Reciprocal and visitor licence requirements

An often asked question is whether an overseas radio amateur can operate while on holiday in Australia or if they are to become a permanent resident.

Due to efforts over many decades by the Wireless Institute of Australia and other IARU national radio societies there is a series of reciprocal licence agreements between Australia and individual nations, and the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT).

In some cases not all licence types are part of a reciprocal agreement. If a licence is included in such an agreement then a radio amateur with that licence can apply for a VK licence. The reverse applies to VK radio amateurs visiting overseas.

Australia will introduce some time in 2005 a "class licence" that will automatically allow CEPT licence holders the right to operate in Australia, for short-term visits, without the need to apply and obtain a VK licence.

Visiting CEPT licence holders are then expected to be able to operate using their home callsign slash the VK* call area in which they are located. For example, G2XYZ/VK3.

In addition to the reciprocal licence agreements, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) also has a list (Table B) of overseas licences it recognises and as equivalent to VK licences, for which it will grant a licence.

Further, radio amateurs not recognised by the ACMA under either a reciprocal agreement, or through the equivalent licence list (Table B), can apply for a conditional VHF (2m band FM) licence. This conditional licence will be issued for the duration of a short-term visit and will not be renewed.

Holders of either a Japanese "telegraph" or "telephone" class certificate will be granted a licence for operation on all bands above 30MHz.

Other conditions also apply in relation to operation from DX locations, particularly those designated in a table of VK9 callsign suffixes.

Full details of about Australia's licence requirements for visitors visit www.acma.gov.au