Your Complete Guide to Obtaining an Australian Visa

Planning a trip to Australia? Whether you’re heading Down Under for a short break or an extended working holiday, navigating visa requirements is crucial.

Do I Need a Visa for Australia?

Most visitors to Australia will need a visa. However, the type of visa you apply for depends on your country of origin, how long you plan to stay, and your travel purpose.

• Most tourists must apply for either an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or a visitor visa before traveling.
• New Zealand passport holders are issued a Special Category visa upon arrival.
• Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
• It is essential to have sufficient funds to cover your stay, with proof potentially required upon arrival.

What Type of Visa Do I Need to Travel to Australia?

The Australian Department of Home Affairs offers a visa finder that helps determine your eligibility based on your citizenship, travel purpose, and intended length of stay. Here are the three main tourist visa categories:

For Visitors from Visa-Exempt Countries: ETA (Subclass 601)

If you hold a passport from a visa-exempt country – including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, or Singapore – you’re eligible for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). With an ETA, you can visit Australia multiple times for tourism purposes within a one-year window, staying for up to three months per visit.

An ETA is digitally attached to your passport number, simplifying your entry process. Complete the application via the dedicated ETA app before arriving, as processing is usually within a day. However, applying a few days in advance is recommended.

While ETAs are free, there is a service charge of $20.

For Visitors from European Countries: eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651)

The eVisitor visa is free and available for passport holders from most European countries. Similar to the ETA, visitors can stay for up to three months for tourism purposes, valid for 12 months with multiple entries permitted.

Application for the eVisitor is online, and processing typically occurs within a day; however, it is wise to apply well ahead of your travel date due to potential delays. This visa cannot be extended, so a Visitor visa would be necessary for longer stays.

For All Other Tourists: Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

If you aren’t eligible for an ETA or eVisa and intend to visit Australia for tourism, you’ll need to apply for a Visitor visa from outside the country. This visa can be granted for up to 12 months and may allow for single or multiple entries. Visitor visas start at $190, with additional costs for health examinations or police clearances depending on your passport.

Processing times can vary, typically taking a few weeks, but longer during peak periods. It’s essential to apply well in advance of your trip.

How Do I Extend My Visa to Australia?

Enjoying your stay in Australia and don’t want to leave? You may be able to apply for a new visa to extend your stay.

Visitors already in Australia wishing to stay longer can apply for the onshore Visitor visa (Subclass 600). Submit your application before your current visa expires to receive a bridging visa until your new application is processed.

What If I Want to Work and Travel Around Australia?

Working holidays are excellent for travelers wishing to fund their adventures and experience Australian life and culture. Australia’s Working Holiday Maker program is available for visitors aged 18 to 30 (or up to 35 in some cases) from 40 participating countries and jurisdictions.

There are two classes of visas in this program: the Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) and the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462). Both are valid for 12 months at a cost of $635, allowing legal work during your stay.

Many working holiday makers find that a year isn’t enough. Fortunately, extending your visa for a second or third year is possible by completing “specified work” in a “regional area” for three to six months, depending on the extension.

Specified work isn’t limited to typical farm labor; it can include roles in tourism, hospitality, or construction in eligible locations. Notably, some urban areas are classified as regional, broadening your options for where to fulfill this requirement.

For further details about the working holiday visa program, resources are available online.

This article was initially published on March 15, 2021, and updated on December 1, 2023.