Visitors to Australia for World Youth Day 2008 (WYD08) in Sydney next year will enjoy smoother entry after the Australian Government today simplified visa procedures.

Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed today, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship will:

· provide visas for registered pilgrims, free of government charges

· offer pilgrims a three month visa allowing multiple entries, and

· not limit the number of visas granted overall or from a particular country

The MOU was signed in Sydney today by the Chairman of the WYD08 Local Organising Committee, Cardinal George Pell, and the Assistant Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, the Hon Teresa Gambaro MP.

"This confirms the Federal Government's strong support for a successful World Youth Day from 15-20 July next year," Cardinal Pell said.

"These initiatives will make it easier and more affordable for pilgrims to travel to Sydney to attend this historic event.

"On current indications, we are expecting around 140,000 international visitors to attend, almost half of whom will be from the United States, Italy and Germany.

"We hope they will be drawn not only by the beauty of Sydney and Australia, but also by the opportunity to experience the life-changing impact that World Youth Days have had on millions of young people since the event was established by Pope John Paul II in 1986."

More than 500,000 people are expected to attend the Final Mass at Randwick Racecourse and Centennial Park on Sunday 20 July, to be celebrated by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.

WYD08, hosted by the Catholic Church, but open to all - will mark the first visit to Australia by Pope Benedict XVI.

Only 286 days to go to WYD08!