Visitor Visas
Australia’s visitor visas are temporary permits for individuals wishing to travel for tourism, to visit family, or for short-term business activities The correct visa depends heavily on the applicant's passport and current location.
1. Electronic Travel Authorities (for eligible passport holders)The 601 and 651 visas are primarily auto-granted electronic travel authorities, typically the easiest and fastest options for eligible countries
| Feature | Subclass 601 - Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) | Subclass 651 - eVisitor |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Passport holders from specific countries (e.g., USA, Canada, Japan, Singapore) | Passport holders from specific European countries (e.g., UK, most EU countries) | Key Advantage | Very fast processing (often minutes/hours) and a simple application | Fastest and free option for eligible European passport holders |
2. Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) - The General Option
The Subclass 600 is the main visitor visa pathway for travelers who are not eligible for the ETA (601) or eVisitor (651), or those requiring a longer stay or more complex application
| Feature | Subclass 600 - Visitor Visa |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | All passport holders who are not eligible for Subclass 601 or 651, or those who require a stay of longer than 3 months |
| Application Fee | A significant fee applies, varying by stream and application location |
| Stay Duration | Granted for 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on the circumstances and the decision of the case officer |
| Key Requirement | Applicant must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criteria (i.e., proving they intend to return home) |
Subclass 600: The Five Main Streams
The 600 visa is split into different streams based on the applicant’s purpose and relationship to Australia
| Stream | Purpose of Travel | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Stream | Holiday, sightseeing, visiting friends/family, or cruising | Requires strong evidence of ties to the home country and sufficient funds |
| Business Visitor Stream | Short-term business activities | Does not permit paid work, providing services, or selling goods to the public |
| Sponsored Family Stream | Visiting family who are Australian citizens or permanent residents | A formal sponsor is required. A security bond may be requested to ensure the visitor departs Australia. |
| Frequent Traveller Stream | For citizens of select countries | A long-validity visa for high-volume travelers |
| Approved Destination Status | For citizens from select parts of China travelling with an organised tour group | Managed through specific travel agents/operators |
