Australia Tourist visa for Indians
Planning a trip to Australia is an exciting prospect, and for Indian citizens, a tourist visa is an essential step. The Australian tourist visa is officially known as the Visitor visa (subclass 600), and it allows you to visit the country for tourism, leisure, or to see family and friends. Australia is one of the most popular tourist destinations for Indians, offering everything from vibrant cities like Sydney and Melbourne to natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru. If you’re planning a holiday, visiting friends or family, or attending business meetings in Australia, you’ll need a valid Australia Tourist Visa.
Here's a breakdown of the different Types of Australia Tourist Visas from India available for Indian citizens:
- Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
- Electronic Travel Authority (ETA – Subclass 601)
- eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651)
This is the most common visa for Indians. It is the go-to option for those traveling for tourism, visiting family and friends, or for short-term business activities. You can apply for this visa for visits lasting anywhere from a few weeks up to 12 months.
The ETA is a special type of electronic visa for short visits. It is valid for one year and allows you to enter Australia multiple times, with each stay being no more than 3 months. This is a very convenient option, but it's important to know that it is not available to all Indian citizens. You should check the official Australian government website to see if you are eligible.
This is a great option for some travelers as it is a free visa, but it is not an option for Indian passport holders. This visa is specifically for citizens of certain countries in Europe. For most Indian travelers, the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) remains the main and most straightforward choice.
Australia tourist visa requirements
Eligibility rеquirеmеnts for diffеrеnt purposеs
To be eligible for an Australian tourist visa, you must meet certain requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Eligibility requirements for different Purposes
Regardless of the visa stream, all applicants must meet the following general criteria:
- Genuine Visitor:
- Financial Capacity:
- Health and Character:
- Passport:
You must genuinely intend to visit Australia for a temporary period only and not for any other purpose like work or study (unless it's a short course of less than three months).
You must show that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Australia. This includes funds for accommodation, activities, and a return ticket.
You must meet the health and character requirements. This may involve a medical examination by an approved doctor and providing a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) to prove you have a clean background.
You need a valid Indian passport with at least six months of validity remaining from your planned date of entry into Australia.
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Australia Tourist visa Process
The Australia tourist visa process is primarily done online through an ImmiAccount. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Determine the right visa stream:
- Gather documents:
- Create an ImmiAccount:
- Complete the application form:
- Attach documents:
- Pay the visa fee:
- Provide biometrics:
- Wait for a decision:
Choose the appropriate stream of the Visitor visa (subclass 600) based on your purpose of travel.
Collect all the necessary supporting documents as listed below. Ensure they are in English or have certified translations.
Register for an online ImmiAccount on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
Fill out the online application form with accurate and complete information for the Australia tourist visa process.
Upload all your supporting documents to your ImmiAccount.
Pay the application fee online.
After submitting your application, you may receive a request to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a VFS Global center in India.
The processing of your application begins once you have submitted all required information and biometrics. The visa outcome will be communicated to you via your ImmiAccount.
Documents required for Australia tourist visa
Having all the correct documents is crucial for a smooth application. The required Australia tourist visa documents often include:
- Passport:
- Photograph:
- Visa Application Form:
- Proof of Funds:
- Proof of Employment/Ties to India:
- Travel Itinerary:
- Invitation Letter (if applicable):
Notarized copies of all pages of your current and old passports.
A recent passport-sized color photograph with a white background.
The completed and signed application form.
Bank statements for the last three to six months, income tax returns, salary slips, or other financial documents to prove you can support your trip.
A letter from your employer confirming your leave, a business registration, or other documents to show you have strong reasons to return to India.
A detailed plan of your trip, including flight bookings (not required to be confirmed, but an itinerary is needed), and hotel reservations or a letter of invitation if staying with family/friends.
A letter from your friend or family member in Australia, along with a copy of their passport and visa, if they are inviting you to stay with them.
Australia Tourist visa Fees
The cost for the Visitor visa (subclass 600) is subject to change, so it's always best to check the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information.
- Visa Application Charge:
- Other Costs:
The base fee is approximately AUD 190. This is subject to change.
You will also need to pay for biometrics collection, medical examinations (if required), and any third-party service fees (like VFS Global). The Indian Rupee equivalent will depend on the current exchange rate.
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Australia Tourist visa Processing time
The processing time for an Australian tourist visa can vary. While many applications are processed quickly, it is important to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
- Standard Processing Time:
- Factors Affecting Time:
For the Visitor visa (subclass 600), the processing time for Indian citizens is typically 20 to 33 days for 75% of applications, with 90% of applications processed within 45 days.
The time can be longer during peak travel seasons, if your application is incomplete, or if additional checks or documents are requested.
It is highly recommended not to book your flights until your visa has been granted.