Australia is the largest country in Oceania and one of the most extensive territories on the planet. The vast size explains the wide variety of climates: the north tends to be more tropical, while the south features more distinct seasons and cooler temperatures. In addition, much of the interior is arid or semi-arid, with desert landscapes that contrast with coastal areas.
This diversity is complemented by unique fauna and flora, with emblematic species that make Australia an especially appealing destination for travelers seeking nature, adventure, and different routes.
Is a visa required to travel to Australia?
In general, yes: if Australian citizenship is not held, a valid visa or authorization is required to enter Australia. In most cases, that permission must be granted before travel (before boarding).
Specific exceptions exist: for example, New Zealand citizens may travel without applying for a visa in advance and typically receive a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) on arrival, provided the requirements are met. Transit scenarios also apply in which some nationalities may transit without a visa under specific conditions.
Given that Australia offers many visa types depending on the purpose of travel (tourism, business, studies, work, or transit), verifying the correct option before applying is recommended. The Visagov.com eligibility checker may be used to confirm the situation by nationality and to process the corresponding authorization with guided support.
Types of visas
Visas for tourism and short stays
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601)
- Travel is permitted for 12 months, with multiple entries and stays of up to 3 months per entry.
- The application is submitted via the Australian ETA app.
eVisitor (subclass 651)
- This option is very similar to the ETA, but for other eligible nationalities (for example, many European passports).
- Travel is permitted for 12 months, with multiple entries and stays of up to 3 months per entry.
- The application is submitted online or through Visagov.com.
- The application is free (no government fees).
- Study or training of up to 3 months may be permitted in some cases.
Visitor Visa (subclass 600)
This visa is usually the alternative when the ETA/eVisitor does not apply or when a more “classic” visa is needed.
When applied for from outside Australia, stays of up to 12 months may be permitted (depending on the case).
Transit visa (subclass 771)
This visa is for transit to a third country with a maximum stay of 72 hours.
Working Holiday Maker visa (subclasses 417 and 462)
The Working Holiday (417) and Work and Holiday (462) visas allow young travelers to combine holidays and temporary work in Australia to help fund the stay. In general, eligibility applies between 18 and 30 years of age (inclusive); for subclass 417, some nationalities have the limit extended up to 35 years. The main difference between 417 and 462 is eligible nationality (and, depending on the case, additional requirements specific to each program).
Visas for study, training, and family
Student visa (subclass 500)
Study in Australia in an approved course is permitted. The duration depends on the program, but generally does not exceed 5 years.
Student Guardian visa (subclass 590)
A temporary visa for the responsible adult traveling to Australia to accompany and support a minor holding a student visa.
Its duration is usually linked to that of the student visa of the minor being accompanied (it may be up to 5 years, depending on the case).
Training visa (subclass 407)
A temporary visa for undertaking workplace-based training (occupational training) or professional development programs, aimed at improving skills in a specific area.
Adoption visa (subclass 102)
A visa for minors adopted outside Australia that allows living in Australia with an adoptive parent. This is a permanent visa: once granted, the minor may reside in Australia indefinitely. However, citizenship is not granted automatically; in any case, an application may be made later if the applicable requirements are met.
Dependent relative visas (Aged Dependent Relative: subclasses 114 and 838)
These visas allow an older, single person who is financially dependent on a family member in Australia to reside there permanently. These visas are usually subject to a cap and a queue, so processing times may be long.
- Subclass 114: applied for while outside Australia.
- Subclass 838: applied for while in Australia (with specific stay conditions when applying/deciding). These visas are usually subject to a cap and a queue, so processing times may be long.
These visas are usually subject to a cap and a queue, so processing times may be long.
Aged Parent visa (subclass 804)
A permanent visa allowing an older parent to remain in Australia, provided criteria such as the balance of family test (family ties to Australia) are met. Processing takes place within the parent visas framework of the family program.
Carer visas (subclasses 836 and 116)
Permanent visas to provide care for a relative (or household member) with a long-term medical condition, when there is no reasonable access to other care options in Australia.
- Subclass 836: applied for while in Australia.
- Subclass 116: applied for while outside Australia.
Orphan Relative visas (subclasses 837 and 117)
Two types exist:
- Subclass 837 (application in Australia): allows an unmarried minor who is already in Australia to remain to live with a relative, when the parents have died, cannot provide care, or cannot be located.
- Subclass 117 (application outside Australia): allows an unmarried minor to travel to Australia to live with a relative under the same circumstances (parents deceased, unable to provide care, or not locatable).
Parent visa (subclass 103)
A permanent visa allowing a parent to move to Australia, typically when more children live in Australia than in any other country (balance of family test).
Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300)
A visa to travel to Australia with the purpose of marrying a fiancé(e) (an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen) and, afterwards, applying for a partner visa.
Partner visas (subclasses 820 and 801)
These visas are intended for the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Subclass 820 (temporary): first step to live in Australia temporarily as a partner.
- Subclass 801 (permanent): subsequent stage for permanent residence, linked to the 820/801 pathway.
Medical Treatment visa (subclass 602)
A temporary visa to travel to Australia or remain longer for medical treatment, to support someone who needs it and holds (or has applied for) this visa, or for organ donation.
Work, humanitarian, and refugee visas
Australia offers various visas for business/investment, work in specific circumstances, regional permanent residence, and special programs. In this category, eligibility usually depends on profile, migration history, and, in some cases, nominations or very specific requirements.
Business Innovation and Investment (subclasses 188 and 888)
- Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) – subclass 188: a provisional visa to manage a business, invest, or undertake entrepreneurial activity in Australia. The BIIP program is closed to new applications as of 31/07/2024, but applications lodged before that date remain in processing.
- Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) – subclass 888: a permanent visa for holders who meet conditions and can continue activity in Australia (usually as a subsequent pathway from 188).
Business/investment visas (subclasses 890 and 891)
- Business Owner (subclass 890): a permanent visa linked to business owner/manager profiles under earlier frameworks.
- Investor (subclass 891): a permanent visa for investment profiles under previous schemes.
Regional permanent residence (subclass 191)
A permanent residence visa for applicants who have held an eligible regional visa and meet an income requirement, among other conditions.
Temporary activity visas (subclasses 408 and 403)
- Temporary Activity (subclass 408): a temporary visa to undertake specific activities, with conditions and duration depending on the activity type.
- Temporary Work (International Relations) (subclass 403): a temporary visa to work in specific circumstances that support Australia’s international relations.
Crew visa (subclass 942)
Intended for international airline crew who do not hold an Australian or New Zealand passport and do not have a valid Australian visa, and who travel to/from Australia for work purposes. It operates as an electronic authorization that may be checked before the flight via the Advanced Passenger Processing (APP) system.
Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988)
For foreign crew of non-military vessels on international voyages entering Australia by sea. It also applies to the partner or dependent child of the crew member when traveling on the same vessel.
Global Special Humanitarian visa (subclass 202)
Relocation to Australia is permitted if the person faces substantial discrimination or serious human rights abuses. This is a permanent visa and requires a proposer under the program rules.
Protection visa (subclass 866)
For persons already in Australia who arrived on a valid visa and wish to apply for protection/asylum. This is a permanent visa if protection obligations and the remaining requirements are met.
Refugee visa (subclasses 200, 201, 203, and 204)
A visa for persons subject to persecution in the country of origin who require resettlement. Living, working, and studying indefinitely in Australia is permitted (together with any included family members, where applicable).
How to apply for an Australia visa?
In practice, most Australia visa applications are managed online by following the steps indicated for each subclass (form, documentation, and submission). Typically, the application requires personal and passport details to be entered, trip information to be added where applicable, and supporting documentation to be attached depending on the visa type.
On Visagov the eVisitor (subclass 651) is available: eligibility by nationality may be checked on the website and the application may be processed with guided support.
Who needs a visa for Australia?
In practice, any person who is not an Australian citizen requires a valid visa or authorization to enter Australia and, in most cases, it must be approved before travel (before boarding). However, two exceptions exist in which a visa is not required:
- New Zealand citizens: travel may take place without applying for a visa in advance, and a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) is typically granted on arrival, provided the requirements are met.
- Papua New Guinea: no general exemption exists. The exception applies to traditional visitors under the Torres Strait Treaty, with movement without a passport or visa limited to traditional activities in the Protected Zone (this is not a standard tourist entry to Australia).
What requirements are needed to apply for an Australia visa?
As Australia has many subclasses, requirements may vary depending on the visa. Even so, there are common conditions that tend to apply in most applications:
- A valid passport, valid for at least 6 months from the planned date of departure from Australia.
- Meeting the character requirement: when applying for a visa, any prior record, charge, or conviction must be declared and answers must be provided truthfully.
- Meeting the health requirement: depending on the visa, duration, and profile, medical examinations may be requested (they are not always required).
- Providing truthful information and correct documentation.
- Completing the online application.
- Having no debts owed to the Government (where applicable).
Visitor visas (tourism/business/family visits)
Additional documentation during processing: in some cases, the Department may request extra information or forms to continue the assessment. A common example is Form 80, which collects personal details and background information (including employment history, travel, etc.) only when requested by the authority.
If a Visitor visa (subclass 600) is applied for: sufficient funds to cover the stay and departure from the country are required.
Study and training visas
The requirements for this visa depend on the education sector (school, VET, university, etc.). In school applications (outside exchange programs), a minimum age usually applies and additional documents from the institution and the student may be requested.
Depending on the course and profile, academic evidence and/or language requirements may be requested by the authority, in addition to the general requirements of the Student visa (subclass 500).
Family and partner visas
- Aged Dependent Relative (subclasses 114 and 838): demonstrating dependency on the family member in Australia for basic needs (food, accommodation, and clothing) for at least 3 years before applying is usually required.
- Aged Parent (subclass 804): in addition to the visa criteria, an Assurance of Support (AoS) may be required before grant (where applicable) for family visas, with an assurer and, in some cases, a refundable bond.
- Carer (subclasses 836 and 116) and Orphan Relative (subclasses 837 and 117): in onshore applications (within Australia), holding a valid substantive visa (and not a transit visa) at the time of application is usually required.
- Sponsorship in minor visa applications (Orphan Relative): the sponsor must have resided lawfully in Australia for a “reasonable” period (usually 2 years) and be able to provide support and accommodation.
Work and skilled work visas
- Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188): submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, holding a nomination, and receiving an invitation are required. Important: the BIIP program is closed to new applications as of 31/07/2024.
- Business Owner (subclass 890): to apply, holding a specific provisional visa (subclasses 160–165) is required. In practice, additional prior residence/business-activity conditions are also often required under the applicable framework.
Can a visa be modified once processed?
In general, a visa application is not “edited” as such after submission. If the error is attributable to the applicant and affects key details, the solution usually involves submitting a new application with the correct information. For that reason, reviewing the details and documentation several times before submission is advisable; on Visagov, the available Australia application is the eVisitor (651), and it is processed with guided support to reduce errors.
How much does an Australia visa cost?
Australian Government prices are updated annually. The most common government application charges (VAC) are listed below:
No-cost visas (AUD 0)
- eVisitor (651): free (for EU citizens).
- Transit (771): free (stays under 72 hours).
- Humanitarian (200–204): no application charge.
Tourism and visits
- ETA (601): no fee, but with a processing charge of AUD 20.
- Visitor Visa (600): * From outside Australia: AUD 200. From inside (extension): AUD 500.
Studies and temporary work
- Student (500): AUD 2,000.
- Student guardian: AUD 1,225.
- Work and Holiday (462/417): AUD 670.
Family and partner
- Partner (820/309): AUD 9,365.
- Orphan / Child: from AUD 3,235.
Other visas
- Protection (866): AUD 50.
- Skilled work (Skills in Demand): from AUD 3,210.
How far in advance should an Australia visa be applied for?
The eVisitor visa (subclass 651) is the fastest to process for European citizens, but planning is required to avoid unforeseen issues. If all information is correct, most visas are approved within 24 to 72 hours, with confirmation received directly by email.
Although the process is usually quick, the Australian Government may carry out manual reviews or request additional information (such as proof of funds or health). Therefore, applying for the visa with a minimum of 10 business days of advance notice is recommended.
For other visas and long-stay categories (studies or work), processing time may extend to several months. In those cases, consultation with experts or the embassy well in advance is advised.
What are Australia’s ports of entry?
Australia receives most visitors through five airports:
- Sydney (SYD): “Kingsford Smith” remains the main gateway, receiving 50% of international travelers.
- Melbourne (MEL): the preferred option for travelers seeking quick entry to the south and the Great Ocean Road.
- Brisbane (BNE): the strategic point of access to Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef.
- Perth (PER): the western gateway from Europe and Africa.
- Adelaide (ADL): a growing airport, ideal for wine routes and the south-central region.
There are also direct international flights (although more limited) to Cairns, Darwin, Gold Coast, and even Christmas Island, mainly from Asia and Oceania.
However, entry by sea is also possible through three international cruise ports:
- Sydney: Overseas Passenger Terminal (opposite the Opera House).
- Brisbane: International Cruise Terminal.
- Fremantle (Perth): Passenger Terminal.
Is a visa required for a layover in Australia?
Many travelers believe that a visa is not needed if the transit area is not left, but in Australia this depends on the length of the layover and nationality.
Layovers of less than 8 hours
If EU citizenship is held (or another eligible country) and the layover is under 8 hours, the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program may be used. To do so, three requirements must be met:
- Arrival and departure by air within 8 hours.
- Confirmed tickets for the final destination.
- Remaining within the airport transit area.
Layovers of more than 8 hours and up to 72 hours
If the layover exceeds 8 hours (even without leaving the airport), a visa is mandatory.
If a European passport is held, the simplest option is to use the eVisitor visa (651). This visa allows transit and also provides the flexibility to leave the airport to rest at a hotel if needed.
Cases where a visa is ALWAYS required (regardless of time)
- Collecting baggage and checking it in again for the next flight (this involves passing through immigration).
- The layover requires staying overnight and the airport closes its transit facilities during the early hours (common at airports such as Adelaide or Gold Coast).
- A terminal change is required and the transfer requires leaving the security zone.
