Visa Essentials for Traveling to Australia
Planning a getaway to Australia? Whether it’s a brief visit or an extended working holiday, a visa is likely necessary.
Here’s your comprehensive guide to completing your visa application for Australia.
Do I need a visa to enter Australia?
Most travelers to Australia require a visa, but the specific type you need will depend on your nationality, the duration of your stay, and your activities while in the country.
Most travelers need to apply for either an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or a visitor visa prior to their trip. The only exception is for New Zealand passport holders, who receive a Special Category visa upon arrival.
Your passport should be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Additionally, make sure you have adequate funds to support your visit. Depending on your visa type, you might be required to provide proof of this upon entering the country.
What type of visa do I need for my trip to Australia?
You can use the Australian Department of Home Affairs’ (DoHA) visa finder to find out which visas you qualify for, based on your nationality, purpose of travel, and planned length of stay.
Here are the three primary categories of tourist visas:
For travelers from visa-exempt nations: ETA (subclass 601)
If you have a passport from a visa-exempt nation, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, or Singapore, you can obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). This allows you to visit Australia multiple times for tourism within a year, with each stay lasting up to three months.
The ETA is linked digitally to your passport number, simplifying your entry into Australia. You must submit an application through the dedicated ETA app before your arrival, which is typically processed within a day. However, it's wise to apply several days prior to your departure to ensure it’s ready on time.
Although ETAs are free of charge, there is a service fee of $20 for the application.
If you're already in Australia and wish to prolong your visit, you must apply for a Visitor visa.
For travelers from European nations: eVisitor visa (subclass 651)
The eVisitor visa is free and available to passport holders from most European countries. It provides similar terms to an ETA, allowing visitors to stay for up to three months for tourism. This visa is valid for 12 months and permits multiple entries.
You can apply for the eVisitor online. It typically processes within a day, but it's advisable to apply well ahead of your planned travel date to account for any delays. This visa cannot be extended; for longer stays, you’ll need to apply for a Visitor visa.
If you have a passport that qualifies for both an ETA and an eVisitor visa, the two are nearly identical. The key distinction lies in the application process: ETAs require an application through an app with a $20 fee, while eVisitor visas are free but require you to create an ImmiAccount and apply online via a web browser.
For all other travelers: Visitor visa (subclass 600)
If you don't qualify for an ETA or an eVisa and wish to travel to Australia for tourism, you’ll need to apply for a Visitor visa from outside Australia. This visa can be valid for up to 12 months and may allow for single or multiple entries. The conditions are assessed on a case-by-case basis. The starting fee for a visitor visa is $190, but additional costs may arise, such as for health checks, police clearances, or biometrics, depending on your nationality.
Most visitor visas are typically processed within a few weeks, but processing times can extend during peak seasons, so it's crucial to apply well ahead of your travel date. Standard processing times can change frequently and can be monitored on the DoHA website.
After submitting your application, you can track its progress via your ImmiAccount. You might need to provide extra information, so it’s a good idea to check your application regularly to ensure you can promptly submit any additional details needed to expedite the process.
How can I extend my visa for Australia?
Loving your time in Australia and wish to stay longer? We completely understand!
Depending on your visa type, you might be eligible to apply for a new visa to extend your stay in Australia. Those already in the country looking to remain longer for tourism can apply for the onshore Visitor visa (also subclass 600) to continue their visit.
Ensure you submit your application for a new visa before your current one expires. If you apply before your existing visa lapses, you will receive a free bridging visa while your new application is being processed.
What if I wish to work while traveling in Australia?
Working holidays are a fantastic way for travelers to finance their journeys and fully experience Australian culture and lifestyle.
Australia’s Working Holiday Maker program caters to visitors aged 18 to 30 (and up to 35 in some cases) from 40 participating countries and regions worldwide.
This program offers two types of visas: the Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) and the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462). Your eligibility depends on your passport. Both visas are valid for 12 months and cost $635, allowing you to work legally in Australia.
Many travelers find that a single year isn’t sufficient. Fortunately, you can extend your working holiday visa for a second or even a third year by completing “specified work” in a “regional area” for three months (for the second year) or six months (for the third year).
This specified work is often referred to as “farm work,” but that’s a bit misleading. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t necessarily have to go to the outback and pick fruit. There are various approved industries included in the program, such as tourism, hospitality, construction, and bushfire recovery. Additionally, “regional areas” aren't limited to remote rural locations; certain major cities like Darwin and Adelaide have eligible postcodes as well. So, while you might find yourself harvesting bananas in a small town in tropical Queensland, you could also be serving at a luxury lodge in Darwin or working at a winery in Barossa.
For further details about the working holiday visa program, you can check out Tourism Australia’s dedicated portal.
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