Important: The Visitor Visa (subclass 600) is a different visa type to the eVisitor Visa (subclass 651).
All visitors to Australia must have a valid Australia visa or travel authorisation to enter. This is part of the country’s entry policy for all nationalities.
The Visitor Visa is one of the most common options for tourists. Find out everything you need to know about this visa type here.
Overview of the Australian Visitor Visa (subclass 600)
In this section you can find the details about this visa type.
Visitor Visa travel purposes
The Visitor Visa for Australia allows you to travel for the following reasons:
- Tourism
- Visiting friends and family
- A cruise (if entering Australia)
- Short-term study (up to 3 months)
How long can you stay with a Visitor Visa?
The length of permitted stay on a tourist visa for Australia varies based on your individual circumstances. Usually it’s 3 months, but some travellers can be granted 12 months.
The Visitor Visa is non-extendable. Once you’ve reached your permitted length of stay, or the visa expires, you’ll need to apply for a new visa.
Is an Australia tourist visa single or multiple entry?
Like the length of stay, the number of entries can vary depending on the applicant. You’ll either be granted a single or multiple-entry visa.
Who needs the Australia Visitor Visa?
Any nationality that is not eligible for the ETA or eVisitor must apply for a Visitor Visa to travel to Australia for tourism.
The eVisitor countries are citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and a few European microstates. Around 30+ nationalities are eligible for the ETA, with some overlap with the eVisitor countries.
You’ll also need a Visitor Visa if you plan to stay in Australia for more than 3 months. This applies even if you’re eligible for the ETA or eVisitor, which are only valid for 3 months.
Australia Visitor Visa requirements
The Australia tourist visa requirements include:
Basic documents:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
- Personal identification documents (national ID, if applicable)
Purpose of visit:
- Travel itinerary showing your planned activities
- Letter of invitation if visiting family or attending business events
Financial proof:
- Bank statements, payslips, or evidence of assets to prove you can fund your stay
- Details of employment or business ties to show reasons for returning home
Health and character:
- You may be required to undergo a health examination.
- Police certificates might be requested to confirm good character.
- Health insurance is recommended to cover any medical expenses during your stay.
How to apply for an Australia Visitor Visa (subclass 600)
The application process for the Visitor Visa (subclass 600) is entirely online through the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs.
Steps:
- Create an ImmiAccount: Register on the official Australian government immigration portal.
- Complete the application form: Select the Visitor Visa (subclass 600) and fill out the online form.
- Upload supporting documents: Include passport scans, financial proof, travel plans, and other required documents.
- Pay the visa fee: Fees start from AUD 150, but this can vary depending on the visa stream.
- Submit your application: Once submitted, you will receive an acknowledgment.
- Track the application: Monitor your ImmiAccount for updates or requests for further information.
How long is the Australia Visitor Visa (subclass 600) process?
The processing time for a Visitor Visa can vary greatly depending on the application. You can check the status of your application online once you’ve applied.
Differences between the Visitor Visa and eVisitor Visa
Here’s an overview of the key differences between the 2 visa types:
| Feature | Visitor Visa (subclass 600) | eVisitor Visa (subclass 651) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible countries | Most nationalities | EU countries, UK, others |
| Stay duration | Up to 12 months | Up to 3 months per visit |
| Processing time | Varies (from weeks to months) | 1–2 days |
