Australian Travel Visas
Australia Travel Visa Application
Temporary residency visas for Australia, including Australian Visitor Visas, Tourist visas, Holiday Visas, Business Visitor Visas and Working Holiday Visas
Unless you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, you will need a visa to travel to Australia. You must ensure that you have the appropriate Australian travel visa for your visit before you depart, or you may be refused entry. You may even be refused permission to board the plane.
Australian Visitor Visas
What visa do I need to visit Australia?
Here are some guidelines on the more popular travel visas for Australia. If you would like to specific advice, you can contact us for a telephone consultation
Australian Tourist Visas
An Australian tourist visa allows you to visit Australia for tourist purposes, e.g. visiting friends / relatives, holiday, tourism.
The most common visa is a 3-month tourist e-visa, which allows you to visit Australia multiple times for a period of up to 90 days at a time. It is valid for 12 months and is issued within hours. This is also called an ETA Tourist Visa. Only individuals who hold a passport from ETA-eligible countries can apply for this visa.
There is also an option to apply for a long stay Australian tourist visa of either 6 or 12 months. This visa is for the purpose of tourism only.
Australian Business Visitor Visa
This is a short stay business e-visa (ETA) that allows you to conduct typical business activities such as attending meetings with clients, meeting with suppliers, attending seminars. It does not allow you to receive payment for work carried out in Australia.
How do I apply for a visitor visa?
Follow the links for the type of visa that you require, where you will see more information about the type of visa, and also the application process.
How long does it take to get an australian visitor visa?
The length of time it takes to get a visitor visa for Australia, depends on the type of visa. For more accurate guidelines, click on the links for the individual visa types. Electronic visas can be issued within a day, whilst other types can take as long as 12 months for a decision, depending on your circumstances
Please note: a percentage of ALL types of visa applications is sent for further scrutiny by a Migrations Case Officer. For this reason, all we can only provide you with a guideline. You should NEVER confirm travel arrangements until your visa has been granted
How to apply for a visa when you don't hold a passport for an ETA-Eligible country
Passport holder for countries such as India, Pakistan and South Africa cannot apply for a visa using the Electronic Tourist Authority (ETA) system. It is still possible to apply, but the process takes a bit longer. Get the ball rolling using the process to apply for a visa for Australia when you are not ETA eligible
Australia Visa Requirements
Basic Entry Requirements for Australia
Here are some general requirements to consider if you are planning on visiting Australia. There are different requirements for different visa types. Generally, the longer you wish to stay, the more stringent the requirements.
You must have a valid passport
You must have 6 months or more remaining on your passport on the day of exit from Australia.
Some visas are linked electronically to your passport (number). So, if you need to replace your passport, for whatever reason, your Australian visa will no longer be valid, and you will have to re-apply for your visa. It is therefore a good idea to renew your passport if it is getting close to the expiry date.
Proof of funds
You must have funds to support yourself financially during your stay in Australia. If your plans include staying with friends / relatives, then you will be required to provide details of this arrangement
You must be in good health
Basically, you must not present a risk to the local population, and not be a potential drain on medical resources.
- You must be free from tuberculosis at the time of travel to, and entry into, Australia.
- If you have spent more than 3 consecutive months in the last 5 years in a country considered to be of high health risk, you will be required to have a medical test;
If you intend to study in a class-room environment for more than 4 weeks, you may be required to undergo a chest x-ray examination before commencing your studies
For some visas, applicants who are over the age of 75 are required by law to meet the visa's medical requirements. These requirements include:
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providing evidence with your application that you have health insurance to cover your stay in Australia
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undergoing a health examination by a certified doctor to prove your fitness for travel to Australia
You must be of good character
The key requirement here, is that you must not have a substantial criminal record. A substantial criminal record is based on the length of a sentence imposed by a court of law, rather than the time actually spent in prison. Custodial sentences amounting to 12 months or more, is considered to be substantial.
All convictions MUST be declared
Can I go to Australia with a Criminal Record?
Australia has very strict rules regarding visas for people with a criminal record. If you have criminal convictions, you MUST declare them when you apply for an Australian visa.
If you have a criminal record (regardless of which country you hold a passport for), you will not be able to apply for an Australian visitor visa in the normal way. You may still be able to apply though, and our experts can help you with that.
Find out how to apply for an Australian visa if you have criminal convictions
This is a type of visitor visa that allows young people to travel around Australia, whilst also working to fund their holiday. Employment is temporary (maximum 6 months with one employer), and is restricted to specific industries and post codes within Australia.
- You must be aged 18-30 (or 35 if you have a Canadian or Irish Passport holder)
- You must hold a passport for an eligible country
- You must meet health and character requirements
- You must proof that you have funds for the initial part of your holiday, and also for onward travel at the end of your visa
Find out more about the Australian working holiday visa and how to apply
Australian Travel Visas
Australian 3 Month Tourist Visa (Australia ETA Visa)
An ETA visa allows multiple visits to Australia for the purpose of tourism for periods of up to 3 months at a time. It is valid for 12 months from the date you first enter. You may study / train for up to 3 months. This is the most common type of holiday visa for Australia
6 Month Tourist Visa: Australia
An Australian 6-month Tourist Visa allows for multiple visits to Australia for the purpose of tourism. You may only stay for 6 months at a time. The visa is valid for 12 months from the date you first enter Australia. You may also study / train for up to 3 months during the 12 months.
12 Month Tourist Visa: Australia
A 1 Year Tourist Visa allows multiple visits to Australia for up to 12 months at a time, for the purpose of tourism. It is valid for 12 months from the date you first enter. You may study / train for up to 3 months
Australian Business Visa (ETA Short Stay)
An Australian business visa is a Business Visitor Visa which allows multiple visits to Australia for business purposes of up to 90 days each. It is valid for activities such as attending business meetings and seminars, but excludes paid work. It is valid for 12 months from the date you first enter.
Australian Visa for Indian Citizens
If you are a Indian Citizen, or hold a Indian passport, you are not eligible for an eTA (electronic) visa. Instead, you can apply manually for an Australian visitor visa that will allow you to visit Australia for the purpose of tourism or business.
Depending on your circumstances, the process can get complex. Given our extensive experience and knowledge of the visa application process, Australian Travel Visas are able to provide with the necessary assistance to have your visa issued in the shortest possible timescale. We will guide you through the visa application process, and ensure that the correct documentation is provided to expedite your application.
Australian Visa for Non-ETA Eligible Countries
If you wish to apply for an Australian tourist visa or business visa, but you are not eligible to apply on the ETA system, you may still be able to apply manually
Australian Visa for Pakistani Citizens
If you are a Pakistani Citizen, or hold a Pakistani passport, you are not eligible for an eTA (electronic) visa. Instead, you can apply manually for an Australian visitor visa that will allow you to visit Australia for the purpose of tourism or business.
Depending on your circumstances, the process can get complex. Given our extensive experience and knowledge of the visa application process, Australian Travel Visas are able to provide with the necessary assistance to have your visa issued in the shortest possible timescale. We will guide you through the visa application process, and ensure that the correct documentation is submitted to ensure your application is completed in the quickest possible time.
Australian Visa for South African Citizens
If you are a South African Citizen, or hold a South African passport, you are not eligible for an eTA (electronic) visa. Instead, you can apply manually for an Australian visitor visa that will allow you to visit Australia for the purpose of tourism or business.
Depending on your circumstances, the process can get complex. Given our extensive experience and knowledge of the visa application process, Australian Travel Visas are able to provide with the necessary assistance to have your visa issued in the shortest possible timescale. We will guide you through the visa application process, and ensure that the correct documentation is provided to expedite your application.
Australian Working Holiday Visa
An Australian Working Holiday is a popular way for young people to see the country, whilst doing temporary work to fund their travel.
With an Australian working holiday visa, people aged 18 – 35 can travel, study and work around Australia for up to 12 months at a time.
The application process for an Australian Working Holiday Visa can get complicated. Our experts are here to help make the process as quick and painless as possible!
Visiting Australia with a Criminal Record: Short Stay
If you are planning on visiting Australia with a criminal record, you will require an application that allows you to disclose the offence and sentence. You cannot use the normal electronic application process. Depending on the nature of your convictions, you may still be able to visit Australia, despite your criminal record.