Visiting Australia allows you to explore breathtaking landscapes, enjoy world-class cuisine, and study at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions.
Most individuals require a visa to visit Australia; you must select the correct visa type and ensure you meet all visa requirements before applying. The visa you select will depend on your reasons for visiting the country and the length of your stay.
This article will explore the different types of visas, explain how to choose the right option for your needs, and list what travelers need when filling out their application.
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
Those intending to visit Australia for vacation, see friends and family, or attend a special event should select the visitor visa, subclass 600.
Purpose: There are several different tourist visas, including for tourism, business purposes, and relatives of an Australian citizen or permanent resident. The tourism stream visa will differ depending on whether you are inside or outside Australia when you apply.
Eligibility and requirements: To be eligible for this visa, applicants must be genuine visitors, meaning that they intend to leave the country once their visa expires. Additionally, all visa holders must have sufficient funds to sustain themselves while in Australia, ensuring the Australian government will not need to pay for benefits. You must complete a medical exam and meet the good character requirements by presenting a police certificate.
Duration: A tourism visa may be valid for a period of 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on the specific purpose of your visa. A business visitor visa is only valid for three months, while a tourism visa may be valid for up to 12 months.
Application process and costs: You can apply for this visa online by signing up for an ImmiAccount and submitting the proper documents, including your passport, details about your trip, and any additional information like your medical exam. Visa fees range from AUD 195.00 for a 12-month tourism visa to AUD1,435.00 for the Frequent Traveler Stream, which is only available to Chinese citizens.
eVisitor (Subclass 651)
Those who intend to enter Australia multiple times in a 12-month period may choose to use the eVisitor Visa. This is processed much faster than other visas and is free to apply for.
Purpose: The eVisitor visa is used for tourism, business, and cruise trips. You will have a valid Australian visa for 12 months, which you can use multiple times. You’ll be able to stay for three months at a time without applying for a new visa.
Eligibility and requirements: You must have a passport from participating countries; you can see the country list on the Department of Home Affairs website. You cannot have a criminal history and must meet the health requirements. Additionally, the Australian government encourages you to sign up for health insurance that will cover you for the duration of your stay.
Duration: This visa is valid for 12 months. You can visit Australia multiple times and stay for three months at a time.
Application process and costs: Applying is free, and it generally will be approved within one business day. To apply, you will sign up for an ImmiAccount and submit the necessary paperwork, including your name, contact details, and criminal history. Do not make travel arrangements until you receive a written confirmation that you have been granted a visa.
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601)
If your country is not included in the eVisitor visa program, you may be eligible for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa, which also allows you to visit Australia for up to 3 months at a time.
Purpose: This tourism visa enables you to visit family, conduct business activities like attending conferences, or study for up to 3 months at a time.
Eligibility and requirements: To qualify, you must have a valid passport from one of the participating countries, which are listed on the Department of Home Affairs website. Like other visas, you must meet the health requirements, including being free from tuberculosis, and you cannot have a criminal history.
Duration: This visa is valid for 12 months and allows you to enter Australia for three months at a time.
Application process and costs: Getting an ETA visa requires you to download the ETA app. There is a AUD 20 fee to use the ETA app, but otherwise, there is no charge. Every person who wants to visit with you must complete their own form. You will take a picture of your passport photo, provide payment, and provide a valid email address.
Medical Treatment Visa (Subclass 602)
In certain circumstances, individuals with significant medical issues may enter Australia to receive treatment that is not available in their home country under a Medical Treatment Visa.
Purpose: This is a temporary visa for individuals who visit Australia to have medical treatment or donate an organ. Family members can also join them to provide support. You may be able to leave and re-enter multiple times depending on the specific conditions of your visa.
Eligibility and requirements: Eligibility, including how long you can remain in the country, is determined on a case-by-case basis. There is no age limit. You must prove that you have the funds to pay for your own treatment and to sustain yourself while you are in the country. You cannot work while you are visiting Australia, though you may be able to study. Each person who will be joining you must fill out their own application, though they can be processed together.
Duration: In most cases, this visa is valid for 3 months, but you may be granted a longer stay under certain conditions, such as if you were denied permanent residency on the basis of illness but cannot leave Australia.
Application process and costs: This visa can be applied for online through the ImmiAccount site. You will submit your documentation, including medical paperwork and identification, and wait for approval. Applying is free if you apply outside of Australia but costs AUD 370.00 if you are inside Australia when you apply.
Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Visa
To choose the correct visa, consider your reasons for visiting Australia, including how long you intend to stay.
You must ensure you have a valid Australian visa for your entire trip, so selecting one with the current duration is crucial so that you do not run into trouble when you arrive at the airport for your return flight. Balancing this with the cost will ensure you have more money to enjoy yourself while in the country.
For example, those who intend to visit Australia for a 2-month stay may choose the eVisitor or ETA visa, which is more affordable than a visitor visa and will allow you to return within a year.
All visas require you to comply with all the laws of the Australian government, including not overstaying your welcome. Pay close attention to the expiration date in comparison to your date of departure. You cannot work while on a tourism visa, but you can study for up to 3 months.
Completing the form accurately and honestly is crucial to success. If you have a prior criminal conviction, you will likely be denied the ETA or eVisitor visa, meaning you should apply for the Visitor Visa Subclass 600 and submit information about your conviction.
Do not misrepresent yourself, and double-check everything carefully, including your name, birth date, and passport number. You should also not submit more documentation than is requested, as this may also cause delays in processing visas.
Gathering required documentation
The Australian government utilizes the ImmiAccount website for most visa applications, allowing you to submit everything online. To do so, you must digitize your documents and provide clear PDFs or JPEGs. You can attach up to 100 files. If your information is in a language other than English, you must request an official translation.
The visa application will give you step-by-step instructions, including listing the visa requirements and the paperwork you require. Read everything carefully and ensure that all your information, such as your name, travel itinerary, and ID number, is correct.
A common mistake when applying for visas is having insufficient funds. You must prove that you have enough to sustain yourself while in the country. Typically, you should show that you have at least AUD 6,000 to 8,000 in your bank account, shown through bank statements, credit card limits, or pay stubs.
Australian visitor visas are typically approved much faster than other visas, with processing times ranging from less than one day to 11 days. However, you should not make your final travel arrangements until you receive confirmation that you have been granted your visa, as you may not be able to adjust your itinerary in time.