Australia is a land that immediately calls mind about golden beaches, vast rugged outbacks, unique wildlife, and vibrant, multicultural cities. Be it marvelling at the Sydney Opera House, snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, exploring ancient rainforests, or sipping Melbourne's art-filled alleyways, an unforgettable adventure awaits. But then, how do I get a tourist visa to Australia? Our guide is designed for you to take the process as smoothly as possible so you could focus on that once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Why Do You Need a Tourist Visa for Australia ?
This visa lets you experience the Australian experience - rich tapestry. A visitor visa subclass 600 is perfect for holidaymakers, visiting friends and family, or traveling for short business meetings. Its flexibility allows for a three-month, six-month, or one-year stay
- Multiple Entries Some types of visas allow for multiple entries in case one would need to re-enter the country while staying for a period
- Various Stay PeriodsChoose the visa that suits your itinerary
- Thousands of Experiences Lined UpFrom the old Aboriginal traditions, global exhibits, and the world's natural sights, the country has thousands of experiences lined up for visitors
Vital Documents Visa Trouble-Free
Find below the required documents for an Australian Tourist/Visitor Visa:
- The applicant’s original passport needs to be valid for at least six months after the date of travel.
- The correctly completed application for a visa.
- The applicant has recently had their picture taken. 35–40mm wide and 45–50mm long.
- The candidate must demonstrate that they have the money to stay in Australia via bank statements, tax returns, credit card statements, audited accounts for the past three months, or any other proof
- A statement in writing stating the visitor’s intention to return to India following the trip.
- A thorough itinerary that includes your passport information, arrival and departure dates, destination, etc.
- A cover letter stating your reason for the trip, and lodging information, strong ties to the country.
- The candidate’s birth certificate
- Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer stating the candidate’s plan to return to the job.
- Non-Objection Certificate from the child’s school, college, or university if needed.
- Business Registration Documents if Self-Employed.
- Evidence of direct family members living in the country of ori
- Evidence that you own a property or other significant assets in your place of origin.
Application Procedure : Step-by-Step
The application process is involved but becomes pretty straightforward when you follow these steps :
- Create an ImmiAccount
- Lodge Application
- Attach Documents
- Pay Visa Charge
- Biometrics Interview
- Application Tracking
Here's the helpful tip: Use only the government's official website for information on fees and what documents are required as these can change
Fees and Processing Time
Fees and processing times vary by country or region and type of visa, but here's a general overview:
Type |
Description |
Application Fee |
AUD 150 |
Biometric Fee |
Additional fee if a biometric is required |
Processing Time |
15-30 days; apply early, especially during peak travel periods |
Must-See Attractions and Travel Tips
Australia's landscapes and cities do have such magnetic appeal to make visitors keep on going back again and again. The following is the rundown of must-visit attractions, along with tips to make the best of your journey
- Great Barrier Reef Underwater location; it is a haven for dives and snorkelling. It has the thickest variety of corals and many other marine lives, an experience to last a lifetime for either professional users or first-time visitors.
- Sydney Opera House and Harbour BridgeAn icon of any skyline, and yet there's much to the area beyond its beautiful structure. Take a harbour cruise, walk across the bridge, or catch a show at the Opera House. For a great view of the city, head up to the Sydney Tower Eye
- Uluru, or Ayers Rock: Uluru is a sacred site for the indigenous Anangu people. Beautiful when viewed against sunrise or sunset, when the colours in the rock change
- Laneways and Art Scene in MelbourneThe labyrinth of laneways in Melbourne is the very embodiment of vibrant street art, quirky shops and cafes epitomising the unique feel of a creative town. Also, you should check out its galleries and cultural festivals.
- The Wilderness of TasmaniaThe place is an island, but it's packed to its brim with experiences. Hike through Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park; visit historic sites in Hobart; and explore the pristine wilderness which makes this a haven for hikers.
- Wildlife EncountersVisit wildlife sanctuaries to see kangaroos, koalas, and less-famous quokkas-found only on Rottenest Island. And Australia is full of fascinating wildlife you find nowhere else on this earth
Must Do's and Don'ts
- Check over your documentations before submitting them to ensure they are correct and complete.
- Do not make any false statements. This might put you in serious trouble and deny one from applying in the future.
- Allow ample time for processing-especially when traveling during peak seasons
- Do not book non-refundable flights or accommodations until you get your visa processed to avoid the loss in case your visa is rejected
Pre-Trip Planning : Time-Saving Advice
- Booking tours in advanceWith the Great Barrier Reef, especially during peak season, you'd better book ahead and make sure to find popular places.
- Off-Peak TravelConsider traveling when there's a spring or autumn session as the experience can be less demanding and less expensive
- Local Sim Cards This helps in avoiding high roaming charges, thus acquiring a local SIM card that allows easy communication with other people. Australia's mobile coverage is excellent, thus, navigating on the go or planning according to your needs would be fairly manageable
Important FAQ's
The Australia Tourist Visa (Visitor Visa, subclass 600) is for tourists and visitors of the country to Australia. It is issued to those who have the intention of visiting their friends and family or intend to stay in Australia for a short time period for business. Most foreigners need this visa to get into Australia except those not required to get one.
You will be given a chance to stay for 3, 6 or 12 months depending on the kind of tourist visa issued to you. Duration of your visit will vary with the length you want to stay in Australia and the Department of Home Affairs deems appropriate following your intentions of visitation as provided in the travel plan.
You can still apply to extend your stay when you are on holiday in Australia and your existing visa is still valid. That means you have to apply for a further Visitor Visa. Apply for an extension at least a month before your existing visa runs out.
No, according to this type of visa, paid work is prohibited. Such a visa is granted for tourism, visits with relatives and friends, or short-term business events. If you need a chance to work in Australia, you may be obliged to choose other types of visas for work stay in the country—for example, Working Holiday Visa.
COVID-19 entry requirements change often. Under the current policy, you must show evidence of vaccination or a recent negative test for COVID. For the most recent information, visit the government's official Smart Traveller website or Australia's Department of Home Affairs.