Planning to visit Australia for a holiday, tourism, sightseeing, or to visit family and friends?
If you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may need a visa before travelling to Australia. One of the main options for people travelling for tourism or to visit family and friends is the Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Tourist stream.
The application is completed online, and the Australian Department of Home Affairs assesses whether you are a genuine temporary visitor, have enough money for your trip, meet health and character requirements, and satisfy the other visa criteria.
In this guide, we explain how to apply for an Australia Visitor Visa step by step, including the documents you may need, visa fees, financial evidence, proof of ties to your home country, biometrics, processing times and common mistakes to avoid.
Important: This guide is for general information and focuses mainly on the Visitor visa (subclass 600) Tourist stream for applicants outside Australia. Visa requirements can change, so always check the official Australian Government website before submitting your application.
Australia Visitor Visa 2026 at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
| Visa | Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Tourist stream |
| Main purpose | Tourism, holidays, visiting family and friends |
| Application | Online |
| Application platform | ImmiAccount |
| Applicants | Generally outside Australia when applying |
| Visa cost | From AUD 250 per applicant |
| Work | Not permitted |
| Study | Generally up to 3 months |
| Stay | May be granted for different periods depending on circumstances |
| Biometrics | May be requested |
| Health examination | May be requested |
| Police certificate | May be requested |
| Financial evidence | Recommended |
| Processing time | Varies |
The Australian Department of Home Affairs currently lists the Visitor visa (subclass 600) Tourist stream at AUD 250 per applicant, although additional costs can apply for things such as biometrics, health examinations and police certificates. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
What Is the Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)?
The Visitor visa (subclass 600) allows eligible people to visit Australia temporarily.
For tourists applying from outside Australia, the Tourist stream can be used for purposes such as:
- Going on holiday
- Sightseeing
- Visiting family
- Visiting friends
- Taking a cruise
- Other permitted visitor activities
The visa is intended for temporary visitors. You must demonstrate that you genuinely intend to stay temporarily and comply with the conditions attached to your visa.
Official Australian Government page:
Step 1: Determine Which Australian Visa You Need
Before beginning an application, make sure the Visitor visa is appropriate for your circumstances.
Australia has different visa options depending on the purpose of your trip.
For example:
- Tourism: Visitor visa Tourist stream
- Visiting family: Visitor visa Tourist stream may be suitable
- Business activities: Visitor visa Business Visitor stream may apply
- Formal family sponsorship: Visitor visa Sponsored Family stream may be relevant
- Studying for longer periods: A student visa may be more appropriate
- Working in Australia: You need a visa that permits work
If you are simply planning a holiday or visiting relatives and friends, the Tourist stream is one of the main options to consider.
Step 2: Check Whether You Need an Australian Visa
Your passport and circumstances determine which visa or travel authority you may need.
Do not assume that everyone travelling to Australia uses the same application process.
Check your options through the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website before applying:
You can also use the Australian Government’s visa finder to determine which visa may be appropriate for your circumstances.
Step 3: Understand the Visitor Visa Requirements
Before you submit your application, make sure you understand what the Australian Government is looking for.
For the Tourist stream, you generally need to demonstrate that:
- You are a genuine visitor.
- You intend to stay temporarily.
- You have enough money to support yourself during your visit.
- You satisfy applicable health requirements.
- You satisfy applicable character requirements.
- You will comply with the conditions of your visa.
- You do not have outstanding Australian Government debts, unless arrangements have been made to repay them.
The Department specifically recommends providing evidence that supports your purpose of travel, financial circumstances and reasons for returning home. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Step 4: Check Your Passport
Your passport should be valid for your planned international travel.
Prepare a clear colour scan or photograph of the identification pages of your passport.
Your passport information should be consistent with the information you enter into your visa application.
Check carefully:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Passport number
- Passport issue date
- Passport expiry date
- Nationality
If you have previously used another name, you should also provide evidence of the name change where applicable.
The Department asks applicants to provide identity documents and evidence of changes of name where relevant. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Step 5: Plan Your Australian Trip
You should have a reasonable idea of why you want to visit Australia and what you intend to do there.
You don’t necessarily need to have an elaborate itinerary.
However, your application should make sense.
For example:
Purpose of visit: Tourism
Proposed trip: 14-day holiday
Possible destinations:
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Brisbane
- Gold Coast
You can explain:
- Where you intend to stay
- What you intend to visit
- How long you plan to stay
- Who you intend to visit, if applicable
- How the trip will be financed
Your travel plans can help demonstrate that you are genuinely travelling temporarily.
Step 6: Gather Your Supporting Documents
One of the most important parts of an Australian Visitor Visa application is preparing good supporting evidence.
Your documents should support the information you provide in your application.
Depending on your circumstances, documents can include:
Identity documents
- Passport
- National identity card, where applicable
- Previous passports
- Name-change documents, if applicable
Financial documents
- Bank statements
- Payslips
- Tax records
- Term deposits
- Credit card statements
- Other evidence of accessible funds
Employment documents
- Employment confirmation letter
- Approved leave letter
- Recent payslips
- Employment contract, where useful
Business documents
If you are self-employed:
- Business registration documents
- Business bank statements
- Tax documents
- Business licences
- Evidence of ongoing business activity
Travel documents
- Proposed itinerary
- Accommodation information
- Evidence explaining the purpose of the trip
Family documents
If visiting family:
- Invitation letter
- Evidence of relationship
- Host’s identification or Australian status documents, where relevant
The Department gives examples of financial evidence including personal bank statements covering a three-month period, payslips, audited accounts, tax records, term deposits and credit card statements. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Step 7: Prove That You Have Enough Money
You need to demonstrate that you have access to enough money to support yourself during your visit and leave Australia.
There is no simple universal bank-balance figure that guarantees approval.
The amount you need will depend on factors such as:
- Length of your trip
- Accommodation costs
- Airfare
- Number of travellers
- Planned activities
- Whether someone else is paying for your trip
- Your overall financial circumstances
For example, a person planning a five-day trip will generally have different financial needs from someone planning a three-month visit.
Useful financial evidence can include:
- Bank statements
- Payslips
- Tax records
- Savings
- Term deposits
- Credit card statements
- Evidence of regular income
The Department recommends providing evidence such as itemised personal bank statements covering a three-month period. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Step 8: Avoid Unexplained Large Deposits
This is particularly important when preparing your financial documents.
If your bank account normally receives a regular salary but suddenly receives a very large deposit immediately before your visa application, you should be able to explain where the money came from.
For example, if you receive money from:
- Sale of property
- Sale of a vehicle
- Business income
- Investment
- Family support
- Loan
- Other legitimate source
provide appropriate evidence explaining the transaction where relevant.
The objective isn’t simply to show a large bank balance. Your financial evidence should be credible and consistent with your circumstances.
Step 9: Demonstrate Your Reasons for Returning Home
This is one of the most important areas of a visitor visa application.
The Australian Government wants evidence that you genuinely intend to visit temporarily.
Your circumstances may include:
- Permanent employment
- A business
- University or school enrollment
- Close family relationships
- Property
- Other assets
- Ongoing professional commitments
- Other reasons you need to return home
For example, an employee could provide a letter from their employer confirming their position and approved leave and stating that they are expected to return to work.
The Department specifically identifies employment, education, close family, right to return and property/assets as examples of evidence that can help demonstrate reasons to return home. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Step 10: Get an Employment Letter If You Are Employed
If you work for a company, consider obtaining an employment letter containing information such as:
- Your full name
- Job title
- Employment start date
- Salary
- Confirmation that you are currently employed
- Approved vacation/leave dates
- Expected return-to-work date
- Employer contact information
You can also provide recent payslips where appropriate.
This can help establish your employment and demonstrate your ongoing professional commitments.
Step 11: Provide Business Evidence If You Are Self-Employed
Being self-employed does not automatically prevent you from applying for a visitor visa.
However, you should provide evidence that your business is genuine and ongoing.
Depending on your circumstances, this could include:
- Business registration
- Business licence
- Tax records
- Business bank statements
- Invoices
- Contracts
- Website/business profile
- Evidence of ongoing operations
You should also explain why you need to return to your business after your trip.
Step 12: Prepare an Invitation Letter If You Are Visiting Family or Friends
If you are travelling to Australia to visit someone, an invitation letter can help explain your arrangements.
The letter can include:
- Host’s full name
- Host’s Australian address
- Relationship with the applicant
- Reason for the visit
- Proposed dates
- Where the applicant will stay
- Who will pay for the trip
- Host’s contact information
The person inviting you can also provide evidence of their status in Australia where appropriate.
Remember that an invitation letter does not automatically guarantee visa approval.
The applicant still needs to satisfy the visa requirements.
Step 13: Create an ImmiAccount
Most applicants apply online through ImmiAccount.
Official ImmiAccount:
The Australian Government states that ImmiAccount can be used to apply for visas, attach documents and manage applications. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
You should create your account using an email address you regularly check.
Keep your login information secure.
Step 14: Start Your Visitor Visa Application
After creating or logging into ImmiAccount, select the appropriate visa application.
Make sure you select the correct Visitor visa stream based on your circumstances.
For a normal holiday or visit to family/friends, this will generally be the Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Tourist stream if that is the appropriate visa for you.
Official page:
Step 15: Complete the Application Form Carefully
Complete every section accurately.
You may be asked for information about:
- Your identity
- Passport
- Address
- Employment
- Family
- Previous travel
- Previous visas
- Previous refusals
- Criminal history
- Health
- Proposed travel
- Financial circumstances
Don’t guess if you don’t know an answer.
Review your information carefully before submitting.
False or misleading information can create serious immigration problems.
Step 16: Upload Your Supporting Documents
Upload the documents requested by the application.
Your supporting documents should be:
- Clear
- Legible
- Complete
- Consistent
- Properly translated where necessary
The Department advises applicants to scan or photograph documents in colour and make sure they are clear and readable. If a document contains multiple pages, the pages should be kept together as one file. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Do not upload random documents simply to make your application look bigger.
Focus on evidence that actually supports your circumstances.
Step 17: Translate Documents That Are Not in English
If your documents are not in English, you generally need to provide English translations.
You should submit the original document together with its translation.
The Australian Government provides specific requirements for translations, including information that overseas translators should include on translations. Australian translators should be accredited through the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Official guidance:
Step 18: Pay the Visa Application Fee
The Visitor visa (subclass 600) Tourist stream currently has a listed base application charge of AUD 250 per applicant.
However, the amount you ultimately spend can be higher because additional expenses may apply, including:
- Biometrics
- Health examinations
- Police certificates
- Translation services
The Department recommends using its Visa Pricing Estimator for the applicable visa costs.
Official Visa Pricing Estimator:
Always check the fee immediately before submitting because visa charges can change.
Step 19: Submit Your Application
After completing the application and uploading your documents, review everything carefully.
Check:
- Names
- Passport number
- Dates
- Employment information
- Travel history
- Financial information
- Family information
- Uploaded documents
Once everything is correct, submit your application.
Keep copies of your application and supporting documents for your records.
Step 20: Provide Biometrics If Requested
The Department may ask you to provide biometric information.
If biometrics are required, you will receive instructions telling you what you need to do.
Don’t assume that every applicant will necessarily have exactly the same process.
Follow the instructions attached to your application.
Step 21: Complete a Health Examination If Requested
Depending on your circumstances, the Department may require you to undergo health examinations.
If the Department asks you to complete a medical examination, follow the instructions provided.
You should not arrange unnecessary examinations simply because you have seen another applicant do one.
Step 22: Provide a Police Certificate If Required
The Department may request police certificates or other character-related information.
Be completely truthful about your history.
If additional character documents are requested, provide them as instructed.
Step 23: Monitor Your ImmiAccount
After submitting your application, regularly check your ImmiAccount.
The Department may:
- Request additional documents
- Request biometrics
- Request health examinations
- Ask for clarification
- Notify you of the decision
Don’t rely only on someone else to tell you that an update has arrived.
Official ImmiAccount information:
Step 24: Respond Quickly to Requests for Additional Documents
If the Department asks you for additional information, respond within the timeframe specified in the request.
Don’t ignore a request.
Upload the requested documents through the appropriate channel in ImmiAccount and make sure the documents are clear and relevant.
The Department notes that it may make a decision without requesting further information, so submitting a complete application from the beginning is important. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Step 25: Check Australian Visa Processing Times
Visa processing times vary.
Don’t rely on social media posts claiming that an Australian Visitor Visa “always takes two weeks” or “always takes three months.”
Processing times can change depending on:
- Application completeness
- Individual circumstances
- Requests for additional information
- Verification checks
- Application volumes
- Processing location
The Department’s current processing page also warns that the general “Visitor” processing figure combines subclasses 600, 601 and 651 and therefore may not accurately represent processing for a subclass 600 application. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Official processing-time guide:
Step 26: Don’t Book Non-Refundable Travel Too Early
A very important point for applicants:
Do not assume that submitting an application means your visa will be granted.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs advises applicants not to arrange travel until they have been notified in writing that their visa has been granted. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
If possible, avoid making expensive non-refundable arrangements before receiving your visa decision.
Step 27: What Happens If Your Visa Is Approved?
If your Visitor visa is granted, you will receive a written visa decision.
The grant notification will contain important information, including:
- Visa grant number
- Visa start date
- Visa conditions
- Period of stay
- Other applicable conditions
Australia generally operates an electronic visa system, so your visa is electronically associated with your passport.
Always read your grant letter carefully.
Step 28: Check Your Visa Conditions
Don’t assume that receiving the visa means you can do anything you want in Australia.
Your visa will have conditions.
For example, a Tourist stream visitor visa does not give you permission to work in Australia.
Before travelling, carefully check your visa grant notice and conditions.
Can You Work in Australia on a Visitor Visa?
No.
The Visitor visa is not a work visa.
If your actual purpose is to work in Australia, you should investigate an appropriate work visa instead.
Do not enter Australia as a tourist intending to work illegally.
Can You Study in Australia on a Visitor Visa?
The Visitor visa generally allows study or training for up to three months, subject to the applicable visa conditions.
If your primary purpose is long-term study, you should investigate an appropriate student visa instead.
How Long Can You Stay in Australia?
The length of stay is determined by the Department based on your circumstances and the visa granted.
A Visitor visa can have different stay periods.
The fact that one applicant receives a 12-month visa does not mean another applicant will automatically receive the same period.
Your grant notice will specify the relevant conditions and stay period.
What If You Want to Visit Family in Australia?
You can potentially use the Tourist stream to visit family and friends.
The Department specifically states that the Tourist stream can be used for visiting family and friends and does not require a formal sponsor. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
However, if your circumstances involve formal sponsorship by an eligible family member, the Sponsored Family stream may be relevant.
Official Sponsored Family stream:
What Is the Sponsored Family Stream?
The Sponsored Family stream is another option under the Visitor visa subclass 600 for people who are sponsored, usually by an eligible family member, to visit family in Australia.
The Department states that applicants in this stream must have a sponsor, and the sponsor may need to complete Form 1149.
Official Form 1149:
Importantly, formal sponsorship is not necessarily required simply because you are visiting a family member. The Department indicates that someone who wants to support a visitor without becoming a formal sponsor can instead provide an invitation or support letter for a Tourist stream application, where appropriate. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Australia Visitor Visa Document Checklist
Here’s a practical checklist you can use before submitting your application.
Personal documents
☐ Valid passport
☐ Previous passport/travel history, where relevant
☐ National identity document, where applicable
☐ Name-change documents, if applicable
Financial documents
☐ Personal bank statements
☐ Payslips
☐ Savings evidence
☐ Tax documents, where applicable
☐ Other legitimate proof of funds
Employment documents
☐ Employment letter
☐ Approved leave
☐ Recent payslips
☐ Evidence of employment
Business documents
☐ Business registration
☐ Business bank statements
☐ Tax records
☐ Evidence of ongoing business operations
Travel documents
☐ Travel itinerary
☐ Accommodation information
☐ Explanation of purpose of visit
Family visit documents
☐ Invitation letter
☐ Evidence of relationship
☐ Host’s Australian status documents, where appropriate
Other documents
☐ Previous travel evidence
☐ Previous visa information
☐ English translations
☐ Police certificate if requested
☐ Health examination if requested
☐ Biometrics if requested
How to Make Your Australia Visitor Visa Application Stronger
There is no document that guarantees visa approval.
However, you can improve the quality of your application by making sure your evidence tells a clear and consistent story.
1. Make your purpose clear
Explain why you want to visit Australia.
2. Keep your itinerary realistic
Don’t create an unrealistic travel plan that doesn’t match your finances or available vacation.
3. Show genuine financial capacity
Your bank statements should make sense alongside your employment, business or other legitimate income.
4. Explain unusual transactions
If your account contains large deposits, explain them where appropriate and provide supporting evidence.
5. Demonstrate your ties to home
Show evidence of employment, business, education, family, property or other legitimate commitments.
6. Be consistent
Your application form, bank statements, employment documents, invitation letter and itinerary should not contradict each other.
7. Provide complete documents
Don’t wait for the Department to ask for documents that you already know are relevant.
8. Don’t submit fake documents
Never create or alter documents to make your application appear stronger.
False documents can result in serious immigration consequences.
Example of a Simple Australia Visitor Visa Application
Imagine an applicant who works full-time and wants to visit Australia for two weeks.
Their application could explain:
Purpose: Tourism
Length of stay: 14 days
Accommodation: Hotel
Funding: Applicant’s personal savings and salary
Employment: Full-time employee
Evidence: Employment letter, approved leave, payslips and bank statements
Travel plan: Sydney and Melbourne
Reason to return: Applicant has ongoing employment and approved annual leave ending after the trip
This type of application presents a straightforward explanation of the applicant’s circumstances.
The applicant should then support those claims with genuine documentation.
Common Australia Visitor Visa Mistakes to Avoid
1. Applying with weak financial evidence
A bank statement alone may not tell the whole story.
Your finances should make sense based on your income and circumstances.
2. Making unexplained deposits
Large last-minute deposits can raise questions if they are inconsistent with your normal financial activity.
3. Providing a fake employment letter
Never submit fraudulent employment documents.
4. Giving inconsistent information
Your application should tell the same story throughout.
5. Failing to disclose previous visa refusals
Answer immigration history questions truthfully.
6. Submitting unreadable documents
Blurry scans can make it difficult for the Department to assess your application.
7. Ignoring translation requirements
Documents in another language should be translated according to the Department’s requirements.
8. Buying expensive non-refundable tickets too early
Wait for your visa decision before making major travel commitments where possible.
9. Assuming an invitation guarantees approval
An invitation from someone in Australia does not automatically mean your visa will be granted.
10. Treating the Visitor visa as a work visa
A Visitor visa is not designed for employment in Australia.
How Much Money Do You Need for an Australia Visitor Visa?
There is no universal amount that guarantees approval.
Instead of focusing only on a specific bank balance, think about whether your finances reasonably support your proposed trip.
For example, your financial situation should make sense when compared with:
- Your salary
- Your savings
- Your travel duration
- Accommodation costs
- Airfare
- Number of travellers
- Daily expenses
- Planned activities
The Department specifically recommends evidence showing that you have enough money for your stay and to leave Australia. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Can Someone Else Pay for My Australia Trip?
Yes, another person can potentially provide financial support for your trip, depending on your circumstances.
For example:
- A family member
- Spouse
- Friend
- Employer
However, you should clearly explain who is paying and provide appropriate evidence.
Don’t present someone else’s money as though it is your own.
Can I Apply for an Australia Visitor Visa Without a Job?
You can still apply, but you should carefully explain your circumstances.
If you are unemployed, you may need to provide other evidence demonstrating:
- Your financial circumstances
- Your reasons for travelling
- Your ties to your home country
- Your plans after the visit
- How the trip will be funded
Every application is assessed on its own circumstances.
Can I Apply If Someone in Australia Is Paying for Me?
Potentially, yes.
If another person is financing your trip, explain this clearly and provide evidence of:
- Your relationship with the person
- Their ability to provide the support
- What expenses they will cover
- Where you will stay
If formal sponsorship is involved, make sure you are applying under the appropriate stream.
What Happens If My Australia Visitor Visa Is Refused?
If your visa is refused, the Department will provide a written decision explaining the outcome and, where applicable, whether there is a right to review.
Don’t immediately submit the exact same application without understanding why the first application was refused.
First examine:
- The refusal reasons
- Financial evidence
- Travel purpose
- Home-country ties
- Immigration history
- Supporting documents
- Any inconsistencies
A future application should address the relevant weaknesses rather than simply repeating the same information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Australia Visitor Visa application online?
Yes. Most applicants can apply online through ImmiAccount.
How much is the Australia Visitor Visa in 2026?
The Visitor visa (subclass 600) currently lists a base charge of AUD 250 per applicant, although additional costs may apply. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Check the official pricing information before applying:
Can I work on an Australian Visitor Visa?
No. A Visitor visa does not give you permission to work in Australia.
Can I visit family in Australia?
Yes. Visiting family and friends can be a permitted purpose under the Tourist stream.
Do I need an invitation letter?
Not necessarily.
An invitation letter can be useful if you are visiting family or friends, but it does not replace the other evidence required for your application.
Do I need a bank statement?
Financial evidence is strongly relevant because you need to demonstrate that you have, or have access to, enough money to support yourself during your visit and leave Australia.
How long does an Australia Visitor Visa take?
Processing times vary and can change.
Always check the official processing-time guide rather than relying on unofficial estimates.
Can I study on a Visitor Visa?
Generally, study or training of up to three months may be permitted, subject to the visa conditions.
Do I need biometrics?
You may be asked to provide biometrics. If required, the Department will notify you.
Do I need a medical examination?
Some applicants may be asked to complete health examinations.
Follow the instructions provided by the Department.
Can I apply for an Australian Visitor Visa from outside Australia?
Yes. The Tourist stream is specifically available to applicants applying from outside Australia, and applicants must generally be outside Australia when the visa is decided as well. (Immigration and citizenship Website)
Official Australian Government Links
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, use the Australian Department of Home Affairs as your primary source.
Australian Department of Home Affairs
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) – Tourist Stream
ImmiAccount
Visa Pricing Estimator
Visa Processing Times
Applying for a Visitor Visa
ImmiAccount Help
Sponsored Family Stream
Form 1149 – Application for Sponsorship for Sponsored Family Visitors
Final Australia Visitor Visa Checklist
Before submitting your application, ask yourself:
✅ Have I selected the correct Australian visa?
✅ Is my passport information correct?
✅ Have I clearly explained why I want to visit Australia?
✅ Is my travel plan realistic?
✅ Can I demonstrate sufficient funds?
✅ Have I provided evidence of my employment, business, education or other circumstances?
✅ Have I demonstrated genuine reasons to return home?
✅ Have I explained who is paying for the trip?
✅ Have I included an invitation letter if appropriate?
✅ Have I translated non-English documents?
✅ Are all documents clear and readable?
✅ Have I answered all questions truthfully?
✅ Have I checked my previous travel and visa history?
✅ Have I reviewed the application before submitting it?
✅ Have I paid the correct application charge?
Explore Another Opportunity
If your goal is not just to visit Australia but to study, work or build an international career, don’t limit your search to visitor visas.
At OpportunityShape, we regularly share international opportunities including:
- Scholarships
- Fully funded programmes
- Visa sponsorship jobs
- International employment opportunities
- Study opportunities
- Fellowships
- Graduate programmes
- Immigration and travel guides
Explore more international opportunities on OpportunityShape and find an option that matches your long-term goals.
Important Disclaimer
This article is provided for general information and educational purposes only. OpportunityShape is not the Australian Department of Home Affairs, an Australian visa office, a migration agent or a law firm.
Visa requirements, fees, processing times and immigration policies can change. We do not guarantee visa approval.
Always verify the latest requirements directly with the Australian Department of Home Affairs before submitting an application.
Official Australian Government website:
