Booked to visit NZ and Aus in February with my Thai wife. What is easiest for Visa application from within Thailand: apply via mail, in person at BKK Embassy(s), or use an agent?

I hold a NZ passport and we are legally married. I also reside in Australia.

Both Aus and NZ Visa App. forms are a minefield of requirements re sponsorship and health, x-ray med certifcates and stuff.... crikey, we're only going for a few weeks to visit the oldies! Can anyone suggest a good agent? Alternately, we'll be in BKK, mid November, so maybe a direct application at respective Embassies?

There are many agents in Thailand who can advise on visas for Australia. But, the New Zealand government does not allow unlicensed ( that is licensed by the NZ government ) agents to assist in visa applications. If they find out that you have taken unlicensed advice, then the visa will be automatically refused.

Don't get too confused by the seemingly endless visa requirements on the Embassy websites. Most of those requirements are only necessary for spouse, or long term, visas.

So for a 'simple' NZ tourist visa', rock up the Embassy with all docs in hand, eh?

So for a 'simple' NZ tourist visa', rock up the Embassy with all docs in hand, eh?

I guess it would be a good idea to read the guidance on the Embassy website first. But I'm not allowed to give you guidance as an unlicensed agent.

I would suggest you visit the respective Immigration websites and read up on the visas required.

When you have done that then come back and ask more specific questions

To the best of my knowledge, neither NZ nor Australia require any health checks or X-rays for a short-term visitor visa.