To visit Australia, you will have to get either an eVisitor, Electronic Travel Authority, or a Visitor Visa before you travel. Only New Zealand citizens can travel to Australia without applying for prior authorisation since they can get a visa on arrival.
Luckily, Australia has streamlined visa applications and all visa types are easily obtained online. In most cases, you do not need to go to an Australian Embassy or Consulate at all.
Who Needs a Tourist Visa to go to Australia?
Everyone, except passport holders of the countries listed below, has to apply for an Australian tourist visa:
- European Union countries
- New Zealand
- Andorra
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Monaco
- Norway
- San Marino
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- Vatican City
- Brunei
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- United States
If you have a passport from one of the countries listed above, you can apply for an eVisitor or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). These two travel authorizations are obtained quicker than the Visitor Stream visa.
If you are from New Zealand, you can travel without a visa and obtain one on arrival.
Visa Types for Visitors in Australia
Depending on the purpose of your visit:
- Australian Tourist Visa subclass 600. You apply for this type of visa if the main purpose of your trip to Australia is tourism. So, if you simply want to see the popular natural and cultural attractions, get acquainted with Australian culture and lifestyle, and just have a vacation, this is the visa you apply for.
- Australian Business Visa. You have to apply for the Australian Business Visa if you plan to go to Australia to conduct business. The type of business you can do includes signing or reviewing contracts, attending meetings, seminars, or conferences, etc.
- Australian Family-Sponsored Visa. You have to apply for a Family-Sponsored Visa if you have a family member or relative in Australia who is willing to act as your sponsor. Being a sponsor means that they are responsible for your financial expenses and must make sure that you obey Australian laws and visa rules, and that you depart the country before your visa expires.
- Australian Medical Treatment Visa subclass 602. If you are travelling to Australia primarily to receive medical care or for a consultation, you have to apply for a Medical Treatment Visa.
Required Documents for an Australian Tourist Visa
The documents you must attach to your Australian tourist visa application include:
- Your passport.
- A copy of your passport’s identity page.
- The Visitor Visa Subclass 600 Form.
- A recent picture of yourself. It must have a white background and you must be clearly and fully visible.
- Proof you can sustain yourself financially while you are in Australia. You must include your bank statements or a letter from your sponsor claiming they will help cover your finances during your visit.
- Proof you have travel health insurance.
- Letter from your employer (if applicable). It must state the requested time of leave and when you intend to return.
- Letter from your school (if applicable). The letter must prove your enrollment and when you are expected to return.
- Letter of Invitation (if applicable). If you have a family member or a friend in Australia who can sponsor you, they must write you a letter of invitation. The letter must include the relation between the two of you, the duration of your stay, whether you will stay with them, and what you intend to do during your visit.
- Completed Form 1257 and Form 1229, if the applicant is underage and will be in Australia with someone other than their parent/guardian or is travelling alone.
- Proof of accommodation in Australia, such as hotel reservations or rental contracts.
- Proof of booked flight tickets and a complete travel itinerary.
- Evidence that you will return to your home country before the visa expires.
Additional requirements if applying for a medical visitor visa:
- A written confirmation from the doctor in Australia that will be giving you medical treatment, which states the following:
- The type of medical treatment you will be receiving.
- That they agree to treat you.
- That you have already arranged payment for the treatment.
- The date you will be admitted to the hospital.
- The time you need to be in Australia for medical treatment.
- That no Australian citizen or permanent resident will be negatively affected by you receiving this medical treatment.
- Written approval from the hospital where you will be admitted (if it is a private hospital).
- Statements from any person or organisation which will help finance your stay or medical costs.
- If you will receive an organ transplant: Proof that there are arrangements for the travel and accommodation of the donor, and that these costs will not be a burden of Australia.
Additional requirements if applying for a business visitor visa:
- Contact details of both companies.
- Proof of your academic qualifications.
- Proof of your position in the company and the role you have in the business visit.
- Proof of past contacts with Australian organisations or businesses.
- Business registration certificate and annual reports of the Australian company.
Additional requirements if applying for a family visitor visa:
- Sponsorship Form 1149 for Australian Visa. This is the application form the sponsor has to complete.
- Sponsored Family Stream Form 1418. This is the form that the family members who are visiting Australia have to complete before they apply for the Family-Sponsored Visa on paper. It is not required for online applications.
All the documents for an Australian visa must be certified copies.
The documents must be in English. If they are not, you must have them translated by a professional translator.
How to Apply for an Australia Visitor Visa?
You can apply for an Australian tourist visa in one of two ways:
- Online. To apply online, you have to create an ImmiAccount, which is the official portal handling Australian visa applications.
- On paper. To apply on paper, you have to submit your documents to the nearest Australian Embassy.
Applying Online
To submit an online application for the Australian tourist visa, you have to:
- Create an ImmiAccount. The ImmiAccount is the official portal of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. It handles all visa applications. You will have to fill in your personal information and then confirm the account via your email.
- Select the Tourist Stream Visa, Subclass 600. Once you create an account and log in, you have to select the type of visa you want to apply for, which in this case is the tourist visa.
- Complete the online application form. Then, you will be redirected to the online application form for your visa. You have to answer questions such as the reason for your trip, the duration of the trip, your name and birthday, your marital status, and other personal details.
- Attach all the required documents. You will have to attach electronic copies of the required documents, such as your passport, travel insurance, proof of finances, etc.
- Pay the visa application fee. Once you upload the documents, you have to pay the visa fee either through a debit/credit card or via PayPal.
- Wait for the visa to be processed. The Immigration authorities will notify you about the outcome of your visa application.
- Get the visa. If your application is successful, you will receive your visa grant number along with information about the duration of your visa. You can print the visa notice and take with you when you travel.
Most people choose to submit their visa application online as it is the most convenient method.
Once you get to Australia, you have to complete an Incoming Passenger Card at the border.
Apply at an Embassy (On Paper)
If for any reason, you cannot apply for your tourist visa online, you can also submit a paper application to the nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate. The process is as follows:
- Find the nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate.
- Set up an appointment. The Embassy or Consulate may only see you with an appointment, so make sure you contact them beforehand.
- Complete the Visitor Visa Application Form. You have to answer questions about your personal information, purpose and duration of the visit, employment status, health details, whether you have ever been convinced of a crime, etc.
- Collect the required documents. The documents are listed on the application form.
- Pay the visa application fee. The Embassy/Consulate will notify you of how to pay the fee.
- Submit the application. On the date of your appointment, submit the visa application along with all the required documents.
- Wait for the visa to be processed. The Embassy will notify you via email or phone about the outcome of your application.
- Get the visa. You will get a visa grant number, which will allow you to travel to Australia. You do not need to get a stamp on your passport, but you can print out the visa grant notice to carry with you when you travel.
Applying for a Tourist Visa from Inside Australia
If you are in Australia on a substantive visa*, then you can apply for a tourist visa from inside the country as well. The application methods are similar to if you were applying from abroad:
- Apply online. You have to submit your application using your ImmiAccount.
- On paper. You have to print and complete the visa application form, collect the required documents, go submit them to an Australian Immigration Office.
*A substantive visa is any short-term visa that allows you to remain in Australia temporarily, except a bridging visa or a criminal justice or enforcement visa.
Australia Visitor Visa Fees
| Visa Type | Cost (AUD) – Applying from Abroad | Cost (AUD) – Applying from Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | 145 | 370 |
| Frequent Traveler Visa (for Chinese citizens) | 1,065 (Valid for 10 years) | N/A |
| Approved Destination Status Visa (for Chinese citizens) | 145 (Single or Multiple Entry) | N/A |
| Family Visitor Visa | 145 | N/A |
| Medical Visa | Free | 320 |
| Business Visitor Visa | 145 | N/A |
Period of Stay and Validity
| Visa Type | Maximum Stay Per Visit | Overall Visa Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Up to 3 months | 1 year (multiple entries allowed) |
| Frequent Traveler Visa (for Chinese citizens) | Up to 3 months per trip | 10 years (multiple entries allowed) |
| Approved Destination Status Visa (for Chinese citizens) | As per tour itinerary | Single or multiple entry, as issued |
| Family Visitor Visa | Up to 3 months (sometimes 6 or 12 months) | Single entry |
| Medical Visa | For the duration of treatment | Varies based on medical need |
| Business Visitor Visa | Up to 3 months | 1 year (multiple entries allowed) |
Australian Tourist Visa for Chinese Citizens
Citizens of the People’s Republic of China are eligible to apply for two additional subtypes of the Australia tourist visa:
- Frequent Traveler Stream.
- Approved Destination Status Stream.
Australia Frequent Traveler Visa
This visa is issued to Chinese citizens who travel to Australia frequently, either for personal or business purposes. It is valid for 10 years, during which time you can:
- Enter Australia as many times as you wish, but you cannot stay longer than three months per trip.
- Be in Australia as a tourist or for a cruise.
- Visit family or friends.
- Conduct business.
Remember that within each 24-month period, you cannot stay longer than 12 months in total.
Australia Approved Destination Status Visa
This type of visa is issued to Chinese citizens who are traveling to Australia as part of a tour. With an Approved Destination Visa, you must:
- Enter and leave Australia with your tour group.
- Only take part in activities that are part of your tour itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have to Go to an Australian Embassy to Receive the Visa?
No, you do not need to go to an Australian Embassy to receive your visa. You submit the application online and will receive the decision via email. The visa is then saved on an online database, which can be accessed through your passport number when you travel to Australia.
You can check your visa status and conditions through the VEVO account.
In rare cases, the Department of Home Affairs may ask you to visit an Embassy if they believe your visa application requires further processing.
Who Is in Charge of Visitor Visas for Australia?
Your Visitor Visa application is reviewed by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. The Australian Department of Home Affairs will assess your application for a Business Visitor Visa and reach a decision. Even if you apply through a visa centre, the application is still forwarded to the DHA.
How Long Until I Get the Visa?
You will usually have your visa in a few weeks, sometimes even a few days if everything is okay with your application and documents. If it is not, it can also take up to four months, if not longer. So, make sure that you apply quite a bit ahead of the time you plan to travel and that you submit all documents correctly.
Applications for medical visas will usually take less, provided that everything is in order.
Can I Stay Longer?
The Australian Visitor Visas usually cannot be extended past their initial validity, since they have a Condition 8503 – No Further Stay. To extend your stay in Australia, you will need to apply for a new visa at least two weeks before your current one expires.
What If My Application Is Rejected?
If your Australian visa application is denied, you will receive an email explaining the reason for denial, whether you can appeal the decision, and until when you can request a review of your application.
Can I Work in Australia with a Visitor Visa?
No, you cannot do any type of work with an Australian Visitor Visa, eVisitor, or ETA. It is illegal and if you are discovered working, you will be deported and it will affect future visa applications. You may also receive a travel ban.
If you want to work in Australia, you have to get the relevant work visa.
Can I Study in Australia with a Visitor Visa?
The Australian Visitor Visa, ETA, and eVisitor all allow you to take a short-term study course of up to three months. If your course is longer, you will have to get a study visa.
Will I Get a Tourist Visa Stamp?
No, you will most likely not get a stamp on your passport. Your visa information will be saved on an online database, which the immigration control can access using your passport or ImmiCard.
When you receive the visa and travel to Australia, you should print and keep a copy of the visa grant notice since it has all the information to access your Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system. You can access VEVO using your ImmiCard or the visa grant number which you receive on your confirmation email.
VEVO is the system that you can use to see the conditions and duration of your visa.
How Can I Check My Australian Visa?
You can check your visa validity and conditions through the VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) system. Once you receive your email with the visa confirmation, you will be able to register in VEVO and check the visa status, using one of the following:
- Your ImmiCard.
- The visa grant number (included in the email).
- Transaction Reference Number – (you get this when you start your visa application.
Who Can Apply for a Medical Visa for Australia?
To apply for the Medical Treatment Visa (Visa 602), the main reason for your trip must be to seek medical treatment in Australia. You must also fulfil all the following criteria:
- You have already made arrangements to receive medical treatment or consultation in an Australian hospital.
- You have made arrangements to pay for said treatment and consultation.
- You don’t have any medical condition which could endanger Australian public health.
- You have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Australia and that of your companions.
- You receiving treatment will not put any Australian citizen or permanent resident at a disadvantage.
- You meet all Australian character requirements.
- If you are a national of Papua New Guinea living in the Western Province, and you have to be medically evaluated to a hospital in Queensland or you are already receiving medical treatment there.
- You are accompanying a person who needs medical treatment in Australia.
What If I Have an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)?
If you have an APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Business Travel Card (ABTC), which has ‘AUS’ printed on the back, then you do not need to apply for a Business Visitor Visa. You will be allowed into the country simply using your APEC Card.
That’s because the Department of Home Affairs considers you have applied for the Australian Business Visitor Visa when you applied for the ABTC.
The ABTC is valid for five years from the moment of issue.
Who Can I Sponsor for the Family Visitor Stream?
If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident over the age of 18, you can sponsor the following members of your family:
- Your relatives, such as:
- Parents
- Children
- Spouse or partner
- Siblings
- Grandparents
- Grandchildren
- Aunts
- Uncles
- Nieces or nephews
- The “step” equivalent of any of the aforementioned categories.
- The family members of your relative, such as your brother or sister’s spouse.
Are Sponsors Legally Responsible for Their Family Members?
Yes, as a sponsor, you are legally responsible for the family members you invite to Australia. By signing a sponsoring undertaking, you agree that you will cover all the financial costs of your family members during their stay, including paying back any costs incurred by them to the Commonwealth. You must also make sure that they comply with the visa conditions and Australian law.
If you do not wish to sponsor your family member, then they can apply for a regular tourist visa, and you can write them an invitation letter. You cannot withdraw your sponsorship after the visa is issued.
Do Sponsors Have to Lodge a Security Bond?
As a sponsor, you may have to pay a security bond before your family member can receive a visa. This bond serves as sort of a security that the visitor will depart Australia after their visa expires, and it can range from AUD 5,000 and AUD 15,000 per person. So, sponsors have to pay a bond for each person who is coming to visit.
A bond is not always necessary, however, and it is up to the appointed visa officer to decide on whether you need to pay a bond and how much.
Of course, once the visa holder leaves Australia, without having broken any of the visa conditions, the bond is returned in full.
Can I Sponsor My Parents to Visit Australia?
Yes, if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you can sponsor your parents to come to visit you in Australia. If they are coming only for a short visit, your parents may apply for the Family-Sponsored Visitor Stream visa, which allows them to stay with you for only a few months. If your parents are aged and you want to bring them to Australia to support them, they can apply for the Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804) or the Sponsored Parent Visa (Subclass 870). Both these visas allow the parents to live in Australia with you for years and can be extended.
Can I Bring My Family Members?
Yes, your family members can apply alongside you and your applications will be processed together. In this case, the following documents also have to be attached to the application:
- Family Register Document
- Your family member’s passport bio page and ID Card copy.
- Documents proving they have accommodation and can sustain themselves financially while in Australia.
If you are not family with the person accompanying you (they may be a close friend or partner), they may also apply to accompany you. The person accompanying you – either a family member or friend – should come with you if they will provide you with assistance, moral support, arrange your accommodation and transport, etc.