tourist e visa australia

Countries, economies and regions

Select a country, economy or region to find embassies, country briefs, economic fact sheets, trade agreements, aid programs, information on sanctions and more.

International relations

Global security.

• Australia and sanctions
• Australian Safeguards and Non-proliferation Office (ASNO)
• Counter-terrorism
• Non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control
• Peacekeeping and peacebuilding

Regional architecture

• Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
• Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
• East Asia Summit (EAS)
• Australia and the Indian Ocean region
• Pacific Islands regional organisations

Global themes

• Child protection
• Climate change
• Cyber affairs and critical technology
• Disability Equity and Rights
• Gender equality
• Human rights
• Indigenous peoples
• People Smuggling, Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery
• Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment
• Australia’s treaty-making process

International organisations

• The Commonwealth of Nations
• United Nations (UN)
• World Trade Organization

Foreign Arrangements Scheme  

Trade and investment, about free trade agreements (ftas).

• The benefits of FTAs
• How to get free trade agreement tariff cuts
• Look up FTA tariffs and services market access - DFAT FTA Portal
• Discussion paper on potential modernisation – DFAT FTA Portal

About foreign investment

• The benefits of foreign investment
• Investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS)
• Australia's bilateral investment treaties
• Australia's foreign investment policy

For Australian business

• Addressing non-tariff trade barriers

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai

Stakeholder engagement.

• Ministerial Council on Trade and Investment
• Trade 2040 Taskforce
• First Nations trade

Australia's free trade agreements (FTAs)

• ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand (AANZFTA)
• Chile (ACLFTA)
• China (ChAFTA)
• Hong Kong ( A-HKFTA & IA)
• India (AI-ECTA)
• Indonesia (IA-CEPA)
• Japan (JAEPA)
• Korea (KAFTA)
• Malaysia (MAFTA)
• New Zealand (ANZCERTA)
• Peru (PAFTA)
• Singapore (SAFTA)
• Thailand (TAFTA)
• United Kingdom (A-UKFTA)
• USA (AUSFTA)
• Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)
• European Union (A-EUFTA)
• India (AI-CECA)
• Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
• Australia-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

Trade and investment data, information and publications

• Fact sheets for countries and regions
• Australia's trade balance
• Trade statistics
• Foreign investment statistics
• Trade and investment publications
• Australia's Trade through Time

WTO, G20, OECD, APEC and IPEF and ITAG

Services and digital trade.

• Service trade policy
• Australia-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement
• Digital trade & the digital economy

Development

Australia’s development program, performance assessment.

• Development evaluation
• Budget and statistical information

Who we work with

• Multilateral organisations
• Non-government organisations (NGOs)
• List of Australian accredited non-government organisations (NGOs)

Development topics

• Development issues
• Development sectors

2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

• Sustainable Development Goals

Where we deliver our Development Program

Humanitarian action.

Where and how Australia provides emergency assistance.

People-to-people

Australia awards.

• Australia Awards Scholarships
• Australia Awards Fellowships

New Colombo Plan

• Scholarship program
• Mobility program

Public diplomacy

• Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program
• Australia now
• UK/Australia Season 2021-22

Foundations, councils and institutes

• Australia-ASEAN Council
• Australia-India Council
• Australia-Indonesia Institute
• Australia-Japan Foundation
• Australia-Korea Foundation
• Council for Australian-Arab Relations (CAAR)
• Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR)

International Labour Mobility

• Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme
• Agriculture Visa

Australian Volunteers Program

Supporting organisations in developing countries by matching them with skilled Australians. 

Sports diplomacy

Australia is a successful global leader and innovator in sport.

A global platform for achievement, innovation, collaboration, and cooperation

• About Australia

Australia is a stable, democratic and culturally diverse nation with a highly skilled workforce and one of the strongest performing economies in the world.

Australia in Brief publication

This is the 52nd edition of Australia in Brief, revised and updated in February 2021

Travel advice

To help Australians avoid difficulties overseas, we maintain travel advisories for more than 170 destinations.

• Smartraveller – travel advice

International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate

Prove your COVID-19 vaccinations when you travel overseas.

• Services Australia

The Australian Passport Office and its agents are committed to providing a secure, efficient and responsive passport service for Australia.

• Australian Passport Office

24-hour consular emergency helpline

• Within Australia: 1300 555 135
• Outside Australia: +61 2 6261 3305
• Getting help overseas
• Visas for Australians travelling overseas

Visas to visit Australia

Whether you are visiting Australia for less than 72 hours or planning on a stay of several years you must have a valid Australian visa.

A visa is a form of permission for a non-citizen to enter, transit or remain in a particular country.

Information on visas to Australia can be found at the Department of Home Affairs .

Related links

• Visiting Australia
• Australia.com - official Australian tourism website

VISAS TO AUSTRALIA

Ph: 0475 036 111.

E-VISITOR (SUBCLASS 651)

ABOUT THIS VISA

The E-VISITOR (SUBCLASS 651) is a temporary visa for those who have an eligible passport to stay in Australia as often as you wish in a 12-month period. Stay up to 3 months each time you enter Australia.

COSTS & DETAILS OF THE E-VISITOR (SUBCLASS 651)

The E-VISITOR (SUBCLASS 651) currently has an official waiting time of up to 3 days. It is a free application.

WHAT THIS VISA LETS YOU DO

The  E-VISITOR (SUBCLASS 651) allows eligible passport holders to 

visit family or friends

be here as a tourist or for a cruise.

Be in Australia as a business visitor.  As a business visitor, you can:

make general business or employment enquiries

investigate, negotiate, enter into or review a business contract

conduct activities as part of an official government visit

take part in a conference, trade fair or seminar. The organisers can't pay you to take part

You can't:

work for or provide services to a business or organisation based in Australia

sell goods or services directly to the public

If you want to do short-term work in Australia that isn't a business visitor activity, consider applying for a temporary work visa.

You can study or train for up to 3 months in total on this visa. But if your main reason for travelling to Australia is study, a student visa might be more appropriate.

You cannot work.

You will need a visa if you enter Australia during a cruise. If your cruise is a round trip cruise, the time you spend on the cruise counts as time spent in Australia - that is, we do not consider you have left Australia. A round trip cruise will not reset your stay period on your visa. Ask your cruise operator or travel agent if we consider your cruise to be a round trip cruise.

ELIGIBILITY FOR THE E-VISITOR VISA (SUBCLASS 651)

To be eligible for the E-VISITOR (SUBCLASS 651) , you will need to demonstrate that you:

Have a passport from one of these countries:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Republic of San Marino, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain

Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom – British Citizen, Vatican City

Meet the necessary health requirements.

Meet the necessary character requirements.

Have sufficient funds to cover the costs of your trip.

Be a genuine visitor - This means you have the intention to visit Australia temporarily and only do the things that the visa allows you to do.

You must demonstrate that it is in the best interests of a child if you are under 18.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS VISAS

The  E-VISITOR (SUBCLASS 651) needs to be done right first time and to avoid unnecessary delay, use a registered migration agent Mark Pelley - Principal Migration Agent for Visas To Australia. The E-VISITOR (SUBCLASS 651) requires substantial documentation to support claims made in the application. This process can be lengthy and confusing. Failure to correctly apply for the E-VISITOR (SUBCLASS 651) could result in a rejection from the Department of Home Affairs and having to reapply and to pay all costs again. Contact VISAS TO AUSTRALIA to help you apply for this visa.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

Book an appointment with VISAS TO AUSTRALIA today by calling us on 0403 875 409 or send us an email [email protected] .

To see other BUSINESS visas available, click on the links above or to go back to a list of the different types of visas, click HERE .

Tourist visa to Australia for US Citizens

Key aspects.

Cheapest and fastest visa for touristic purposes.

Visa Duration

12 months total, up to 90 days each visit .

Approval time

95% of tourist visas are granted within 24 hours .

If you are planning a visit to Australia for holiday, as a US citizen you will need an Australian tourist visa (also known as “Australian vacation visa”) .

A tourist visa for Australia is technically type of ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) visa: a visa that you simply apply for online without having to fill in a paper form or send in your passport to any embassy. This is why a touristic ETA permit is sometimes referred to also as “electronic tourist visa” or “e-tourist” visa : filling the Australian tourist visa form directly online is all there is to do .

To be able to apply for an Australian Tourist Visa you must be travelling to Australia for holiday or for visiting friends or family, and hold a valid passport.

In-depth information on Australian Tourist Visas

• Tourist Visas for Australia for American Citizens
• Australian Tourist Visa: How to Apply
• Tourist Visa Requirements for Americans
• Process and Processing Time of Australian Tourist Visas
• Duration and Validity of an Australia Tourist Visas

Types of Australian Tourist Visas (Alternatives to Australian Touristic ETA)

Re-entry, renewal and extension of australian tourist visas, working in australia with a tourist visa, getting married in australia on a tourist visa, australian tourist visa: costs and fees, tourist visas for australia available to american citizens.

A standard Australian tourist visa ( Electronic Travel Authorization ) authorizes visits of up to three months at a time and is valid for 12 months after the date of issue. Unlike traditional visas, there are no paper applications to complete, and you will have no visa labels or stamps in your passport. Instead, your tourist visa for Australia will be electronically attached to your passport.

United States’ citizens can apply for a tourist visa to Australia using their passport , and the passport number will then be linked to the visa. If you lose your passport or it is stolen before you enter Australia, you will need to re-apply for a new vacation visa.

Apart from the standard ETA tourism visa, there are a few more specific tourist visa types one can request in order to travel to Australia as a tourist: if you feel an ETA does not satisfy your needs, you will need to determine the most appropriate visa for you among other visa options.

The most common short-stay tourist visa types for Australia are:

• Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) – formally known as Australian Visa Subclass 601
• Work and Holiday Visa – formally known as Australian Visa Subclass 462
• Tourist stream – formally known as Australian Visa Subclass 600

Online Tourist Visa for Australia (ETA e-Tourist)

An e-tourist visa, which is also called an ETA, is a subclass 601 visa . You can use this visa to tour Australia, visit family or friends or study or train for short-term. Business visitors can also use this visa for short-term. An ETA tourist visa is a temporary visa that is valid for 12 months from the date of issue, and it is a multiple entry visa. For each entry, you can stay up to 3 months.

You can enter and leave as many times as you want as long as it is valid. However, the ETA cannot be extended: you must get another Australian tourist visa if you want to extend your holiday or stay longer for other reasons. U.S. passport holders who are planning trips shorter than 90 days are almost always immediately eligible for electronic tourist visas (ETAs) , which will be electronically matched to the traveler’s passport in the Australian immigration official databases.

More info on Online Tourist Visas for Australia (ETA) – updated for 2024:

• Both passport holders and travel agents can apply for ETAs.
• Overstaying a short stay tourist visa in Australia could lead to exclusion, detention and removal. If you plan to stay in Australia longer than 3 months per entry, please make sure you apply instead for the Long Term visa, subclass 600.
• Once you have your online tourist visa for Australia, you can use your e-passport at the SmartGate system when you arrive in Australia.

If you are not sure what tourist visa to apply for, we recommend you apply for this kind of visa .

Tourist Stream (Subclass 600)

The Tourist Stream visa is an alternative to the ETA tourist visa, but typically slower . Getting this holiday visa for Australia, you can visit family and friends, travel the country, and study or train for up to 3 months. This visa may be valid for between three months and 12 months, and you can request it for single entry or multiple entries. You can enter and leave as often as you want as long as the Tourist Stream is valid, but you may not stay more than 12 months during 18 months. This visa is also typically more expensive than an ETA and takes longer to process . Also, immigration office can request more documents from the applicant, for example a scanned copy of passport ID page or bank statement. In general, whenever possible we recommend applying for a Tourist ETA, for a faster – 100% online – visa release process.

Work and Holiday Visa Subclass 462

Getting a tourist visa for Australia also allowing you to work is possible: this is what an Australian Work and Holiday Visa is for , as this permits allows you to work during your stay in Australia, and to travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while working or studying.

With a work and holiday visa (often referred to also as “working holiday visa”) you can have the freedom to work to pay for your holiday, or study for up to 4 months . It is a temporary visa that is valid for up to 12 months from the date you enter the country. It cannot be extended. You can remain in the country up to 12 months, and you can leave and enter Australia as often as you like. Read more about work and holiday visas for Australia .

• Apply for WHV now

Additional type-independent Australian Tourist Visa Information:

• Regardless of the type of 2024 Australian tourist visa or ETA you need, it is highly recommended that you get health insuranc e to protect you during your time in Australia. You will be responsible for any healthcare costs that you incur while you are in Australia, and proper insurance coverage will help reduce your financial liability.
• Visas are electronically linked to your passport. There is no need for stamps or labels .
• Simplify the process by applying for your ETA tourist for Australia directly online as soon as possible .

Australian Tourist Visa for US Citizens: How to Apply

U.S. citizens need visas to travel to Australia. An Australian tourist visa requested from the USA via Electronic Travel Authorization will allow you to enter Australia for up to 90 days at a time for a year from the date of issue. After the first visit, subsequent visits are at the immigration officer’s discretion.

Getting a Tourist Visa to Australia from the USA

In order to get a tourist visa to Australia from USA you must have a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months upon entering Australia in order to comply with the requirements of most airlines flying to Australia – even though not strictly required by Australian Immigration Office) and obtain your US tourist visa to Australia before arriving in the country.

You may also need to complete a medical exam depending on your condition (any medical requirement – if needed – will be specified during the online application process). Visitors may also need to provide financial information upon request to receive their tourist visa. Also in this case, any requirement – if needed – will be specified during the online application process .

It is easy to apply for a tourist visa to Australia from the USA online: simply choose the right visa for your needs and follow the instructions on-screen. Most visa requests are processed and approved instantly .

Australian Tourist Visa Requirements for Americans

The conditions and eligibility for visas can vary based on the type of visa. Most U.S. citizens are eligible for ETAs as long as they hold valid passports.

US Passport Validity and Photo Requirements

We strongly recommend that your US passport be valid for at least 6 months upon entering Australia . This is why if your passport is due to expire soon or during the time you will be travelling, you may need to get a new passport before applying. Australian tourist visa photo requirements are similar to passport photos. Please ensure your photos are accurate and current.

Documents Required to US Citizens for an Australian Tourist Visa

The document checklist can vary based on the type of visa requested: with an ETA, you will only need your passport, and the ETA permit will be electronically attached to your passport.

For other visa types, you may be asked for other identification, including the biographical pages of your passport, travel documents and the IDs of your fellow travelers. Other required documents may be requested if authorities are not satisfied as to your identity.

Funds Required for an Australian Tourist Visa

When travelling to Australia, you may be required to show proof of funds. This can include displaying a minimum bank balance on your bank statement, audits, taxation records or other proof of satisfactory employment and income. After the application is processed, in the rare case a bank statement is required by Australian Immigration in order to verify your bank balance, an immigration officer will contact you .

Medical Requirements for an Australian Travel Visa

If you are applying for a non-ETA Australian visa and plan on staying in Australia for more than 6 months, you might be required to complete a health check and a chest X-ray. This can extend your visa application process up to 20 days. You are more likely to be required to complete a medical test if you are from a high-risk area or are over 75. In these cases, Yellow Fever is the only vaccination requirement.

Australian Tourist Visa Age Limits for American Citizens

For US passport holders willing to travel from USA to Australia there is no age limit on tourist visas . Of course, anyone who is travelling to Australia without an Australian passport will need a visa on arrival – and for a child under 18, the ETA will be based on the child’s passport. This means children will need separate ETAs, using details from their passports (children who are on their parents’ passports also need their own ETAs, but the information from their parents’ passport will be used).

Process and Processing Time for Australian Tourist Visas

Visa processing time for an australian eta tourist visa (subclass 601).

The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is the most commonly used Australian Tourist Visa. The process can be completed online and requires no extra application forms, no visa labels and no passport stamps.

To be eligible for and maintain your instant Australian tourist visa, you must abide by specific conditions, including – in order:

• Being free of criminal convictions
• Passing a health check as required
• Departing within the required time period
• Not working during your time in Australia
• Not engaging in study or training for more than three months

In general, the Australian tourist visa processing time for a Tourist Stream Visa (Subclass 600) can take from 48 hours to more than a month . A Tourist ETA though – which is the most common type of tourist visa – has a much lower estimated waiting time, as it is much faster to process. An ETA e-visa for tourists can often be requested and issued just days before your planned visit . It is a 100 percent secure, paperless process, and the visa will be electronically linked to your passport just moments after it has been issued.

However, we always recommend to request your Touristic ETA Visa at least a few weeks before departure , to avoid any risk. Don’t worry though – with an ETA, you can also track your application online via an online tracking system.

Australian Tourist Stream Visa (Subclass 600) Processing Time

The amount of time taken for an Australian tourist visa to be processed can vary based on how promptly you supply the supporting documents, your response to requests for further information, how long it takes to verify your information and peak processing times.

Also, the Australia tourist visa process is quite straightforward:

• Check that your current U.S. passport is valid.
• Apply for your visa.
• Wait for verification of receipt.
• Wait for notification of your status.

If the Australian tourist visa procedure was successful, you will be granted a visa. You can keep track of your progress using the online Australia tourist visa tracking system.

The maximum processing time for a conventional Australian tourist visa (Subclass 600) is about a month , with the waiting time ranging from 20 to 33 days in the vast majority of cases. For fast-tracked visas or ETAs, the waiting time can be mere minutes or days, especially if you have all the necessary documentation to complete the verification time.

Finally, as far as Work and Holiday Visa Processing Times are concerned, we recommend you check the dedicated page on this site .

Duration and Validity of an Australia Tourist Visa

Tourist visas are valid for varying periods of time, depending on the type of visa.

The ETA is a 12-month tourist visa . It is a popular visa, but it is limited regarding the length of stay and only allows visitors to remain in Australia for 3 months or 90 days at a time . You can enter as often as you like as long during the one year the tourist visa is valid.

For a visit of longer duration or if you want to stay more than 3 months during any period, you will need a different Australian visa. The tourist visa stream (Subclass 600) has a length and duration that can vary based on the purpose of the stay. In most cases though, Australian tourist visa validity lasts at least 12 months .

As an example, the Australian e600 visitor visa is a 6-month tourist visa for Australia. It also allows you to stay in the country up to one year depending on the reasons for your visit. You can also enter and leave the country as needed as long as the visa is valid.

The subclass 870 visa instead is a longer-term 3-year tourist visa specifically designed for parents. With it, parents can stay in Australia for 3 or 5 years and no more than 10 years. This allows them to enter and re-enter Australia as needed to visit their stepchildren, adopted children or biological children more conveniently and affordably.

Whether you are planning an Australian trip that lasts 2 weeks, 90 days or even a year, there is a visa designed to suit your purpose. Check and apply online to find the right one for you or to explore samples of tourist visas.

There are several types of tourist visas in Australia that may apply if you do not qualify for a Tourist ETA or if the ETA does not suit you needs, such as a work and holiday visa or other types of Australian visas for tourism. Here they are:

Australian Work and Holiday Visa

Australian Tourist Stream Visa (Subclass 600 – Application form 1419)

The Australian tourist visa stream Subclass 600 (to which people apply using form n.1419) is a 6-month tourist visa for Australia. It also allows you to stay in the country up to one year depending on the reasons for your visit. You can also enter and leave the country as needed as long as the visa is valid.

Australian Visiting Academic Visa

The former Australia Tourist Visa 419 is closed to new applications for 2024 . However, the Tourist Visa Subclass 408 may be an alternative. This visa, which is also called the Temporary Activity Visa, allows you to participate in special approved programs, including:

• Gap year volunteer work
• Cultural enrichment programs
• Youth exchanges
• Community programs
• School language assistants

This visa is valid for up to 12 months.

Australia Tourist Visa 771 (Australia Transit Visa)

Also known as the Australian Transit Visa, this visa allows people to spend up to 72 hours in Australia to “pass through”. With this visa, you may not spend more than 72 hours in the country.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about re-entering Australia with a tourist visa, about extending your stay in Australia as a tourist or about renewing your tourist visa while you are in Australia.

Is the Australian tourist visa multiple entry?

The Australian ETA is good for 90 days at a time, also allowing multiple-entries . This means that within one year sinve when the ETA Tourist visa has been issued you can enter, leav and re-enter Australia as many times as you wish – as long as each entry lasts a maximum of 90 days.

However, if your current visa is due to expire while you are still in the country, you will need to apply for an Australian tourist visa renewal, via a Long-stay tourist visa application .

What happens if I stay too long and my Australian tourist visa has expired?

Overstaying your stay with a tourist visa in Australia will result in your becoming an “unlawful non-citizen” – which can lead to detention and removal from the country. Worse, it could interfere with your ability to re-enter Australia on a tourist visa in the future. If you overstay your visa by more than 28 days, you could even become excluded and prevented from re-entering Australia on a tourist visa for as long as 3 years. Don’t do it.

Can I change my Australian visa once I am in the country?

No, you cannot change your visa type , such as an Australia tourist visa multiple entry, once you are in the country. However, you can apply for a further stay via the Long-Stay Tourist Visa, subclass 676.

What are my other options for extending my tourist visa?

Because the consequences of an Australia tourist visa overstay can be so serious, it is critical that you apply for a tourist visa renewal or extension as soon as possible and before your visa has expired . Applying online is fast and convenient.

• Extend your visa

If you are planning to travel to Australia with a ETA Tourst Visa, you must know that it is not legal to work with an ETA . ETA-visitors have no right to “work”. However, they can do volunteer work or engage in other business activities, such as business meetings, conferences or seminars . Of course, you can stay in Australia on your tourist visa while looking for work, but once you found it you should obtain a different kind of visa in order to legally maintain your work.

However, working on a “tourist visa” in Australia is fairly common – especially for those who wish to work to pay for their holidays. If you want to legally work in Australia during your holiday though you will need a special, dedicated visa – not an ETA. This visa is called “ Work and Holiday Visa ” (often referred to also as “Working Holiday Visa”).

You can do any kind of work or jobs while on a tourist visa in Australia. However, your Work and Holiday Visa must be used within one year of the date it is issued, and it will be active for 12 months from the date you enter the country.

A working holiday visa cannot be extended: if you choose to stay longer, you must apply for a new visa. Additionally, you cannot bring dependent children or other family members with you, and you must pay taxes from anything you earn during your tourist visa working days.

The cost for a work and holiday tourist visa is of $ 625.00 as of 2024, but additional costs may also arise, including costs for police certificates, biometrics and health checks. Processing time can take from 13 to 22 days but may take longer if more information is needed or for verification purposes. Private health insurance coverage is highly recommended during your stay in the country. Read more about Work and Holiday Australian Visas for US Citizens here .

• Apply for a WHV

According to Australia Marriage Law, you do not need to be an Australian resident to get married in Australia . You simply need the tourist visa (e.g. visa subclass 651) and you must file a Notice of Intended Marriage form along with any other requested documents .

If you are planning on getting married in Australia on a tourist visa, your celebrant can help ensure you meet all necessary requirements , including that you:

• Are not married to anyone else
• Are not marrying to a closely related family member
• Are at least 18 years old
• Freely consent to the marriage

Notice that if you plan to live in Australia after marriage, you might need to apply for permanent residency as needed .

In order to obtain your Australian Tourist Visa, you will need to pay an application charge when applying for your visa – plus all costs related to the visa release. The total Australia tourist visa cost can therefore vary based on the type of visa and when you apply. Both paper applications and e-visas such as ETA tourist visa costs must be paid online , and forms of payment accepted are credit cards and PayPal.

While there are no Australia tourist visa fees associated with the ETA, there is an online service charge of $ 69.00 .

The cost of a Work and Holiday visa is instead of $ 625.00 .

The visa application fee may change periodically: if the Australian immigration tourist visa fees increase between the date of the application and the date of the receipt, the new fee will apply.

Australian Government official resources:

Visa Requirements for Australia

The most common visa for visiting Australia as a tourist is an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). This allows most foreigners to stay in the country for three months at a time, as often as they'd like within a 12-month period. Some travelers can avoid the $15 service charge of the ETA by getting an eVisitor visa instead. This is granted only to those whose countries have strong ties to Australia, and takes longer to process. Other short-term visas include the standard visitor visa (available for up to one year) and working holiday visas, which are designed to let young tourists work temporary jobs while they travel. People from New Zealand don't need any kind of visa to visit their island neighbor.

As for longer-term stays, Australia offers visas for students and workers, as well as permanent resident visas to sponsored employees and family members.

Electronic Travel Authority

Most tourists—except those from New Zealand and who qualify for the eVisitor visa—must obtain an Electronic Travel Authority, better known as an ETA, to visit Australia for up to three months. Designed for those who do not meet the requirements of the eVisitor visa (which is only available to nationals of European countries), this is the most common tourist visa, available to citizens of the U.S., Canada, U.K., and the 30 other countries listed on the Australian Government website .

Visa Fees and Application

The ETA (subclass 601) is valid for tourism or business travel (including cruise ship stopovers) for up to three months, as often as desired within a 12-month period.

• Applicants must have a valid passport from an eligible country, meet the health requirements of the Australian Government   , and intend only to stay in the country temporarily.
• The ETA itself is free, but the service charge is about $15 (AUD 20)
• It must be applied for outside of Australia and can be submitted online .
• ETAs can't be extended. In order to stay longer, you must apply for another ETA or a different visa   .
• ETA applications can be submitted anywhere from a couple of days to a year in advance of your trip. Allow 72 hours for processing, but in most cases, you'll receive a response within minutes.

eVisitor Visa

More than 30 European countries, including France, Italy, the UK, Germany, Spain, and the Scandinavian nations qualify for the eVisitor visa (subclass 651)—essentially a free version of the ETA. Like the ETA, an eVisitor visa is valid for unlimited business or leisure stays of up to three months within a 12-month period. It can also be used for short-term study and training.

One major reason to apply for an ETA instead of an eVisitor visa is because of the processing time.

• In order to qualify, applicants must hold a valid passport from one of the qualifying countries and must not have tuberculosis or a criminal conviction.
• The eVisitor visa is fully free. No application fees or service charges are required.
• It must be applied for outside of Australia and can be submitted online.
• Whereas ETAs are typically processed on the same day, eVisitor visas can take anywhere between three days and several months to process. According to the Australian Government, 90 percent of applications are processed within nine months   . It's best to apply for it a year in advance of your trip.
• The eVisitor visa can't be extended.

Visitor Visa

The standard visitor visa (subclass 600) is a more comprehensive version of the ETA and eVisitor visas. It can be granted for three, six, or 12 months at a time, as opposed to just three   . It's good for frequent visits and longer stays on the basis of travel, family, or business.

The requirements and cost of the visitor visa—also called a "tourist stream"—varies by circumstance.

• Business visitors will only be granted three-month stays on the tourist stream, but family members may be granted 12 months.
• In order to apply, you must have a valid passport, enough funds to cover your trip, and an intention to leave Australia after the visa expires.
• The cost of the visa varies: Applying from Australia costs AUD 365 ($260), applying from outside of Australia costs AUD 145 ($100), applying for business or to visit family costs $100, and applying for the frequent traveler stream (meaning you can get unlimited three-months visits within a 10-year period) costs AUD 1065 ($760).
• In some cases, sponsors (i.e. family members) may be asked to pay an additional security bond.
• Processing can take from 10 days to four months.

Student Visa

Australia's student visa (subclass 500) is granted to people aged six and older for up to five years, depending on your enrollment   . Applicants must provide proof of acceptance into an Australian course of study, hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) unless you fall into an exemption category, and provide what's called a " welfare arrangement " (either a legal guardian who has a visa to stay in Australia for the duration of your studies or arrangements with your school) if you're under 18. The student visa costs AUD 620 ($445) and can be applied for online while in or out of Australia. It also covers any family members who come with you and allows students to work up to 40 hours per week while studying. It can take anywhere between one and four months for processing, depending on the circumstance. Student visas do not qualify for extensions. In order to stay for longer, students must apply for another student visa.

There are several different Australian visas on offer for prospective workers. Whereas the visitor visa allows non-citizens to stay in the country for three months on the premise of business, it doesn't allow you to earn a wage from an Australian institution like its work visas do. The three primary options are a working holiday visa, designed for travelers between the ages of 18 and 30 (35 for Canadian, French, and Irish nationals) to holiday and work in Australia for 12 months   , a temporary work visa for skilled workers   , and a permanent work visa, which requires employer sponsorship and grants permanent resident status in Australia   .

Only passport holders from the more-than-40 eligible countries (including the U.S., Canada, the UK, the EU, Japan, South Korea, Scandinavian countries, and others) qualify for the working holiday scheme. Each country is offered a certain number of slots, so applications are picked randomly from a pool.

Family Visas

Family visas are granted to partners, parents, children, and grandparents of Australian citizens and residents. There are more than 20 different types of family visas, from adoption visas to carer and remaining relative visas, and each of them has its own price and set of requirements.

For couples, the partner visa costs around $5,500 and requires proof of the relationship   . It must be applied for from within Australia and can take up to two years to process. The permanent visa offered to parents of Australian residents and citizens costs slightly less, $4,600, and must be applied for from outside Australia   . The Australian Government does not give processing times for the parent visa because of the possibility of capping and queueing.

Transit Visa

The transit visa (subclass 771) is good for short stopovers of up to 72 hours. It's free, can be applied for easily online , and requires only a confirmed booking and a valid visa. Travelers must apply and be granted the transit visa from outside of Australia before being allowed into the country. Some travelers—from a list of countries including the U.S., the U.K., much of the EU, United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Japan, and parts of South America—do not require a transit visa to travel through Australia. The visa can take between four and 15 days to process   .

Visa Overstays

According to the Australian Government, visa overstayers may be faced with detainment or removal from Australia, and may also be billed for the cost of said removal   . If you are discovered to have not held a valid visa upon leaving Australia, the government can also refuse to grant you a visa for up to three years.

Extending Your Visa

ETAs, eVisitor visas, and standard visitor visas are not able to be extended, but in most cases, you can re-apply for the same visa (for another fee). In the case of working holiday visas, a second and third visa (each valid for one year) may be granted to those who meet the requirements of farm work within the country   .

If you find that your visa has expired or is about to expire, you can also apply for a Bridging visa E (BVE) —an extension alternative. The BVE is free and allows you to stay lawfully and temporarily in Australia while you arrange for travel out of the country or wait for another visa to process   .

Australian Government . "Immigration and citizenship: Health."

Australian Government . "Immigration and citizenship: Electronic Travel Authority."

Australian Government . "Immigration and citizenship: eVisitor."

Australian Government . "Visitor Visa."

Australian Government . "Student Visa."

Australian Government . "Working holiday visa."

Australian Government . "Temporary work visas."

Australian Government . "Permanent work visas."

Australian Government . "Partner visa."

Australian Government . "Parent visa."

Australian Government . "Transit Visa."

Australian Government . "If you don't have a valid visa."

Australian Government . "Bridging visa E."

Visa Requirements for Canada

Visa Requirements for Hong Kong

How to Get an Electronic Travel Authority Visa

Visa Requirements for Finland

Visa Requirements for France

Visa Requirements for India

Visa Requirements for Sweden

Visa Requirements for Italy

Visa Requirements for the Netherlands

Transit Visa for Canada

Visa Requirements for Greece

Your Essential Guide to Getting an E-Visa for India

Visa Requirements for Germany

Visa Requirements for Myanmar

These Countries Are Inviting US Citizens to Live and Work Remotely

Visa Requirements for Brazil

Visas and Migration

Latest news.

For the latest immigration and citizenship news, see  News - Archive . 

Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)

From 6 April 2022, all ETA-eligible passport holders can ap​​ply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app. For more information, see our Step by step guide .

If you are unable to use the app, you can apply online through ImmiAccount for another visa that suits your needs.

European passport holders may be eligible for an eVisitor (subclass 651) .

At this time, ETA lodgement is only available through the Australian ETA app.​​ To apply you  must  lodge the application via the  ETA app  which you can download for free from the  Apple Store (Apple)  or  Google Play store (Android) .

You can apply for an ETA through the app if:

• you meet all  ETA eligibility requirements , and
• you hold a passport from an  eligible country .

Whether you are visiting Australia for a short period of time or planning to migrate, you must have a valid Australian visa.

Information on visas to Australia can be found on the  Department of Home Affairs website .

Explore visa options  on the department's website to help you find the visa most likely to meet your specific circumstances.

Visa applications, fees & processing times

Most visa applications can be lodged online by creating an  ImmiAccount . This is our preferred method of visa lodgement to helps us process your application faster.

If you are lodging an application in the US, please refer to the following information before submitting your application:

• Processing times
• Visa requirements  (health, character, biometrics)
• Translation of documents not in English

Please note, you should not book flights or make travel commitments until you have a valid visa to travel to Australia. The Department of Home Affairs will not be liable for any financial loss incurred by travellers whose visa application was finalised later than expected, or where an application is not successful.

Visa and citizenship applications are managed by the Department of Home Affairs. Embassy staff are unable to assist with general visa or citizenship enquiries. 

The Department of Home Affairs website has the most up to date and comprehensive information on applying for visas and citizenship. The website also has useful definitions and tools to help you understand the department’s requirements. Visit the website at Immigration and citizenship .

If you are having trouble locating information on the department’s website, the Home Affairs Digital Assistant may be able to help. The Digital Assistant can help you find information on Australian visas, citizenship and border entry. Visit the  Immigration and citizenship  website and click the Ask a question   Digital Assistant button to get started.

Global Service Centre

If you require additional information, you may telephone the Global Service Centre on +61 2 6196 0196, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm your local time.

International calls may be subject to charges imposed by your local carrier. You may wish to consider using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) provider to avoid potentially high charges.

Using an interpreter

When you call the GSC, select option 6 to engage a Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) interpreter in your language. Option 6 can be selected straight after dialling the GSC number.

Alternatively, a TIS interpreter can also be engaged directly via:

•    TIS website:  Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) or

•    Home Affairs website See:  Family and friends helping with your application .

Compliments, complaints and suggestions

Your feedback is valuable to the Department of Home Affairs. The department uses your feedback to improve services and investigate and respond to any issues of concern. You can find more information on the department’s website at  Compliments, complaints and suggestions .

Allegations related to suspicious border activities

If it doesn’t feel right, flag it anonymously with Border Watch. Border Watch is the single collection point for the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Border Force (ABF) for allegations related to suspicious border activities and is not limited to immigration and citizenship. One small observation could help stop a much larger border crime.  You can report suspicious immigration, customs and border related activity via the  Border Watch Online Report .

Beware of Visa Scams

To avoid being scammed, you can check the Register of Migration Agents on the  OMARA website , to receive the protections of an OMARA registered Migration Agent.

There are Australian registered migration agents working all around the world. These agents are subject to the same Code of Conduct, professional development and regulations as registered migration agents based in Australia. More information about Australia's efforts to ensure the integrity of the migration advice profession is available at:  www.mara.gov.au .

Further information on visa scams is available on the Department of Home Affairs website .

Visa requirements for visiting Australia

Dec 1, 2023 • 6 min read

Don't let a forgotten tourist visa ruin your Australian getaway © xavierarnau/Getty Images

Planning a trip to Australia ? Whether you’re heading Down Under for a short break or extended working holiday, you’ll likely need a visa. 

Here’s your complete guide to filling out your paperwork for a visit to Australia.

Do I need a visa for Australia?

Most visitors to Australia will need a visa, but the type of visa you apply for depends on your country of origin, how long you plan to stay in Australia and what you plan to do while you’re there. 

Most tourists must apply for either an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or a visitor visa before traveling. The exception is New Zealand passport holders, who are issued a Special Category visa upon arrival. 

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay. You’ll also need to ensure you have sufficient funds to cover your stay. Depending on your visa category, you may be asked for proof of this upon arrival. 

What type of visa do I need to travel to Australia?

The Australian Department of Home Affairs’ (DoHA) visa finder can help you determine what visas you’re eligible for based on your citizenship, your travel purpose and your intended length of stay. 

Here are the three main tourist visa categories:

For visitors from visa-exempt countries: ETA (subclass 601)

If you hold a passport from a visa-exempt country – including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada or Singapore – you’re eligible for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) . With an ETA you can visit Australia as many times as you like for tourism purposes within a one-year window, staying for up to three months per visit. 

Attached digitally to your passport number, an ETA allows for a simplified entry process into Australia. An application needs to be completed via the dedicated ETA app before you arrive and usually is processed within a day. However, it’s recommended that you apply for it a few days in advance to ensure you have the ETA in time for your departure. 

While ETAs are free, there is an application service charge of $20. 

If you’re already in Australia and you want to extend your stay, you will need to apply for a Visitor visa.

For visitors from European countries: eVisitor visa (subclass 651)

The eVisitor visa is free and available for passport holders from most European countries. It offers similar conditions to an ETA: Visitors can stay for up to three months for tourism purposes. It’s valid for 12 months, with multiple entries permitted.

You can apply for the eVisitor online. Processing time is usually within a day, but it’s recommended that you apply well in advance of your intended travel date in case of delays. This visa can’t be extended, so if you wish to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for a Visitor visa.

If you hold a passport from a country that’s eligible for both an ETA and an eVisitor visa, you’ll find the two options are nearly identical. The main difference is how you apply for them: ETAs must be applied for through an app with a fee of $20. There is no charge for eVisitor visas, but you’ll need to register for an ImmiAccount and apply online through a web browser.

For all other tourists: Visitor visa (subclass 600)

If you’re not eligible for an ETA or an eVisa and plan to visit Australia for tourism-related purposes, you’ll need to apply for a Visitor visa from outside Australia. This visa may be granted for up to 12 months and may be single or multiple entry. Conditions are determined on a case-by-case basis. A visitor visa starts at $190, but there may be other associated costs including health examinations, police clearances or biometrics, depending on your passport.

Although most visitor visas are processed within a few weeks, it can take longer in peak periods, so it must be applied for well in advance of your trip. Standard processing times change regularly and can be monitored on the DoHA site. 

Once you apply, you can track your application through your ImmiAccount. You may be required to submit additional information, so check your application regularly to provide any further details to keep the process moving.

How do I extend my visa to Australia?

Enjoying your stay in Australia and don't want to leave? We don’t blame you. 

Depending on your visa, you may be able to apply for a new visa to stay in the country longer. Visitors who are already inside Australia and wish to stay longer as tourists may use the onshore Visitor visa (also subclass 600) to extend their stay. 

Make sure you apply for your new visa before your current visa expires. If you’ve submitted your application before your current visa expires, you’ll be granted a free bridging visa until your new one is processed. 

What if I want to work and travel around Australia?

Working holidays are a popular option for travelers who want to fund their adventures and immerse themselves in Australian life and culture. 

Australia’s Working Holiday Maker program is available for visitors between the ages of 18 and 30 (and up to 35 in some cases) from 40 participating countries and jurisdictions around the world. 

There are two classes of visas available under this program: t he Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) and the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) . Which one you apply for depends on the passport you hold. Both are valid for 12 months and cost $635, and both enable you to legally work while in Australia.

Many working holiday visa makers find that one year isn’t enough. Fortunately, you may be able to extend your working holiday visa for a second or even a third year. In order to do so, you’ll need to complete “specified work” in a “regional area” for a period of three months (for a second year) or six months (for a third year) first. 

This specified work is usually referred to as “farm work” in backpacker circles, but it’s a bit of a misnomer. It’s a common misconception that you need to head to the woop-woops (that Aussie for “middle of nowhere”) and pick fruit to complete your specified work. In fact, there are a range of approved industries the program , including tourism and hospitality, construction and bushfire recovery. Likewise, “regional areas” aren’t just found in remote rural areas; some major cities (including Darwin and Adelaide) are eligible post codes. So while you might find yourself harvesting bananas in a tiny town in tropical Queensland, you could just as easily find yourself serving tables at a luxury lodge in Darwin or working in a winery in the Barossa.

For more information on the working holiday visa program, you can also visit Tourism Australia’s dedicated portal. 

This article was first published March 2021 and updated December 2023

Explore related stories

Art and Culture

Apr 4, 2024 • 5 min read

Perth’s immersive Indigenous experiences, stunning scenery and innovative culinary scene make it one of Australia's most exciting cities.

Mar 30, 2024 • 4 min read

Mar 4, 2024 • 8 min read

Feb 27, 2024 • 6 min read

Feb 12, 2024 • 10 min read

Jan 30, 2024 • 9 min read

Jan 29, 2024 • 11 min read

Jan 17, 2024 • 8 min read

Jan 7, 2024 • 3 min read

Jan 5, 2024 • 20 min read

Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

Australia Visitor Visa: Requirements, Eligibility and Application Process

Updated: February 7, 2024

Australia Visitor Visa is the only option to visit Australia as a tourist for many nationalities. If you don’t qualify for either the Electronic Travel Authority(ETA) or the eVisitor Visa, then you will need to get a Visitor Visa.

Australia no longer accepts paper applications for the visitor visa. All applications must be lodged online through the Australian Government Immi Portal.

The Visitor Visa has subclass 600 in Australia’s visa documentation and the subtype we’re interested in is the “Tourist stream (apply outside Australia)”.

Quick summary:

• Eligibility: All nationalities are eligible
• Validity: Valid for 6 months, 1 year or 3 years with single or multiple entries
• Duration of stay: Generally, 3 months allowed stay, but up to 6 or 12 in some cases
• Visa fee: Visitors visa fee is 190 AUD
• Processing time: 50% of applications are processed in 7 days and 90% in 21 days.

If you haven’t already, read the  Australia Visa Guide  to familiarize yourself with Australian tourist visa types, requirements, eligibility and entry procedures at the border.

Table of Contents

Understanding australia visitor visa.

Visitor visa validity

The Australian Visitor visa is valid for 6 months, 1 year or 3 years from the date of issue. The validity of the visa depends on your nationality and circumstances. For example, most Indian passport holders get a 3-year valid Australian visa, whereas Phillippine passport holders get a 1-year valid visa. Pakistan nationals get a 6-month validity.

You must visit Australia within the validity of your visa.

Duration of stay

Most Visitor visas granted allow for 3 months of continuous stay in Australia. Depending on circumstances, you might be granted a stay of 6 months or even 12 months.

Allowed number of entries

Most Visitor visas are multiple-entry , but Home Affairs also issues single visas in certain circumstances for certain nationalities.

When to apply

Since the tourist visas are valid for at least 3 months, it’s a good idea to apply well in advance. Most applications get processed in 3 weeks or fewer.

Visa extension

Australia Visitor visa is non-extendable . If you need to  extend your stay in Australia , you are allowed to apply for another Visitor Visa (onshore) from within the country.

Australia Visitor Visa Requirements

Who requires a Visitor Visa?

Australia Visitor Visa is REQUIRED for all nationalities to enter Australia as a tourist, except for the below.

• New Zealand passport holders
• Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
• eVisitor Visa
• Those transiting in Australia for less than 72 hours and can get a Transit visa .

Documents required

To support your application, you can attach as many as 60 documents online. You don’t have to attach that many but the more documents you provide, the better your chances of approval.

You have to satisfy the Home Office that:

• You are who you say you are
• You are a genuine visitor who will not overstay or work illegally
• You are of good character and not have a criminal record
• You won’t be a burden to Australia’s healthcare system

To do this, attach as many of these documents as you can :

Identity documents

• Valid passport (must be valid for the duration of the stay)
• Valid National ID card (if from a country that issues them)
• marriage or divorce certificate;
• change of name documents;
• documents that show other names you have been known by
• Residence Permit/Visa (if residence and citizenship differ)
• One passport-size photo

Genuine visitor documents

• Itemized personal bank statements for the last 3 months. Aim to have at least 5000 AUD in your bank account. The money cannot be deposited suddenly and inexplicably – it should be from legitimate sources and savings over time.
• Tax returns
• Credit card statements
• their relationship to you
• the purpose of your visit and length of stay
• if you will be staying with them
• Proof of their funds (if they will be paying for your stay)
• Your plans or travel itinerary while in Australia  
• a letter from your employer stating you plan to return to your job
• proof that you study at a school, college or university in your home country
• proof that you have immediate family members in your home country
• proof that you own a house or other major assets in your home country;
• Confirmed return flight ticket;
• Health Insurance

At a later date, you may be required to obtain and submit the following:

• Medical Certificate
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

All non-English documents (except for police certificates) must be translated into English and all documents’ copies (both original and translations) must be certified.

Photo requirements

You need one passport-size digital photo for the Visitor Visa application. The photo must meet the following requirements. 

• Taken in the last 6 months
• Showing your head and shoulders against a plain background
• Neutral facial expression with mouth closed, eyes open, and looking at the camera
• Religious head coverings are allowed but must not obscure the face
• Piercing is allowed but must not cause any reflections or shadows

There is no official guidance for the size and resolution of pictures uploaded online but the file type must be JPG. You will get to move the photo to position your face within a frame.

As long as the picture is clear, crisp, and not excessively big, it will be accepted.

Visitor visa fee

The Australian Tourist Visa application fee is 190 AUD , payable online.

You may also have to pay for:

• Health checks
• Police certificates

Processing time

Australian immigration reports that 50% of applications are processed in 7 days and 90% are processed in 21 days . These periods start after you submit your biometrics (if required).

Visitor Visa Application Process

How to apply

You must apply for your tourist visa online through the Immi Portal. Applying on paper is not possible for the visitor visa anymore. Follow the below steps:

• Go to the ImmiAccount portal and create an account
• Click on “New application” and pick “Visitor Visa (600)”.
• Enter your personal information, passport details, employment details and financial information
• Upload your documents such as passport, photo, etc.
• Pay the required visa fee
• Submit the application

The Visitor Visa is part of Australia’s biometrics program. If you apply for a Visitor Visa from any of the below countries, regardless of your nationality, you must give your biometrics.

• Afghanistan
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Kazakhstan 
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Korea
• United Arab Emirates

If you apply from one of these countries, you will receive an email informing you that you need to visit an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre (ABCC) to have your biometrics collected. The biometrics are usually a face photo and fingerprint scan.

You must complete the biometrics procedure within 14 days of getting this email otherwise your application becomes void without a refund!

AABCs are typically managed by VFS Global. They charge a service fee for biometric collection. This fee depends on AABC and the country you are applying from.

For example, the biometric service at AABC in Dubai, UAE is AED 109.17. The biometric service fee at AABC in Manila, Philippines is PHP 557.

How to schedule biometric appointment?

Within 24 hours of applying for your Visitor Visa, you will receive an email with a biometric request letter from Home Affairs. Follow these steps to schedule your biometric appointment.

Find the nearest ABCC to you and follow the prompts to schedule your biometric appointment.

How to attend biometric appointment?

Follow the below steps to attend your biometric appointment at an AABC.

• Arrive at the AABC at least 15 minutes before your appointment time
• Original passport
• Biometric appointment confirmation
• Biometric fee receipt and
• Biometric request letter received in the email from Home Affairs
• Your facial photo is taken and your 10 fingertips are scanned

What if you can’t attend your appointment?

If you can’t make an appointment, you can reschedule your appointment up to 24 hours before your scheduled appointment date and time. You can reschedule up to 2 times.

What if you miss your appointment?

If you miss your scheduled appointment, you will lose the fee paid as the biometric fee is nonrefundable. You will also have to wait 24 hours to schedule a new appointment.

How to track status

You will receive the status of your application in your email. You can also track the status of the visa in your ImmiAccount.

How to download approved visa

When your Visitor Visa is approved, you will receive a grant letter in your email from Home Affairs. The grant letter is your Visitor Visa.

The Visitor visa is electronically linked to your passport, so you don’t need to download or print your Visitor Visa.

If you’re ever asked to show any proof, you can use the Grant Notification you received in your email. You can also download it from your ImmiAccount under “Visa Grant Details”.

How to check the validity of your Visitor Visa

The expiration date of your Australia eVisitor visa is indicated as “Must not arrive after” on the visa letter. If you lost your grant letter or don’t have a copy of your Visitor Visa, you can check the validity details on the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) portal by using either your Visa Grant Number or Transaction Reference Number.

Customer service

Refer to the Self-help Guidelines for information to troubleshoot any issues. If facing issues with your ImmiAccount or the Visitor visa application, contact customer service using the below webform

Web: ImmiAccount Technical Support Form

Procedure at the border

The Visitor Visa is digitally attached to your passport so you don’t need to print anything. When you enter Australia, simply present your passport and be ready to answer a few basic questions about your visit.

Eligible passport holders can use the Smart Gates for faster arrival and departure procedures.

All visitors including Australian citizens are required to fill out an Incoming Passenger Card on arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to get an australian tourist visa.

It can take up to 3 weeks to get an Australian tourist visa, especially if submitting your biometrics. It can be faster or slower depending on where you are applying from, your circumstances and the number of documents you submit.

How hard is it to get a tourist visa to Australia?

It is easy to get a tourist visa to Australia if you submit a complete application with as many documents. You must convince the Home Office that you won’t overstay or break the conditions of the visa.

How much bank balance is required for Australia tourist visa?

Australian Home Office doesn’t specify the minimum bank balance required for a tourist visa. Your bank account must show continuous cash flow and not a lump sum deposited recently. 

Based on the reports from travelers reports and recommendations from embassies, you should aim for at least 5,000 AUD in your bank account when you apply.

Can you get a 3-year visitor visa to Australia?

Yes, you can get a 3-year visitor visa to Australia if are from an eligible country and meet the requirements. Australian Visitor Visa is issued for 6 months, 1 year or 3 years depending on your nationality and circumstances. For example, Indian nationals can get an Australian tourist visa valid for 3 years.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

MORE VISA GUIDES

UNITED KINGDOM

VIEW ALL VISA GUIDES

• Cookie Policy
• Copyright Notice
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Flight Itinerary
• Hotel Reservation
• Travel Insurance
• Onward Ticket
• Testimonials

Search this site

How and When to Get a Visa to Visit Australia

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

US citizens can travel to many countries visa-free, but Australia isn't one of them. If you're thinking about traveling to Australia, you'll need to plan ahead and obtain valid travel documentation. Here's what you need to know before traveling to Australia as a US citizen with a US passport.

What Visa Do I Need?

The Australian government makes it easy to determine the visa you need with its Visa Finder website . This website asks three questions, the first of which is about the purpose of your trip (think: vacation, visiting relations, attending an event, doing business and seeking medical treatment, among others):

The next question asks the country of your passport:

And the final question asks how long you'd like to stay in Australia — either less than or more than three months.

Most travelers from the US will likely be eligible for an Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) — also called an ETA — as I was for my most recent month-long trip.

This is because an ETA is available to US citizens visiting Australia for three months for reasons that fit into the following categories:

• Holiday or vacation
• Visit to see friends or family
• Select business activities such as general business or employment inquiries; investigate, negotiate, sign or review a business contract; or attend a conference, trade fair or seminar

Since most US citizens traveling to Australia will be traveling for one of these reasons (and, as a result, are eligible to apply for an ETA) I'll focus on ETAs available to US citizens with a US passport.

What Are the Requirements?

To apply for an ETA, you must:

• Have a valid passport from an eligible country (including the US).
• Apply while outside Australia.
• Wish to stay no longer than three months at a time (you must not study for more than three months, for example).
• Be free from tuberculosis.
• Not have any criminal convictions for which you have been sentenced for a total combined period of 12 months or more, whether or not you served the sentence(s).
• Have paid back any debt — of either yourself or your family — or arranged to pay back any debt to the Australian government.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply Online?

The ETA is free, but there is an online application service charge of 20 Australian dollars (about $14) per applicant. As US passport holders -- along with seven other nationalities -- must apply online, there's no escaping the online application service charge. The fees for my recent ETA applications coded as "Bills and Utilities" on my Chase Sapphire Reserve statement, so don't expect the fee to code as "Travel."

How Long Does It Take?

The Australian government says "processing time for this visa is not available" and that the visa may take longer to process if:

• You don't fill it out correctly
• It takes the Australian government additional time to verify your information

Most ETA applications are approved immediately, and those that need additional processing are usually handled within 24 hours. This being said, the Australian government recommends travelers get an approved ETA before booking any nonrefundable travel. Once an ETA is granted, it is valid for one year and allows multiple entries up to three months each.

How Do I Apply?

The online ETA application takes about five minutes to complete. To start an application, click "Apply for an ETA."

Step 1 : Select whether you need a Tourist ETA or a Business Visitor ETA, and certify that you are currently located outside Australia.

Step 2 : Enter your personal details, whether you have an alias, answer a question about your criminal record and enter your passport information.

Step 3 : Enter your address, phone number and email. Select whether you wish to receive communications by SMS and declare whether you hold any passports issued by other countries.

Step 4 : Confirm your information.

Step 5 : Pay the online service charge of 20 Australian dollars (about $14) using a credit card.

How Do I Check My Status?

Once you have submitted an online ETA application, you'll receive a response. The response may:

• Notify you that your ETA has been granted.
• Advise you that your application has been referred for further assessment. You can then check the status of your application after 12 hours by logging back into the ETA system and selecting the option "Check an ETA."
• Advise you to contact the nearest Australian visa office to make a new application.

My response came immediately in an email titled, "ETA Application for Australia [CLIENT-IN-CONFIDENCE] (PROD)" that confirmed my application had "been successful," my payment had been received, that I was now the proud holder of a "valid ETA for Australia" and that my ETA had been linked to my passport, so no additional documents would be required during the travel process.

What Do I Need to Print Before Travel?

Nothing. When your ETA is linked to your passport, it becomes available to both airline representatives as well as Australian immigration authorities. So, there's no need to print your confirmation once your ETA has been granted.

Other Questions

If you have other questions about ETAs, or other types of Australian visas, take a look at the Australian government's Visa Finder website . Questions such as how to combine multiple visa types if the purpose of your trip changes and what to do if you get a new passport are covered on the website.

Traveling to Australia soon? Here are some TPG articles that might be helpful:

• The Best Ways to Use Points and Miles to Fly from the US to Australia
• TPG Readers Reveal Their Favorite Points Hotels in Australia
• TPG Readers' Best Tips for Flying Around Australia
• 8 Australian Islands You Probably Haven't Heard of But Need to Visit

Australian eVisitor Visa, Visitor Visa And ETA – What Is The Difference

Posted on October 9, 2020 | Last Updated on September 21, 2023

Australia is an enormous country that is filled to the brim with exciting activities. How on Earth do you decide what to do first?

One of the first things that you need to check before you pack your bags for Australia is what visa type you need. Unless you are a New Zealand citizen or an Australian citizen or resident, you will need one to enter the country.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is Australian eVisitor (Subclass 651) Visa?

What is australian visitor (subclass 600) visa, what is the australian eta (electronic travel authority) (subclass 601), can i extend my australian visa, what types of tourist visa should i apply for.

The type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your visit, the length of your stay, and your passport. There are three main types of tourist visas.

To help and ease the process we created this handy guide with tourist visas that you can refer to when wondering which visa type you need.

Read Also: Australian Working Holiday Visa vs. Work & Holiday Visa – What’s the difference?

This type of visa is used for tourism or business visitor activities. It is an electronic visa. This visa, subclass 651 is intended for citizens of countries in the European Union.

All applicants should have a passport valid for at least 3 months from the entry date to Australia.

Citizens from non-European countries can apply either for ETA (Subclass 601) or Visitor (Subclass 600) visa.

How long is the Australian eVisitor (Subclass 651) Visa valid for?

This visa is valid for 12 months and allows you multiple entries in Australia. However, you will be able to stay for up to 90 consecutive days per entry in the country.

You can also study for up to 3 months in total, but only if the studies are not the main reason for visiting, and you are not permitted to work, although only on a voluntary basis.

With this visa, you can enter the country for tourist reasons (including recreation, holidays, or visiting friends and family) or business visitor activities (negotiations, visiting a conference, etc). You are not allowed to work, provide services for organizations or businesses in Australia or sell goods.

How long is the Australian Visitor (Subclass 600) Visa valid for?

This visa is multiple-entry and is valid for a period of 12 months after it’s issued. Depending on the visa issued, on each arrival, visitors can stay in the country for up to three, six or twelve months. The visa validity depends on your personal circumstances.

ETA is electronically linked to your passport and provides authorisation to enter Australia. It’s only intended for short-term stays for tourism or business visitor activities.

ETA allows you to visit Australia as many times as you want, in a period of 12 months and stay up to three months each time you visit the country.

How long is ETA (subclass 601) valid for?

After your ETA is granted, it will be valid for 12 months, or until the expiry date of your passport, whichever is earlier.

ETA can either be applied online or obtained directly at the airport from a travel agency.

Applying online for the ETA saves you time and is hassle-free.

Eligible countries for obtaining an online ETA:

• Brunei – Darussalam
• Hong Kong (SAR PRC)
• Korea, Rep of (South)
• The United States.

Yes, if you are in Australia for the time being, and your visa is about to expire, you can apply for a Visitor visa extension with Visa First if you wish to prolong your stay. Depending on your personal circumstances, this could allow you to stay up to 3, 6, 12 months and the extension will be only for tourist purposes.

If you hold ETA (Subclass 601) or e-Visitor (Subclass 651), you can extend your visa by applying for a Visitor (Subclass 600) Visa.

It is very important to note that if you have spent 12 months in Australia in the last 18 months, you cannot extend your visa and stay and should leave Australia for some time before re-entering or re-applying for a new visa.

What is the difference between ETA Australia and the eVisitor visa Australia?

Both visas are similar, and both allow you to visit for up to three months. The main difference is finding out which one are you eligible to apply for as well as the process of obtaining it.

How to apply for an Australian visa?

With over 15 years of experience, Visa First provides fast, comprehensive and reliable service. Our prices are affordable with no hidden fees.

We will discuss with you your personal circumstances and decide which visa type is the most appropriate for you.

We will prepare your documents, take care of all the paperwork and boost your chances for a successful visa application .

About the Author

Kristina valcheva.

Kristina Valcheva is an author at Visa First. With background in journalism, she channels her enthusiasm for both travel and finance into reader-friendly content.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Previous Article

Next Article

Safest Destinations To Travel To During COVID-19

After the year we’ve all had, who could blame you for wanting to get out there and see the world again? But the question is, which destinations are safest to return to?

The Cost Of Living In New Zealand – A Detailed Guide

New Zealand inspires pictures of mountains, forests and pristine lands. After all, this is the land of Middle Earth, kiwis, backpackers and delicious wine!

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Australia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Australia’s High Commission in the UK.

COVID-19 rules

You do not need a pre-departure COVID-19 test to enter or transit Australia regardless of your COVID-19 vaccination status. See the Australian government’s website for advice on COVID-19 and travelling.

COVID-19 quarantine requirements

Each state and territory determines its own quarantine rules. You should check requirements for specific states and territories .

Passport validity requirements

For entry into Australia, your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. If you’re transiting another country on your way to or from Australia, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport.

Visa requirements

British citizens can usually get the following types of electronic visitor visa:

• eVisitor visa . There is no visa application charge or service fee
• Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) via the iOS App or Android App . There is no visa application charge, but a service fee of A$20 may apply

Information on all other types of visa is available from the Department of Home Affairs .

Working holiday visa

Thousands of Britons travel to Australia each year on a working holiday visa and the vast majority have no issues. Working conditions, accommodation and medical facilities are generally of a good standard.

You can find information about your rights as an employee in Australia and how to report any concerns about unfair or unlawful treatment on the Fair Work Ombudsman website , or by calling 131 394.

Get more information about working in Australia .

Dual nationals

If you’re a British national living in Australia with Australian citizenship, or a dual national, it is best to leave and enter Australia on your Australian passport. You could face difficulties and delays if you do not. See Australian government advice for dual nationals .

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Australia guide .

Quarantine of goods

Australia has strict quarantine rules to keep out pests and diseases that could affect plant, animal or human health.

You must fill out an Incoming Passenger Card and either:

• declare any risk goods including food, animal products and plant material (including wooden articles)
• dispose of any risk goods in the bins at the airport or sea port

All luggage is x-rayed on arrival. Any items of concern are further inspected, treated and if necessary confiscated and destroyed. You can be heavily fined for breaches of quarantine regulations.

You can find more information on the Department of Agriculture website .

You will also be asked to declare whether you have ‘visited a rural area, or been in contact with, or near, farm animals outside Australia in the past 30 days’.

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

Australia Recommends 2024

Come and Say G'day

G'day, the short film

Discover your Australia

Travel videos

Deals and offers

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Northern Territory

South Australia

Western Australia

External Territories

The Whitsundays

Mornington Peninsula

Port Douglas

Ningaloo Reef

Airlie Beach

Kangaroo Island

Rottnest Island

Hamilton Island

Lord Howe Island

Tiwi Islands

Phillip Island

Bruny Island

Margaret River

Barossa Valley

The Grampians

Hunter Valley

Yarra Valley

McLaren Vale

Glass House Mountains

Alice Springs

Uluru and Kata Tjuta

The Kimberley

Flinders Ranges

Kakadu National Park

Eyre Peninsula

Karijini National Park

Great Barrier Reef

Blue Mountains

Daintree Rainforest

Great Ocean Road

Purnululu National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Litchfield National Park

Aboriginal experiences

Arts and culture

Festivals and events

Food and drink

Adventure and sports

Walks and hikes

Road trips and drives

Beaches and islands

Nature and national parks

Eco-friendly travel

Health and wellness

Family travel

Family destinations

Family road trips

Backpacking

Work and holiday

Beginner's guide

Accessible travel

Planning tips

Trip planner

Australian budget guide

Itinerary planner

Find a travel agent

Find accommodation

Find transport

Visitor information centres

Deals and travel packages

Visa and entry requirements FAQ

Customs and biosecurity

Working Holiday Maker visas

Facts about Australia

Experiences that will make you feel like an Aussie

People and culture

Health and safety FAQ

Cities, states & territories

Iconic places and attractions

When is the best time to visit Australia?

Seasonal travel

Events and festivals

School holidays

Public holidays

How to get to Australia's most iconic cities

How long do I need for my trip to Australia?

How to travel around Australia

Guide to driving in Australia

How to hire a car or campervan

How to plan a family road trip

How to plan an outback road trip

• Australian visa information
• Working holiday visas

Sydney Airport, New South Wales © Sydney Airport

Travelling to Australia from the UK: Visa and Entry Requirements FAQs

Learn about visa requirements for entry to Australia for tourism purposes with this list of frequently asked questions. 

Please note this page is intended to provide general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Tourism Australia is not the Australian government visa granting authority. For information on visas to enter Australia, visitors should seek the most up-to-date information from Australian Government Department of Home Affairs .*

Ready to plan your trip? We're ready to welcome you! Here are some helpful tips for getting your visa sorted: 

• Be sure to secure the appropriate visa before travelling to Australia. Use the Visa Finder to explore your options.
• Ensure all details are correct and provide all required documents when you apply. An incomplete or incorrect application can delay your visa.
• Submitting multiple applications at the same time can slow the process. For visitor visas, submit one application per person, including children. 
• Questions? The Australian Government's Global Service Centre can help.

Australian Visa Information

Unless you are an Australian citizen, you will need a valid Australian visa to enter the country. New Zealand passport holders can apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. All other passport holders, regardless of age, must apply for a visa before leaving home. You can apply for a range of Australian visa types, including tourist visas and working holiday visas, via the ETA app or on the  Department of Home Affairs website.

There are different Australian visa types available for travellers to Australia. Knowing which Australian visa to apply for depends on the length of your stay, your passport and the purpose of your visit. You’ll also need to meet certain financial and medical requirements, be outside of Australia when applying and maintain health insurance for the duration of your stay. 

Electronic Travel Authority visa  (subclass 601) This visa allows you to visit Australia as many times as you want, for up to a year, and stay for three months each visit. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of countries and regions, who live outside Australia. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is  here .

All ETA-eligible passport holders must apply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app. Agents can assist you in the application process, but you must be physically present as a live facial image is required.

eVisitor  (subclass 651) This is a free visa for multiple visits to Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three months at a time within a 12-month period. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of European countries and it cannot be extended.

Visitor visa  (subclass 600) The Visitor visa allows you to visit Australia, either for tourism or business purposes. It is open to all nationalities. Generally, a period of stay of up to three months is granted, but up to 12 months may be granted in certain circumstances. Applicants will have to pay a fee to submit their application.

The application process may differ depending on which visa you need.

You can only apply for the  Electronic Travel Authority visa  (subclass 601) through the Australian ETA app. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is located  here .

For other visas, you can apply online by creating an ImmiAccount and completing the application process. Be sure to submit your application well in advance of your travel date to allow enough time for processing. You may be asked to provide further supporting information. You will be notified in writing if your tourist visa is approved and it will be digitally linked to your passport. For more information on different visa types, and Australian visa requirements including how to apply for an Australian visa, visit the  Department of Home Affairs  website.

If you are already in Australia and hold a valid Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601) you can extend your stay by applying for another visa, such as a Visitor visa (subclass 600). An eVisitor (subclass 651) cannot be extended.

See the Department of Home Affairs website for details.

Working Holiday Visas

Australia's Working Holiday Maker program allows visitors aged under 30 (or 35 in certain cases) who hold a passport from a participating country to travel and work in Australia. Working holiday visas are valid for one year, or up to three years if you meet certain conditions.

Find out more about working holiday visas here .

*Australian visa regulations (including visa application charges) change from time to time. The information provided here is valid at the time of publication, but visitors should check this information is still current by visiting the Australian Department of Home Affairs .

More articles like this

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

• International (English)
• New Zealand (English)
• United States (English)
• Canada (English)
• India (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Singapore (English)
• Indonesia (Bahasa Indonesia)
• Deutschland (Deutsch)
• France (Français)
• Italia (Italiano)
• 中国大陆 (简体中文)

*Product Disclaimer:  Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.