Australia · Tourist Visa
Tourist and visitor visa requirements, visa-free entry, duration, and application steps.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Everyone needs a visa or travel authority before arriving in Australia. The main options are the Visitor visa (subclass 600), the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for eligible passports, and eVisitor for eligible European passports. Stays are typically up to three months per entry, and visitor visas do not allow ongoing work.
All visitors to Australia need a visa or travel authority before arrival. Options include the Visitor visa (subclass 600), the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, for eligible passports) and eVisitor (for eligible European passports). Stays are typically up to three months per entry. Apply through the Department of Home Affairs; visitor visas do not allow ongoing work.
- Everyone needs a visa or travel authority before arriving in Australia.
- Options: Visitor visa (subclass 600), ETA (eligible passports) and eVisitor (eligible European passports).
- Stays are typically up to three months per entry.
- Visitor visas do not allow ongoing work.
- 1
Identify the right visa or authority
Use the Department of Home Affairs 'Find a visa' tool. Eligibility for ETA or eVisitor depends on your passport; otherwise use the subclass 600 Visitor visa.
- 2
Apply online before you travel
Apply through the official Home Affairs channels — ImmiAccount for the subclass 600, or the official ETA app / eVisitor service. Never travel expecting to get a visa on arrival.
- 3
Meet the health and character requirements
Some applicants must complete health examinations or provide police certificates. The application will tell you if this applies to you.
- 4
Show funds and intent to leave
Be ready to show you can support yourself for the visit and that you intend a genuine temporary stay.
- 5
Check your grant conditions before flying
Your grant notice states the stay period, entry conditions and any work or study limits. Australian visas are electronic — check the details in VEVO rather than looking for a label.
- Correct visa or authority identified (600 / ETA / eVisitor)
- Applied through official Home Affairs channels
- Health or character requirements met if requested
- Proof of funds for the visit prepared
- Grant notice and conditions checked in VEVO
- Passport valid for the whole intended stay
- No ongoing work planned on a visitor visa
- Visitor visa (subclass 600) — Department of Home Affairs
Official visitor-visa guide.
- Department of Home Affairs — Find a visa
ETA and eVisitor options.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ETA and eVisitor?
Both are electronic authorities for short visits, but they cover different passport lists — eVisitor is for eligible European passports, while the ETA covers other eligible passports. Home Affairs' 'Find a visa' tool shows which one your passport qualifies for.
How long can I stay in Australia per visit?
Typically up to three months per entry, though the subclass 600 can be granted for longer in some cases. Your grant notice states the exact stay period — always check it rather than assuming.
Can I do any work on a visitor visa?
No — visitor visas do not allow ongoing work. Business visitor activities such as meetings and conferences are generally permitted, but paid employment in Australia requires a different visa.
Government portals
- Australian Government — Australian Government's official entry point — quick access to all department services
- Dept of Home Affairs — Student/work visas, skilled migration (189/190/491 subclasses), and citizenship applications
- Australian Tax Office (ATO) — TFN application, tax refunds, GST, superannuation, and personal income tax lodgment