How to Visit Australia — Three Main Routes
eVisitor
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
Visitor Visa
Transit visas are available for passengers transiting through Australia to a third country. Most transit passengers with eligible passports do not need a visa — but nationals of some countries require a Subclass 771 (Transit visa) or must hold a valid Australian visa. If you are transiting and unsure, confirm on the DoHA website or seek advice.
Visitor Visa Types Compared
| Visa | Who can use it | Cost | Max stay | Multiple entry | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| eVisitor 651 | Eligible European passport holders | Free | 3 months per visit | Yes (within 12 months) | Electronically linked; cannot extend onshore |
| ETA 601 | Eligible passport holders (UK, USA, Japan, etc.) | ~AUD 20 service charge | 3 months per visit | Yes (within 12 months) | Via AUS ETA app; fastest option |
| Visitor 600 — Tourist (offshore) | All nationalities | ~AUD 200 | 3–12 months | Possible | Most common path for ineligible passport holders |
| Visitor 600 — Tourist (onshore) | All nationalities (already in Australia) | Higher charge | Extension to current stay | No (usually) | Condition 8503 may prevent further stay |
| Visitor 600 — Sponsored Family | Any nationality; family in Australia sponsors | ~AUD 200+ (bond may apply) | 3–12 months | Yes | Sponsor in Australia; bond possible for higher-risk applicants |
| Visitor 600 — Business | Business-related travel (not employed in Australia) | ~AUD 200 | 3 months typical | Yes | Must not work in Australia |
| Transit 771 | Nationals of specified countries transiting | Free | Up to 72 hours | No | Most passengers with ETAs/eVisitor do not need this |
All charges and eligibility rules are subject to change. Confirm on the Department of Home Affairs website before applying.
Which Visitor Visa Fits Your Situation?
You are likely eligible for the eVisitor (651) — free, applied online. Check the DoHA eligibility list. If eligible, the eVisitor is the simplest option.
You are likely eligible for the ETA (601) — small charge, applied via the AUS ETA app, typically processed in minutes. Check the DoHA eligibility list for your specific passport.
You need the Visitor visa (600) — tourist stream, offshore application. Charges from ~AUD 200. Apply online via ImmiAccount. Ensure you have evidence of ties to home country, financial capacity, and purpose of visit.
The Visitor visa (600) — Sponsored Family stream may be available. Your family member in Australia can act as sponsor. In some cases, a security bond may be required. Alternatively, a standard tourist stream application can also cover family visits.
For stays of up to 12 months, the Visitor visa 600 with a longer stay period can be requested — though not guaranteed. For parents wanting to live in Australia for extended periods, the Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa allows up to 10 years (in 3- or 5-year grants) without the Balance of Family test. See also the Parent Visas hub.
Options for Longer Stays in Australia
Standard visitor visas are generally granted for 3 or 6 months. Visitors who want to stay longer have limited options — but some pathways exist.
The subclass 600 tourist stream can, in some cases, be granted with a 12-month maximum stay period rather than the standard 3 or 6 months. This is not automatic — the Department assesses whether a longer stay period is appropriate based on your individual circumstances, ties to home country, and purpose of visit. A 12-month stay period on a single 600 entry is not guaranteed. Applying for a 12-month period and receiving only 3 months is common.
For parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents, the subclass 870 allows stays of up to 3 years or 5 years per grant, renewable to a maximum of 10 years total stay in Australia. This is specifically for parents — not for siblings, friends, or other visitors. The 870 requires an approved parent sponsor, has no Balance of Family test requirement, and grants no work rights. Private health insurance is mandatory.
If a visitor lodges another visa application while in Australia (e.g. a partner visa, student visa, or another visitor visa), they may be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA) while that application is processed. The BVA allows lawful stay in Australia during processing — but it does not allow travel out of Australia (a Bridging Visa B is needed for that). Visitor visa holders who apply for an extension onshore should be aware of the limitations of the onshore extension pathway.
Visitor Visa Questions Answered
This information is general in nature and does not constitute immigration assistance or legal advice for any individual situation. Requirements including occupation lists, fees and processing criteria change without notice.
Nanak Migration Group Pty Ltd makes no representation that information on this site is complete, current or applicable to your circumstances. Nothing here guarantees, implies or represents any visa outcome, approval likelihood or processing time.
Obtain advice tailored to your situation from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner. Navpreet Aulakh, MARN 2619467, is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
Information current as at August 2026. Verify all requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging any application.