Melbourne, June 19 (PTI): Australia today announced online visa visitor facilities for Indians from July 1, promising more convenient travel and seeking to cash in on the country's rising popularity as a holiday destination.

Assistant minister for immigration and border protection Alex Hawke said the online option would make applying for Australian visitor visas easier and enhance visitor experience.

"Indian nationals wishing to visit Australia will soon be able to apply for a visitor visa in a more convenient and accessible manner. Online lodgement for visitor visa applications is a significant enhancement that will benefit Indian applicants seeking to visit Australia as tourists or business visitors, or those wanting to reconnect with family and friends," he said.

In the first four months of 2017, Australia granted more than 65,000 visitor visas to Indians. According to the department of immigration and border protection (DIBP), the rising popularity of Australia as a holiday destination has fuelled the demand for visas in India.

The move also follows hundreds of complaints from Indians about inordinate delays in obtaining visitor visas.

The new system affords greater accessibility, online payment of visa fees and checking of visa status through the department's ImmiAccount portal.

Being able to check the visa status and getting its confirmation online will allow Indian applicants to finalise travel arrangements, such as purchasing flight tickets and accommodation, with more certainty and well in advance. This might also mean greater savings resulting from early-bird bookings.