Types of visa to visit Australia for tourism

To visit Australia for tourism, the most popular visa is the Visitor Visa (subclass 600), but there are other options depending on your nationality and the length of stay you require. Below are the most common visa types for tourism:

Visitor Visa (subclass 600)

• Purpose: For people who want to visit Australia for tourism or to visit family and friends.
• Duration: Typically granted for 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on your individual circumstances.
• Eligibility: Open to applicants from all countries, but you must demonstrate that you meet health and character requirements.
• Features:
  • You can travel for tourism purposes, visit family and friends, or even conduct business activities (like attending conferences).
  • You are not allowed to work while on this visa.
  • You may need to provide proof of funds to support yourself during your stay.
• Application: Available for online application through the Department of Home Affairs website.

Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (subclass 601)

• Purpose: For short-term stays (tourism or business) in Australia.
• Duration: Allows stays of up to 3 months per visit.
• Eligibility: Available for citizens of certain countries (including the USA, Canada, Japan, and some European countries). It is typically used for people traveling for tourism or business purposes.
• Features:
  • The ETA is electronically linked to your passport, and you do not need to submit a paper visa.
  • You can visit Australia multiple times within a year.
  • This visa is for stays of up to 3 months, and you cannot work or study during this time.
• Application: Apply through the Department of Home Affairs website or through a travel agent. The process is very quick and typically processed within minutes.

eVisitor Visa (subclass 651)

• Purpose: For short visits to Australia for tourism or business purposes.
• Duration: Typically allows stays of up to 3 months at a time.
• Eligibility: Available to citizens of the European Union (EU) and some other countries like Norway and Switzerland.
• Features:
  • This visa allows you to visit Australia multiple times within a 12-month period.
  • It is primarily for tourism, family visits, or short business visits.
  • You are not permitted to work while in Australia on this visa.
• Application: It can be applied for online, and the approval is usually processed quickly.

Important Considerations

• Health and character requirements: You may need to undergo a health examination or provide police clearances depending on your circumstances.
• Proof of funds: You may need to show that you can financially support yourself during your stay in Australia.
• Travel Insurance: It’s highly recommended to have travel insurance for your trip.

For up-to-date and detailed application steps, always refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website or consult with a migration agent.