October 5, 2024
The Australian Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) is the perfect way for travelers to experience Australia’s stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique wildlife. Whether you’re planning a leisure trip, visiting family and friends, or exploring iconic attractions like the Great Barrier Reef and Sydney Opera House, this visa allows you to stay in Australia for up to 3, 6, or 12 months. While it offers flexibility for short-term travel, it does not permit employment or long-term residence.
Designed to accommodate different types of visitors, the Subclass 600 Visa includes multiple streams, such as those for tourists, family visits, and business travelers. Applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient funds, a valid passport, and a genuine reason for travel. Depending on their needs, they may receive single-entry or multiple-entry approval, making it easier to travel in and out of Australia during the visa’s validity period.
This visa opens the door to unforgettable experiences, from relaxing on world-famous beaches to immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture and city life. The online application process through ImmiAccount makes applying simple, but processing times can vary based on the chosen visa stream and personal circumstances. By securing a Subclass 600 Tourist Visa, travelers can create lasting memories in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.
Australia is home to iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Great Barrier Reef. Visitors can explore Uluru, a sacred Aboriginal site, or the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Its stunning beaches, including Bondi Beach and Whitehaven Beach, are perfect for surfing, snorkeling, and diving, while the outback offers adventures like hiking in Kakadu National Park.
Australia’s unique wildlife features kangaroos, koalas, and Tasmanian devils. Visitors can see penguins on Phillip Island, swim with whale sharks in Ningaloo Reef, or go shark cage diving. For city experiences, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide offer art, culture, and wine regions, making Australia a destination for all travelers.
The Australian Tourist Visa is a temporary travel permit that allows visitors to enter Australia for tourism, leisure, or visiting family and friends. It does not permit work or long-term stays but enables travelers to explore Australia’s landscapes, culture, and attractions. Depending on the visa type, visitors can stay for up to 3, 6, or 12 months with options for single or multiple entries.
There are different types of tourist visas, including the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601), and eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651). The right visa depends on the traveler’s nationality, purpose of visit, and duration of stay. Applications are submitted online through ImmiAccount, and processing times vary based on eligibility, documentation, and visa type.
Australia offers several types of tourist visas, each designed for different travel purposes and nationalities. The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is the most common, allowing various stay durations based on travel needs. Other options include the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601) and the eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651), which provide streamlined entry for eligible passport holders.
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is designed for tourists, business visitors, or individuals visiting family in Australia for short durations. Applicants must demonstrate genuine intent to visit temporarily and possess sufficient funds to support their stay. This visa offers various streams, each with specific purposes, eligibility criteria, and associated costs.
Stream | Purpose | Stay | Costs |
Tourist | For tourism, recreation, or visiting family and friends. | 3, 6 or 12 months | AUD 195 (apply outside Australia) AUD 490 (apply in Australia) |
Business Visitor | For business purposes such as meetings, conferences, or negotiations. | Up to 3 months | AUD 195 |
Approved Destination Status | For citizens from certain areas of China traveling in an organized tour group. | For the period or until the date specified in the grant letter | AUD 195 |
Frequent Traveller | For frequent travelers from China, Brunei, Cambodia, Philippines, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam or Timor-Leste for business or personal reasons. | Up to 10 years, and stay up to 3 months for each entry | AUD 1,435 |
Sponsored Family | For visiting family members residing in Australia. | Up to 12 months | AUD 195 |
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601) allows short-term stays for tourism or business purposes. It permits multiple entries over 12 months, with each stay up to 3 months. It is available to passport holders from certain countries and regions, including the United States, Canada, Japan, and others.
The ETA offers a streamlined application process which can be applied through the Australian ETA app. It is typically processed quickly and electronically linked to the applicant’s passport. Unlike the Visitor Visa, the ETA is generally quicker to obtain but is limited to specific nationalities.
The eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651) permits multiple entries into Australia for tourism or business purposes within 12 months, with each stay up to three months. It is available to passport holders of European Union member countries and a few other European nations.
The eVisitor Visa is electronically linked to the applicant’s passport and can be accessed by airlines, travel agents, and Australian border agencies. Similar to the ETA, it offers a straightforward application process but is exclusively available to citizens of eligible European countries, including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain.
To qualify for an Australia Tourist Visa, applicants must meet eligibility criteria related to passport validity, financial stability, health, and intent to return home. These requirements ensure that travelers are genuine visitors who do not intend to overstay or engage in unauthorized activities.
Below are the key eligibility requirements for an Australian tourist visa
Applicants must hold a passport from an eligible country that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Australia. Some visa types, such as the ETA (Subclass 601) and eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651), are only available to citizens of specific nations, such as Greece, Portugal, and Sweden.
The visit must be for tourism, leisure, or visiting family and friends. Supporting documents such as a travel itinerary, hotel bookings, or invitation letters may be required. Business-related visits require a different visa category under the Business Visitor stream of the Subclass 600 visa.
Applicants must prove they have enough funds to cover their travel expenses, including accommodation, food, and activities. Evidence such as bank statements, recent payslips, or a sponsor’s financial guarantee is required to show financial stability.
Some travelers, especially those staying for extended periods or from countries with specific health risks, need to undergo a medical examination. Australia’s Department of Home Affairs may request health insurance coverage to ensure applicants can cover potential medical costs.
Applicants must not have a criminal record or pose a security risk to Australia. A police clearance certificate is required, especially for those who have previously faced visa rejections or immigration issues.
A tourist visa strictly prohibits employment, and applicants must declare that they will not engage in paid work while in Australia. Those wishing to work should apply for a Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) or a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482).
To prove intent to return, applicants should provide evidence of strong ties to their home country, such as employment contracts, family obligations, business ownership, or property documents. This helps demonstrate that they do not plan to overstay their visa.
While not mandatory, having comprehensive health insurance is highly recommended to cover medical expenses, hospital visits, and emergency care. Australia does not provide free healthcare to most visitors, and medical costs are expensive without insurance.
Applying for an Australia Tourist Visa involves a step-by-step process to ensure your application meets all eligibility and documentation requirements. Follow these steps for a smooth visa application process and increase the chances of a successful approval for your Australia tourist visa.
Choose the correct visa subclass based on the purpose of your visit. The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is the most common option for tourists, family visits, or business travelers. If you are from an eligible country, you may qualify for a faster and cheaper alternative, such as the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601) or the eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651).
Before applying, ensure you meet the required eligibility criteria. You must have a valid passport, financial capacity, and health insurance to cover medical expenses. Your visit must be strictly for tourism, leisure, or visiting family and friends, and you must not intend to work, study long-term, or permanently stay in Australia.
Gather all required supporting documents, including a valid passport (minimum six months validity from the date of arrival), financial evidence (bank statements, payslips, or sponsorship documents), travel itinerary (entry and exit dates, accommodation details), health and character requirements (medical checks or police clearance if applicable), and invitation letters (if visiting family or friends).
Visit the Department of Home Affairs website and create an ImmiAccount, which is essential for submitting your visa application.
This online portal allows you to track your visa progress, upload documents, and receive official notifications. Ensure you use a valid email address for future correspondence.
Fill out the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) application form through your ImmiAccount, ensuring all details are accurate and match your supporting documents. Incorrect or incomplete information may lead to delays or visa refusal. If unsure, seek advice from a migration agent or legal expert.
Submit the visa application fee, which varies based on the visa type, processing time, and location of application. Payment must be made electronically via the ImmiAccount portal using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Ensure the payment is successfully processed before proceeding to the next step.
Once all documents are uploaded and the fee is paid, review your application carefully before submitting it through the ImmiAccount portal. Double-check for missing information to avoid unnecessary delays. After submission, you will receive a confirmation email with your application reference number.
Processing times vary from a few weeks to a few months, depending on factors such as application volume, background checks, and additional document requests. During this period, you may be asked to attend an interview or provide additional information.
You will be notified of the visa decision through your ImmiAccount. If approved, the visa will be electronically linked to your passport, and you can start planning your trip to Australia. If rejected, you will receive a reason for refusal, and you may have the option to reapply or appeal the decision.
An Australia Tourist Visa can be valid for 3, 6, or 12 months or 10 years, depending on the visa type and individual circumstances.
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) allows stays of up to 12 months, with options for single-entry or multiple-entry. The only exception is the Frequent traveller stream, which grants a visa for up to 10 years with multiple entry options and a stay of 3 months per entry.
The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601) is valid up to 12 months, while the eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651) grants a maximum stay of 3 months per visit.
Several factors affecting the visa validity period include
To avoid overstaying, travelers must check their visa grant notice for specific validity details and exit Australia before their visa expires to comply with immigration laws and maintain eligibility for future visa applications.
The cost of a tourist visa for Australia ranges from AUD 20 to AUD 1,435, depending on the visa type.
The application fee for the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) ranges from AUD 195 to AUD 1,435, while the service fee for the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601) is AUD 20. The service charge for ETA is for using the Australian ETA app.
If you are applying for the eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651), it is free for eligible passport holders.
Additional fees may apply depending on individual circumstances:
The processing time for an Australian Tourist Visa ranges from 24 hours to 51 days, depending on the visa type and individual circumstances.
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) usually takes between 6 to 51 days and has the longest processing time among the three Australia tourist visas.
Likewise, the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601) is processed within 24 hours, while the eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651) generally takes 1 to 5 days to approve.
Several factors that affect visa processing times are
To avoid delays, applicants should apply early, ensure all documents are complete, and check for any specific requirements based on their nationality.
Applying for an Australia Tourist Visa can be a complex process, but StudyCo simplifies it by providing expert guidance, document preparation, and ongoing support. As a trusted migration consultancy, StudyCo ensures that applicants meet all visa requirements, reducing the risk of delays or rejections.
Below are the key benefits of applying through StudyCo
StudyCo's experienced migration agents provide personalized assistance throughout the visa application process, ensuring that every requirement is met. Our in-depth knowledge of Australian visa regulations helps applicants navigate the system with confidence.
Before applying, you can access a free consultation with StudyCo’s migration experts to discuss your eligibility, visa options, and the best strategy for a successful application.
StudyCo assists with gathering, organizing, and reviewing all required documents, including passport copies, financial evidence, travel itineraries, and health or character checks. This reduces errors and ensures a complete application, minimizing the chances of rejection.
The visa application process involves multiple steps, including completing the form, paying the fee, and submitting supporting documents. StudyCo streamlines each step, helping applicants avoid mistakes and meet all immigration requirements.
By ensuring that applications are accurate and complete, StudyCo helps avoid common pitfalls that cause delays. This increases the chances of faster visa approval.
StudyCo provides continuous support, addressing any concerns that arise during the visa application process. If immigration authorities request additional information, StudyCo assists in responding promptly.
Applicants receive regular updates on their visa application status, ensuring they remain informed about progress, expected processing times, and next steps.
By applying through StudyCo, travelers benefit from professional assistance, reduced processing time, and a smoother visa experience, allowing them to focus on planning their trip to Australia without unnecessary stress.
Yes, you can extend your tourist visa before your current visa expires. However, the approval depends on your circumstances and visa conditions. If your visa has a "No Further Stay" condition, you cannot extend it and must leave Australia before it expires.
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