australia?
Australia- You have a conviction that resulted in a prison sentence of 12 months or more (regardless of the time served)
- You have been convicted for two or more offences and the combined length of all your sentences amounts to 12 months or more (regardless of the time served)
Do UK and Australia share criminal records?
The UK does not routinely share criminal record information with overseas authorities. For this reason, if you declare a criminal record on your visa application form, you may be required to provide a copy of your criminal record as part of your application.Australia's Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) and how you can MAKE MONEY $$$ simply by leaving the country
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