Visitor Visa Australia: The Complete 2026 Guide
Planning a trip to Australia? Almost every international visitor — except New Zealand citizens — needs a valid visa before travelling. The good news is that Australia offers several visitor visa pathways, from a free electronic option for Europeans to a flexible multi-stream visa for all nationalities. This guide covers every option, including fees, processing times, eligibility, and step-by-step application advice, so you can choose the right visa with confidence.
Quick answer: The three main visitor visa options for Australia are the ETA (Subclass 601), the eVisitor (Subclass 651), and the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600). Which one you need depends on your passport, the purpose of your visit, and how long you plan to stay.
Important: Visa rules, fees, and processing times change regularly. Always verify the latest information directly on the official Department of Home Affairs website before applying.
Overview: Australia’s Visitor Visa Options at a Glance
| Visa Type | Subclass | Who It’s For | Max Stay Per Visit | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) | 601 | Selected Asian & some other passport holders | 3 months | AUD 20 service fee |
| eVisitor | 651 | European passport holders | 3 months | Free |
| Visitor Visa (Tourist Stream) | 600 | All nationalities | Up to 12 months | From AUD 250 |
| Visitor Visa (Sponsored Family) | 600 | Visiting family in Australia | Up to 12 months | From AUD 250 |
| Visitor Visa (Business) | 600 | Short business activities | Usually 3 months | From AUD 250 |
| Frequent Traveller Stream | 600 | Selected Asian nationalities, frequent visitors | 3 months per entry | AUD 1,845 |
| Transit Visa | 771 | Passengers transiting through Australia | 72 hours | Free |
Note: Fees listed reflect mid-2026 figures. Always check the Department of Home Affairs for the most current fee schedule, as fees are typically revised on 1 July each year.
1. Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) — Subclass 601
The ETA is the fastest and simplest visitor visa option for eligible passport holders. It is electronically linked to your passport — no stamp or label is required.
Key Features
- Multiple entries allowed
- Stay up to 3 months per visit
- Valid for 12 months from the date of grant
- Permitted purposes: tourism, visiting family or friends, cruises, and short business visitor activities (such as meetings and conferences — no paid work)
Who Is Eligible?
You must hold a passport from an ETA-eligible country or region. Common eligible passports include those from Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong (SAR), Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States. Some European countries also qualify — check the official ETA page for the full list.
Cost and How to Apply
- Cost: No visa application charge, but a small service fee of approximately AUD 20 applies when applying via the official Australian ETA app
- How to apply: Download the free Australian ETA app (available on the App Store and Google Play) and apply from outside Australia
- Processing: Often granted within minutes for straightforward applications
Best for: Frequent short trips by eligible nationalities who do not need to stay longer than 3 months per visit.
2. eVisitor — Subclass 651
The eVisitor is designed primarily for European passport holders and is one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to visit Australia.
Key Features
- Multiple entries
- Stay up to 3 months per visit
- Valid for visits within a 12-month period
- Permitted purposes: tourism, visiting family or friends, cruises, short business visitor activities, and limited study or training (up to 3 months in some cases)
Who Is Eligible?
Citizens holding passports from specific European countries and territories are eligible, including all EU member states, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City. Check the official eVisitor page for the complete and current list.
Cost and How to Apply
- Cost: Free (no visa application charge)
- How to apply: Online via ImmiAccount, from outside Australia
- Processing: Usually granted quickly
Best for: European nationals wanting a free, straightforward option for short visits.
Note: Some nationalities are eligible for both the ETA and the eVisitor. Check which option is available and most suitable for your specific passport.
3. Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) — The Flexible Option for All Nationalities
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is Australia’s most comprehensive visitor visa. It is open to all nationalities and offers multiple streams to suit different travel purposes and circumstances. It is the right choice when you are not eligible for the ETA or eVisitor, or when you need a longer or more flexible stay.
Applications are submitted online through an ImmiAccount. Upon approval, the visa is electronically linked to your passport — no physical stamp is needed.
The Six Streams of Subclass 600
Tourist Stream (Apply Outside Australia)
The most commonly used stream. Designed for tourism, visiting family or friends, and cruises. Grants are typically for 3, 6, or 12 months depending on individual circumstances.
- Maximum stay: Up to 12 months
- Approximate cost: From AUD 250 (fees updated 1 July 2026)
Tourist Stream (Apply Inside Australia)
For visitors who are already in Australia and wish to extend their stay. This stream carries a higher application fee.
- Maximum stay: Up to 12 months
- Approximate cost: From AUD 630
Sponsored Family Stream
For people visiting close family members who are Australian citizens or permanent residents and are willing to act as sponsors. The sponsor may be required to lodge a security bond.
- Maximum stay: Up to 12 months
- Approximate cost: From AUD 250 (plus possible sponsor bond)
Business Visitor Stream
For individuals travelling for short business activities such as attending meetings, seminars, or conferences. Paid work is not permitted under this stream.
- Maximum stay: Usually up to 3 months
- Approximate cost: From AUD 250
Frequent Traveller Stream
Available to citizens of China, Brunei, Cambodia, the Philippines, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste who travel to Australia frequently. This long-validity stream is ideal for regular visitors from these countries.
- Maximum stay: Up to 3 months per entry
- Validity: Up to 10 years
- Cost: AUD 1,845 (concessions may apply for Timor-Leste citizens)
- Biometrics are usually required
Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream
Exclusively for Chinese citizens travelling on approved organised group tours through a registered ADS travel agent. Applicants must remain with their approved tour group throughout their stay in Australia.
- Approximate cost: From AUD 250
Subclass 600 Eligibility: General Requirements
Regardless of which stream you apply under, all Subclass 600 applicants must satisfy the following core requirements:
- Genuine visitor: You must genuinely intend to visit Australia temporarily and depart before your visa expires
- Sufficient funds: You must demonstrate you have enough money to support yourself (and any accompanying family members) without working in Australia
- Strong ties to your home country: Evidence of reasons to return home — such as employment, business ownership, family, property, or study — is important
- Health requirements: You may need to undergo a medical examination depending on your country of origin and the length of your intended stay
- Character requirements: You must meet Australia’s character requirements, which may involve providing police clearance certificates
- Biometrics: Biometric information (fingerprints and a facial photograph) may be required as part of the application process
No English Language Requirement
Unlike Australian work or student visas, no English language test (such as IELTS or PTE) is required for any visitor visa stream. This is an important distinction for many applicants.
What You Can and Cannot Do on a Visitor Visa
Permitted Activities
- Tourism, sightseeing, and recreation
- Visiting family and friends
- Cruises departing from and returning to Australia
- Attending events, festivals, and sporting activities
- Short business visitor activities (meetings, conferences, seminars — in the Business Visitor Stream)
- Short-term study or training of up to 3 months in total
Prohibited Activities
- Working or engaging in any paid employment — this is strictly prohibited on all visitor visa streams
- Selling goods or services
- Full-time study (short courses of up to 3 months may be permitted in some cases)
- Overstaying your visa — this can result in cancellation, bans, and serious difficulties with future Australian visa applications
If you are interested in working in Australia, you may want to explore other visa options. For those considering study, see our guide to the Student Visa Australia (Subclass 500), which also covers associated work rights.
Documents Required for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
While exact requirements vary by stream and individual circumstances, the following documents are commonly requested:
- Valid passport (with sufficient validity beyond your intended stay)
- Completed visa application form (submitted online via ImmiAccount)
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of financial capacity — bank statements, payslips, or evidence of assets
- Detailed travel itinerary, including accommodation bookings
- Return or onward flight bookings (or evidence of intent to depart)
- Evidence of ties to your home country — employment letter, business registration, property documents, or family commitments
- Travel insurance documentation (strongly recommended)
- Invitation letter from family or friends in Australia (if applicable)
- For the Sponsored Family Stream: sponsorship documents and evidence of the relationship
- Health examination results (if required)
- Police clearance certificates (if required)
Visitor Visa Processing Times
Processing times for the Subclass 600 vary significantly depending on the stream, your country of origin, the completeness of your application, and current application volumes. The following are general estimates based on available data — always check the official processing times tool for current figures:
- Tourist Stream: Approximately 75% of applications are finalised within around 20 days; 90% within approximately 33 days
- Business Visitor Stream: Generally faster — approximately 90% of applications processed within around 20 days
- Sponsored Family Stream: Typically longer — most applications processed within approximately 55 days
- ETA (Subclass 601): Often granted within minutes for straightforward applications
- eVisitor (Subclass 651): Usually granted quickly, often within days
Disclaimer: The processing time figures above are drawn from third-party research summaries and have not been independently verified against official Department of Home Affairs data at the time of publication. Always use the official processing times tool for the most accurate current estimates.
4. Transit Visa — Subclass 771
If you are simply passing through Australia on your way to another destination, you may need a Transit Visa (Subclass 771).
- Maximum stay: Up to 72 hours
- Cost: Free
- Eligibility: You must have confirmed onward travel within 72 hours and the right to enter your final destination
- Also allows air arrival to join a ship as crew (within 5 days, if holding a Maritime Crew visa)
Best for: Short stopovers or crew members joining ships in Australian ports.
How to Apply for a Visitor Visa Australia: Step-by-Step
- Use the Visa Finder tool on the Department of Home Affairs website to confirm which visa is right for you
- Create an ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au if you are applying for the Subclass 600 or eVisitor
- Complete the online application form and attach all required supporting documents
- Pay the visa application charge online at the time of submission
- Provide biometrics if required — you may be directed to a visa application centre
- Monitor your application through your ImmiAccount and respond promptly to any requests for additional information
- Receive your visa grant notice — the visa will be electronically linked to your passport; no physical stamp is issued
- Travel to Australia before your visa expires and depart before your permitted stay ends
Choosing the Right Visitor Visa: Quick Decision Guide
| Your Situation | Recommended Visa | Max Stay Per Visit | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible passport + short trip (3 months or less) | ETA (601) or eVisitor (651) | 3 months | Free or AUD 20 |
| Not eligible for ETA/eVisitor, or need up to 12 months | Subclass 600 Tourist Stream | Up to 12 months | From AUD 250 |
| Already in Australia and need to extend stay | Subclass 600 Tourist Stream (onshore) | Up to 12 months | From AUD 630 |
| Visiting close family (Australian citizen or PR) | Subclass 600 Sponsored Family Stream | Up to 12 months | From AUD 250 |
| Attending meetings or conferences | Subclass 600 Business Visitor Stream | Usually 3 months | From AUD 250 |
| Frequent traveller from eligible Asian country | Subclass 600 Frequent Traveller Stream | 3 months per entry | AUD 1,845 |
| Just transiting through Australia | Transit Visa (771) | 72 hours | Free |
Tips for a Successful Visitor Visa Application
- Apply well in advance — especially for the Subclass 600, which can take several weeks to process
- Be honest and accurate — providing false or misleading information can result in visa refusal and future bans from Australia
- Demonstrate genuine visitor intent — clearly show you intend to visit temporarily and have strong reasons to return home
- Provide comprehensive financial evidence — bank statements covering at least 3–6 months are typically recommended
- Include a detailed itinerary — accommodation bookings, planned activities, and return flights all strengthen your application
- Get travel insurance — while not always mandatory, it is strongly recommended for all visitors to Australia
- Respond promptly to any requests from the Department of Home Affairs for additional information
- Only use official channels — scams targeting visa applicants are common; always apply through immi.homeaffairs.gov.au or the official ETA app
- Consider a registered migration agent — if your situation is complex, a MARA-registered migration agent can provide professional advice
Important Warnings
- Overstaying any Australian visa can result in visa cancellation, re-entry bans, and serious complications with any future Australian visa applications
- Health and character requirements apply to all Australian visas, including visitor visas
- Visa rules change — always verify current requirements, fees, and processing times on the official Department of Home Affairs website before applying
- If your application is refused, you may have limited options to seek review or reapply with stronger supporting evidence — seek professional advice in this situation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work on a visitor visa in Australia?
No. Working or engaging in any paid employment is strictly prohibited on all Australian visitor visas, including the ETA, eVisitor, and all streams of the Subclass 600. If you wish to work in Australia, you will need to apply for an appropriate work visa.
Can I study on a visitor visa?
Short-term study or training of up to 3 months in total may be permitted on some visitor visa streams. Full-time study is not allowed. If you intend to undertake a longer course of study, you will need a Student Visa (Subclass 500).
How long can I stay in Australia on a visitor visa?
This depends on the visa type and stream. The ETA and eVisitor allow stays of up to 3 months per visit. The Subclass 600 Tourist Stream can allow stays of up to 12 months, though the actual duration granted will depend on your individual circumstances and the decision of the visa officer.
Is there an English language requirement for an Australian visitor visa?
No. Unlike work or student visas, no English language test (such as IELTS or PTE) is required for any Australian visitor visa.
How is the visa delivered?
Australian visitor visas are issued electronically and linked directly to your passport. There is no physical visa sticker or stamp. Border officials can verify your visa status electronically when you arrive in Australia.
What if my visitor visa application is refused?
If your application is refused, you may have limited review options depending on the circumstances. In many cases, you can reapply with stronger supporting evidence. Consider consulting a MARA-registered migration agent for personalised advice.
Official Resources
- Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) — Department of Home Affairs
- Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) — Department of Home Affairs
- eVisitor (Subclass 651) — Department of Home Affairs
- Visa Finder tool: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder
- Processing times and fees: Check the relevant visa page on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au