Tourist Visa in Australia: Which Suits Your Down Under Journey?

Do you ever want to explore the country down under? Whether to see renowned sights and enjoy time spent with family, friends, or alone. Home to a rich biodiversity and diverse culture, Australia is among the countries that are popular tourist destinations. Sure enough, there have been over 2 million international tourist visits, which increased by 1200%—post-pandemic since Australia reopened its borders in 2022.

Australian Tourist Visa

Regardless of whichever country you are from, unless you are a natural-born Australian, you would need a visa before you are allowed entry to the country. In other words, an Australian Visa is essential before you can ever travel or visit Australia. Australia’s tourist visa has different types you can choose from depending on your category. 

Types of Tourist Visas in Australia

Tourist visas in Australia come in varied types. Travelers can apply for them if a particular category for that specific visa type applies to them. Determining the visa type you will need to apply for can depend on the duration of your stay, your passport country of origin, and the purpose of your visit. Below are the different types of tourist visas available in Australia:

Visitor Visa (subclass 600)

This visa type applies to tourists, business visitors, and visitors who wish to visit their families—open to all nationalities. It allows a stay duration lasting up to 3, 6, or, depending on certain circumstances, 12 months. In addition, this visa type also has multiple forms which have unique specifications. You may refer to the Department of Home Affairs of Australia for more details about each Visitor visa version.

1. Tourist Stream (Apply in Australia) – this visa stream is for tourists who want to visit Australia, see family and friends, and for other purposes that do not involve business or medical treatment.

2. Tourist Stream (Apply Outside Australia) – this visa stream is also for tourists who want to visit Australia, cruise, or see family and friends.  

3. Sponsored Family Stream – this visa stream is for sponsored individuals by family member/s in Australia (must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident) to come to Australia and visit family members.

4. Business Visitor Stream – this visa stream allows a visit to Australia for business purposes only. It does not allow visitors to work or sell goods or provide service. 

5. Approved Destination Status stream – this visa stream allows citizens from select areas in China to visit Australia, organized by an approved travel agency/agent.

6. Frequent Traveler Stream – this visa stream allows citizens from select areas in China who often travel to Australia for business or personal purposes. This visa grants validity for up to 10 years and stays up to 3 months at each entry time. 

Electronic Travel Authority Visa (Subclass 601)

Meanwhile, the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa type is an electronic equivalent of a visa linked to a passport number. It allows visits as many times and can stay for 3-12 months. In addition, it is also available for passport holders from specific countries and regions outside Australia. 

eVisitor (Subclass 651)

This visa type is temporary for several European passport holders who wish to visit Australia for tourism or business reasons only. The eVisitor visa grants up to 3 months’ stay at a time within 12 months.

The Suitable Tourist Visa for You

Suppose you’re looking to Australia for a great way to spend time vacationing, visiting family or friends, or for business-related purposes. In that case, your best option for a visa is the Tourist stream (apply outside Australia). As mentioned, this visa category allows a visit to Australia, a cruise, or visiting relatives, and you must be outside of Australia when you apply. 

Processing time for this visa type can take eight days (as its earliest) to 85 days from the application and costs AUD 150. 

Application Process

The application process for the tourist stream visa generally involves submitting the necessary documents, settling your payment, and waiting for the visa result. 

1. Gather Your Documents – In this phase, ensure you gather all the necessary documents, such as proof of identity and genuine visitor or character documents, if applicable. Before submitting your application, review or double-check your requirements to see if they are accurate. 

2. Applying and Paying for the Visa – Once you have gathered your requirements, you can proceed with the application and payment of the visa application fee.

3. Waiting for Visa Result – You will await the Visa Grant Notice after submission. It can take as early as two days to as long as a month or so. Additionally, there are cases wherein you will provide additional documents before receiving the Visa Grant Notice. 

Summing-up

The application process for acquiring an Australian Tourist visa can be complex. It comprises gathering required or recommended documents that support your application for the type of visa you want. Ensuring that you complete them can always take time, not to mention it can also take weeks to months for the Australian immigration authorities to process your application. 

However, despite the elaborate visa application process, don’t let it discourage you from visiting the land down under. If you need assistance with your Australian visa application, IPASS Processing is here to help you through every step of the application process gladly. Trust us to make your travel dreams a reality!