Foreign nationals must obtain a valid Australian visa or travel permit to enter the country.
Fortunately, tourists and business travellers can take advantage of electronic visas like the eVisitor visa and ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). These documents can be requested online in a matter of minutes.
What is an Australian visa?
A visa for Australia is an official travel document which allows you to visit Australia from overseas.
There are different types of travel permits available for Australia, and the requirements depend on your nationality and travel plans.
The length of time you can stay and the reasons for visiting are based on the type of document you have.
Do I need a visa for Australia?
Yes, Australia’s visa policy states that all foreign arrivals must have a valid visa or travel authorisation to enter the country.
You cannot enter Australia as a foreign passport holder without a valid and approved travel permit. This must be obtained in advance of travel—only New Zealand citizens can apply for a visa when they arrive at the border.
If you’re eligible for an online visa or travel authorisation, this is the recommended option.
Australian visa types
The most commonly used visas for Australia are:
- eVisitor visa
- ETA Australia
- Embassy visa
The most convenient short-term visas for tourists and business people are the eVisitor visa (visa subclass 651) and the ETA (visa subclass 601), which are both 100% online.
Both the eVisitor visa and the ETA are multiple-entry permits. You can stay for up to 3 months in Australia each time you visit.
The key difference between the 2 electronic permits for Australia is the nationalities that are eligible to apply for each one.
If you’re not eligible for an online visa, or your travel plans require a different type of visa, you’ll need to apply through an Australian embassy or consulate.
How can I get an Australian visa?
The application for an Australia online visa or travel authorisation is completely online. You can apply from your home or office, or even on the go from your mobile phone.
It’s not necessary to make an appointment with a government office if you’re eligible for an electronic visa—everything is submitted through the online system.
For both the eVisitor visa and the ETA, the application process is straightforward. You can request the relevant permit by following these 3 simple steps:
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Fill out the application form
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Submit copies of relevant documents
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Review the application and pay the processing fees
How does our VisitAustralia visa application form work?
The application form is an online questionnaire that must be filled out in advance of travelling to Australia.
The form includes questions related to:
- Personal information, such as full name and date of birth
- Passport and other relevant document details
- Details of the traveller’s health and criminal records (if applicable)
- Reason(s) for travel
If you have any questions about the application process, or you need help, please contact us.
How long is the processing time for an Australian visa?
The application process only takes a few minutes. It is designed to be easy to complete from any device.
After the request is submitted, the Australian authorities review the visa application and make a decision within 1–2 days.
Priority processing for your Australia visa
Travellers can get their visa for Australia in 1 hour using the Priority service. Applicants who need their visa urgently should select Priority Processing on the payment page.
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