Tourist Visa In Australia Requirements
Planning on spending some time in Australia and taking a few side trips to Queensland, the NT, and South Australia? Then you should learn about the tourist visa .
The Australian immigration is one of the most complex and challenging legal entry paths for immigrants from around the world. Tourist visa in Australia requires all potential applicants to firstly comply with its terms by satisfying certain requirements before applying for it. The aims of this article are to give you a clear idea about how to apply for a tourist visa in Australia.
If you’re planning a trip to Australia, you’ll need a tourist visa. This will allow you to stay in the country for up to three months.
To get your tourist visa, visit the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection’s website. There, you can find out how much it costs and what documents are required for your application. You’ll also be able to fill out an application form or print one out.
You’ll need proof of your passport and birth certificate (or another document that shows your identity). You’ll also need proof that you have enough money to support yourself while in Australia (such as an itinerary with travel dates).
Those who do not hold an Australian or New Zealand passport must obtain a visa or other relevant permit before travelling to be let into Australia. How to apply for an Australian visa and the necessary documents to process it depend on the type of visa required.
Fortunately, tourists and business travellers can take advantage of electronic visas like the ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) and the eVisitor visa, that can be requested online in a matter of minutes.
Visas on arrival are not available for Australia — foreign nationals must secure a visa or travel permit before arriving at the Australian border, or they will not be granted entry. New Zealand passport holders are the only exception.
Requirements for an Australian visa
All applicants must meet the relevant Australian visa requirements that apply to their visa. Each Australian visa type presents different requirements as well as terms and conditions.
In general, visa requirements may include:
- Documents proving the applicant’s eligibility (eligibility criteria depend on the visa type)
- Travel purposes compatible with the visa type
- Proof of financial means
- Payment of the relevant Australian visa fee (if applicable)
- Active email address to receive communications regarding the electronic visa request
- Meeting the general character and health requirements to visit Australia
Specific requirements, and especially the list of necessary supporting documents, can vary greatly. For example, work visa petitioners often need to provide a contract of employment and student visa applicants may be asked to submit an offer letter from an Australian educational institution.
Online visas for tourists like the eVisitor visa usually require minimal documentation — for example, a copy of the traveller’s passport.
Eligibility Criteria for an Australia Visit Visa
The eligibility requirements of an Australia Tourist Visa are :
- You must have sufficient funds to support yourself.
- You must display intent to return to your home country.
- You must display the purpose of the visit.
- You must show that you are in good health.
- You must display that you have a good character.
- You must show proof that you have no criminal records.
- You must not have any debts towards the Australian government.
- You must not accept or seek any jobs.
- You cannot study using this visa.
- You must follow the laws of the country.
If you are visiting family or friends, then :
- You must show the letter of invitation.
If you are traveling the country, then :
- You must show your travel documents.
If you are visiting for medical purposes, then :
- You must show the medical documents needed.
People who can apply for the Subclass 600 (Visitor) Visa are given in the table below:
| Stream type | Who can apply |
| Tourist stream (apply in Australia) | People who want to go to Australia to explore or visit family.The purpose cannot be business or medical treatment. |
| Tourist stream (apply outside Australia) | People who want to visit Australia to explore or visit family. |
| Sponsored family stream | People who want to visit family members in Australia.Family members sponsor the trip |
| Business visitor stream | People who want to visit Australia for business purposes. |
| Approved Destination Status stream | Citizens from certain areas of ChinaThey are traveling with a tour organized by an approved travel agent. |
| Frequent traveller stream | Citizens of the People’s Republic of China.They travel for personal or business purposes. |
Documentation for an Australia Tourist Visa
The documents required for obtaining the Australia Tourist Visa are :
- Valid passport
- Old passports (if any)
- Recent photographs (as per the requirements)
- Completed visa application form (Form 1419)
- Documents showing your purpose of visit
- Proof of funds
- Bank statements (past six months)
- Income tax returns (past three years)
- Property investments (if any)
- Fixed deposits (if any)
- Medical test results
- X-ray examinations
- Personal cover letter
- Travel Insurance
- Proofs of Accommodation
Cost of a Tourist Visa for Australia
Australia tourist visa costs vary. It depends on the subclass you are applying to.
Some of the visa fees are given in the table below.
| Subclass | Visa fees |
| Subclass 601 | AUD20 (In Australian Dollar) |
| Subclass 651 | Free |
| Subclass 600 | Varies depending on the streams |
| Subclass 417 | AUD485 (In Australian Dollar) |
| Subclass 462 | AUD485 (In Australian Dollar) |
| Subclass 771 | Free |
The fee details of the various streams are given in the table below
| Streams | Fees (in Australian Dollars – AUD) |
| Tourist stream (apply in Australia) | 365 |
| Tourist stream (apply outside Australia) | 145 |
| Sponsored family stream | 145 |
| Business visitor stream | 145 |
| Approved Destination Status stream | 145 |
| Frequent traveler stream | 1065 |
Australia Visa Fee for Indian Citizens
| Visa Subclass / Note | Base Charge |
| Visitor Subclass 600 – For all streams except Frequent Traveler / 1a and 1b | 140AUD |
| Visitor Subclass 600 – For Frequent Traveller | 1,020AUD |
| e-Visitor (Subclass 651) | Nil |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) / 1c | Nil |
The Australian visa fee and other charges change regularly based on the norms set by the Australian government.
Note:
- 1a Visitor Visa of the Subclass 600 features 5 streams.
- 1b visa is for applicants who represent any foreign government. However, the visa charges are nil, but it requires supporting evidence.
- 1c ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) applications are processed online and hence, they are subject to service charges.
Processing Time For an Australia Visit Visa
The processing time of obtaining the Australia tourist visa varies. It depends on the subclass you are applying to.
The time required to process the various subclasses are given below.
| Subclass | Processing time (approximately) |
| Subclass 601 | – |
| Subclass 651 | 4 months |
| Subclass 600 | 5 days – 6 months |
| Subclass 417 | 35 – 87 days |
| Subclass 462 | 51 – 85 days |
| Subclass 771 | 13 – 32 days |
Conclusion
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