How to Choose the Right Tourist Visa

You may consider:

• If you want to stay longer than 3 months, the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is usually appropriate.

• If you are applying from overseas under the Tourist stream, see the Tourist Stream – Apply Outside Australia guide for detailed requirements.

• If you are currently in Australia and wish to extend your stay, see the Tourist Stream – Apply in Australia guide for eligibility and conditions.

• If you hold an eligible European passport, you may be able to apply for the eVisitor (Subclass 651).

• If you hold a passport from an ETA-eligible country, you may qualify for the Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601).

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Eligibility is determined by nationality and individual circumstances.

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General Eligibility Requirements

While each visa subclass has specific criteria, all visitor visas share common requirements.

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You must:

• Be a genuine visitor
• Intend to stay temporarily
• Have sufficient funds to support your stay
• Meet health requirements if requested
• Meet character requirements
• Have no outstanding debt to the Australian Government

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The Department may request supporting documents such as bank statements, employment evidence, travel itinerary or proof of ties to your home country. Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

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The Genuine Visitor Requirement

A central part of the tourist visa assessment is whether you are a genuine visitor.

This means the Department must be satisfied that you genuinely intend to stay temporarily and will leave Australia before your visa expires.

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Factors that may be considered include:

• Your travel history
• Immigration history
• Employment and financial situation
• Ties to your home country
• Purpose of visit

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Failure to demonstrate genuine temporary intent may result in refusal.

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Financial Capacity Requirements

You must show that you can financially support yourself during your stay in Australia.

This may include evidence of:

• Personal savings
• Income
• Sponsor support (if applicable)
• Funds for return travel

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There is no fixed public minimum amount. The Department assesses whether your available funds are reasonable for your intended stay.

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Health and Character Requirements

Depending on your nationality and intended stay, you may need to:

• Undergo medical examinations
• Provide police certificates
• Declare any criminal history

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Not all applicants are required to complete health checks. The Department will notify you if they are necessary.

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Tourist Visa Processing Time

Processing times vary depending on:

• The visa subclass
• Whether your application is complete
• Whether additional checks are required
• Global application volumes

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Applications may take longer if health or character assessments are required.

Applicants should apply well in advance of planned travel.

Processing time information is updated regularly by the Department of Home Affairs.

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Tourist Visa Cost

The cost of a tourist visa depends on the visa subclass.

• The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) has a visa application charge.

• The eVisitor (Subclass 651) does not have a visa application charge.

• The Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) has a service fee.

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Applicants should use the official Visa Pricing Estimator on the Department website to confirm current fees, as charges may change.

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Conditions of a Tourist Visa

Visitor visas come with conditions that must be followed.​

• You cannot work in Australia on a tourist visa.

• You may study for up to 3 months.

• You must comply with all visa conditions and leave Australia before your visa expires.

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Some visas may include a No Further Stay condition, which can prevent you from applying for another visa while in Australia.

Failure to comply with visa conditions may affect future visa applications.

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Can You Extend a Tourist Visa?

Australia does not formally extend visas.

• If eligible, you may apply for a new visitor visa before your current visa expires.

• If you are already in Australia and considering a further stay for tourism, Apply in Australia guide for onshore application requirements.

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Always check your visa grant notice carefully.

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How to Apply for a Tourist Visa

Most visitor visa applications are lodged online.

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Step 1: Create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Step 2: Select the appropriate visa subclass.
Step 3: Prepare and upload required documents.
Step 4: Pay the visa application charge if applicable.
Step 5: Wait for a decision.

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If granted, the visa will be electronically linked to your passport.

No visa label is placed in your passport.

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Common Reasons for Tourist Visa Refusal

Applications may be refused for reasons such as:

• Failure to demonstrate genuine temporary intent
• Insufficient financial evidence
• Inconsistent or incomplete information
• Immigration history concerns
• Health or character issues

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Providing complete and accurate documentation is important.

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Important Considerations Before Travelling

Before travelling to Australia, ensure:

• Your visa has been granted
• Your passport is valid
• You understand your visa conditions
• You hold appropriate travel or health insurance

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Holding a visa does not automatically guarantee entry. Border officials may assess compliance upon arrival.

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