Expansion of Label-Free Travel

From 1 October 2012, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Mongolia and Nepal have been included in the list of countries that will be able to travel to Australia without a visa label in their passport. This is known as 'label-free' travel, making travel to Australia simpler and more secure. 

Label-free travel means people travelling to Australia will not require an Australian visa label as evidence of the grant of an Australia visa. Instead they will receive a grant letter that clearly explains the conditions of their visa. A visa label is not required as Australia's electronic system enables visa status to be confirmed electronically. 
Note: Each person travelling to Australia will still need to apply for and be granted an appropriate Australian visa before travelling to Australia. 

Further information, including local arrangements and processes, is available on the website of Australian diplomatic missions.
See: Immigration Offices outside Australia

More information about travelling to Australia without a visa label and visa entitlements verification is available on the department's website.
See: About Your Visa