Australian Visitor Visas
Short-term visas for tourism, visiting family, or business activities
About Visitor Visas
Australian visitor visas allow you to visit Australia for tourism, visiting family and friends, or short-term business activities. Depending on your nationality and purpose of visit, there are several visa options available, ranging from free electronic visas to standard visitor visas.
Most visitor visas allow stays of up to 3, 6, or 12 months and permit multiple entries during the visa validity period. It's important to choose the right visa type based on your nationality, purpose of visit, and intended length of stay.
Multiple Purposes
Tourism, visiting family, business meetings, conferences, and short courses.
Flexible Duration
Stay for up to 3, 6, or 12 months depending on visa type and circumstances.
Easy Application
Online application process with quick processing times for most nationalities.
Types of Visitor Visas
eVisitor (Subclass 651)
Free electronic visa for European passport holders for tourism or business visits.
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA 601)
Electronic visa for citizens of eligible countries including USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
Standard visitor visa for tourism, visiting family, or business activities for all nationalities.
Visitor Visa (600) Categories
For holidays, sightseeing, recreational activities, and visiting friends or relatives.
For attending conferences, meetings, negotiations, or exploring business opportunities.
For visiting family members who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
For Chinese nationals traveling to Australia as part of an organized tour group.
Eligibility & Requirements
General Requirements
Required Documents
Visitor visas do not permit work in Australia. If you intend to work, you must apply for an appropriate work visa. Breaching visa conditions can result in visa cancellation and future visa refusals.
What You Can & Cannot Do
You CAN:
- Visit tourist attractions and sightsee
- Visit family and friends
- Attend conferences and business meetings
- Study for up to 3 months
- Volunteer (unpaid work)
You CANNOT:
- Work or provide services for payment
- Sell goods or services
- Study for more than 3 months
- Stay beyond your visa expiry date
- Apply for permanent residency from this visa
Frequently Asked Questions
Which visitor visa should I apply for?
It depends on your nationality and purpose of visit. European passport holders should apply for eVisitor (651). Citizens of eligible countries like USA, Canada, Japan, and Hong Kong can apply for ETA (601). All other nationalities or those requiring longer stays should apply for Visitor visa (600).
Can I extend my visitor visa while in Australia?
Yes, you can apply to extend your Visitor visa (600) before it expires. However, eVisitor and ETA cannot be extended. You must apply for a new Visitor visa (600) if you wish to stay longer. Extensions are not guaranteed and depend on your circumstances.
Do I need travel insurance?
While not mandatory for visa application, travel insurance is highly recommended. Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements with some countries, but most visitors are not covered by Medicare and will need to pay for medical treatment. Comprehensive travel insurance protects you against unexpected medical costs and trip cancellations.
Can I work on a visitor visa?
No, visitor visas do not permit any work in Australia, including paid or unpaid work. If you wish to work, you must apply for an appropriate work visa such as Working Holiday visa (417/462) or Temporary Skill Shortage visa (482). Breaching this condition can result in visa cancellation.
What if my visa application is refused?
If your application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to apply for a review or lodge a new application addressing the refusal reasons. Golden Pathway can help you understand the refusal and advise on the best course of action.
Planning Your Visit to Australia?
Let us help you choose the right visitor visa and prepare your application.
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