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Planning a trip to Australia from India?
An Australian tourist visa, also known as an Australia visitor visa, is the essential first step for Indian citizens. This visa allows you to explore Australia and its magnificent natural wonders, vibrant cities, and unique culture.
Whether you're reuniting with family and friends, embarking on an adventure-filled exploration, or simply experiencing Australia's laid-back lifestyle, understanding the visa application process is crucial.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know about applying for an Australia tourist visa from India, including the different types of visitor visas available, eligibility criteria, required documentation, and the step-by-step application process.
Yes, Indian citizens do need a valid tourist visa to enter Australia. It is always recommended that you lodge your visa application well in advance of your proposed travel date and finalise travel arrangements once your visa is approved.
No, there is no visa-on-arrival provision for Indian citizens in Australia.
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Indian passport holders obtaining an Australian Tourist Visa (subclass 600). However, having travel insurance is highly recommended. It provides financial security in case of unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage during your visit to Australia.
There are over 120 types of Australian visas to cater to the different needs of foreign visitors, such as travelling, studying, working, business, visiting family, etc. The Australian tourist visa or visitor visas are categorised into 6 subclasses. You can apply for the type according to the duration and purpose of your required stay.
| Visa Subclass | Purpose | Validity Period | Number of Entries | Eligibility of Indians |
| Visitor Visa (subclass 600) | Tourism, visiting family or friends | Up to 3, 6 or 12 months | Single or multiple-entry | Eligible |
| Transit Visa (Subclass 771) | Transiting through Australia | No longer than 72 hours | Single entry | Eligible |
| Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) | Visiting family or friends, business visitor activities, cruise, holiday | Up to 3 months at a time | Multiple entry | Not Eligible |
| eVisitor (subclass 651) | Visiting family or friends, business visitor activities, cruise, holiday, studying for up to 3 months | Up to 3 months at a time | Multiple entry | Not Eligible |
| Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) | Short-term work in Australia, study for up to 4 months | 12 months | Multiple entry | Not Eligible |
| Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) | Short-term work in Australia, study for up to 4 months | 12 months | Multiple entry | Not Eligible |
The requirements for different types of Australian tourist visas that Indian applicants must comply with are described below:
You must be outside Australia, possess evidence of a confirmed booking to travel to another country within 72 hours of arrival, and have the correct documents for entry.
To join the crew of an eligible ship in Australia, hold a Maritime Crew visa along with necessary crew documents and sign on to your ship within 5 days of arrival.
Indian citizens applying for the subclass 600 tourist visa or the subclass 771 transit visa must qualify for the below eligibility criteria.
To be eligible for an Australian Visitor Visa (subclass 600) as an Indian citizen, you must meet the following criteria:
In addition to the above criteria, a person requiring a Transit (Subclass 771) visa should also meet the below eligibility criteria:
The application process to apply for a tourist visa for Australia is simple and organised. The Australian tourist visa, which comes under the category of the (Subclass 600) visitor visa, is a short-term permit granted for the sole purpose of tourism.
The whole procedure can be completed online, and you do not need to visit the embassy with a hard copy of the documents. The step-by-step visa application process for Australia has been described below:
Head to the Department of Home Affairs website and use their handy "Visa Finder" tool to see if you require a visa and what type might be best for your trip.
Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity from your planned entry date to Australia.
Depending on your visa type and length of stay, you might need a health examination. However, if you do not take the health test at this step, you might have to do it later if required for your application.
Once that’s done, prepare the necessary documents to proceed with the next steps.
Gather all the necessary documents per the checklist, including proof of travel funds, return flights, accommodation bookings, etc.
To proceed with visa application processing, you need to submit certified copies of your documents, not the originals. Original documents may not be returned to you. If originals are necessary, the application centre will ask for them.
1. Certified Copies of National Identity Card and Passport
2. Travel Itinerary
Your itinerary for your stay in Australia.
3. Application Forms and Authorizations
4. Photographs
Two recent passport-sized photographs (45 mm x 35 mm) of each person included in the application. These photographs should only be of the head and shoulders against a plain background.
5. Personal Documentation
6. Proof of Sufficient Funds
Recent personal bank statements and salary slips for the last 3 months, income tax returns, or sponsorship documents showing you can support yourself financially during the trip.
7. Proof of Accommodation
If you are visiting relatives or friends, a letter of invitation from your relative or friend in Australia. If you are not staying at a friend/relative’s house, proof of your hotel reservation should be presented.
8. Cover Letter
A detailed letter explaining your trip's purpose, itinerary, and travel dates. Below are the points that must be present in your cover letter:
9. Travel Medical Insurance
Though not mandatory, you should get travel medical insurance for financial security during your visit to Australia and submit the documentation when you submit your visa application.
In addition to the general documents listed above, you will need to provide these documentation in the following cases:
10. For Tourist Stream Australian Visa
11. For Business Visitor Stream
If you are employed:
Business Contacts and Invitations:
Company Documentation:
If you are self-employed:
Certified copies of company documents such as valid business registration, certificate of chamber membership, import and export permit, bank statements, evidence of recent business transactions, shipments, contracts or other relevant documents.
12. For Applicants Under the Age of 18
A statutory declaration giving their permission.
Form 1229 – Completed by both parents. If you use this form, you will have to attach a copy of your parent’s or guardian’s government-issued identification document (such as a passport or driver’s license) with their photograph and signature.
Form 1257, Undertaking declaration.
Evidence of enrolment at school, college or university
If travelling without both parents, a declaration signed by the person who will be responsible for you in Australia
Two forms of identification (with a signature) for any non-accompanying parent.
Where one or both parents are deceased, proof that the remaining parent or the guardian has legal custody of the applicant
Where there are custody issues, further documentation may be requested
13. For Applicants 75 Years of Age and Over
Along with the necessary documents mentioned above, international medical insurance covering your stay in Australia must be presented.
14. For Transit Visa
Confirmation of booking from Australia to another country within 72 hours of arrival. This can be in the form of a ticket.
Evidence that you can enter another country, such as a visa or other entry authority.
Note: Non-English documents must have accredited English translations. Include both the translation and a copy of the original. Each translated document should include the translator's full name, address, telephone number, and qualifications in the translated language.
Now, you need to head back to the Department of Home Affairs website and create an ImmiAccount. This is your online portal for the entire visa application process.
Log in to your ImmiAccount and locate the application form for your chosen visa subclass. Fill it out accurately and completely. A separate application form must be completed for each person holding a separate passport.
Now, attach all your scanned documents securely to your online application. Up to 60 documents can be attached for each person on most visa and citizenship applications. You should submit family applications together.
Once the form is completed, pay the application fee using the online payment system.
| Visa Subclass | Base Application Charge |
| Tourist Stream (apply outside Australia) - Visitor visa (subclass 600) | AUD 190 |
| Tourist Stream (apply in Australia) - Visitor visa (subclass 600) | AUD 475 |
| Business Visitor Stream - Visitor visa (subclass 600) | AUD 190 |
| Sponsored Family Stream - Visitor visa (subclass 600) | AUD 190 |
| Transit Visa (Subclass 771) | Free |
Note: The applicable Australian visa fee and other charges change regularly based on the norms set by the Australian government. (1)
Double-check everything, then hit submit! You've officially lodged your Australian visa application online.
Once you have submitted your visa application, check your ImmiAccount regularly to see if you need to provide us with more information, such as biometric data (photo and fingerprints). If you have been asked for biometric data, you need to do this as soon as possible so your visa application is not delayed.
The application process for a Visitor visa (Subclass 600) and Transit visa (Subclass 771) is the same. You may not need a Transit visa if you already hold another valid Australian temporary or permanent visa, and that visa permits you to transit Australia. You can check your visa details and status on Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO).
You can get visa application assistance from a registered migration agent, a legal practitioner, or an exempt person.
Australia tourist visa processing time for Indians for the subclass 600 Visitor visa Tourist stream is typically from 8 days to more than 25 days. Whereas the application for the subclass 771 Transit visa takes around 4 days to 17 days to get approved.
However, the processing time can vary depending on factors such as:
Children under 18 travelling to Australia from India must meet all standard Visitor visa requirements, including having a valid passport, proof of travel funds, and return flight bookings.
The application process for an Australian visa for minors follows the same standard procedure outlined in the 'how to apply' section, with additional requirements such as a consent form and undertaking declaration form.
A parent or legal guardian should complete and sign the visa application form through ImmiAccount on the minor's behalf. Along with the application form, the minor may need consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) or person(s) with parental responsibility.
Birth certificate: A certified copy of the minor's birth certificate is required.
Consent to Travel (Form 1229): If the minor is travelling alone or with only one parent/guardian, a completed Form 1229 - Consent to grant an Australian visa to a child under the age of 18 years must be included. This form requires the non-travelling parent/guardian's signature and a copy of their ID (passport or driver's license).
Undertaking Declaration (Form 1257): If the minor is travelling without a parent or guardian and will not be staying with a relative or on an organised tour, both Form 1229 and a completed Form 1257 - Undertaking Declaration are required. This declaration outlines the responsibility of the person accompanying the minor in Australia.
ID Proof: Certified copy of non-accompanying parent's identification (passport, driver's license, etc.)
Evidence of Decision-making: Certified copy of evidence of sole decision-making responsibility (if applicable), such as legal documents or court orders.
Form and required documents should be sent to the relevant processing office or uploaded electronically. One identity document from parent(s) must include a signature.
If your Australian tourist visa (subclass 600) gets rejected, you can re-apply for the visa and increase your chances of a confirmed visa by following the below steps:
Review the Rejection Notice: The Australian immigration office usually provides a reason for rejection in the notification. Carefully analyse this to understand where your application fell short. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, insufficient financial proof, or not meeting eligibility criteria.
Appeal the Decision: If you believe the rejection is due to an error or there's new information to present, you can lodge an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) within a specific timeframe (usually 28 days).
Re-apply with Improvements: Once you understand the reason for rejection, address those issues and reapply with a stronger application.
Seek Help from a Registered Migration Agent: Consider consulting a registered migration agent who can provide professional guidance and assist with the reapplication process.
Travel insurance is important not only if you are visiting Australia but also for any other place you visit. Australia is a gorgeous place to travel, but you can meet with inescapable circumstances anywhere, anytime.
Luggage theft, theft of cash, loss of passport, and medical emergencies are often some of the problems a tourist can face anywhere. So, to protect yourself against these, it is advisable to have travel insurance.
One of the most important factors that are a reason for you to have travel insurance when you are travelling to Australia is medical costs. The medical expenses in Australia are very expensive if you don't have travel insurance. So, Travel insurance can give you safety in all such situations:
Check out the below-mentioned benefits we give you with Travel Insurance for Australia:
No, Indians cannot apply for a tourist visa for Australia from India offline, as the Australian Department of Home Affairs no longer accepts paper applications for the subclass 600 Visitor visa.
No, Indians are not eligible to apply for an eVisitor (subclass 651) visa for Australia. According to the official Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website, the eVisitor visa is only available to citizens of certain European Union countries. (2)
| Contact | City | Official Site |
| High Commission of Australia | New Delhi | https://India.highcommission.gov.au/ |
| Consulate of Australia | Mumbai | https://mumbai.consulate.gov.au/ |
| Consulate of Australia | Chennai | https://chennai.consulate.gov.au/ |
| Consulate of Australia | Kolkata | https://kolkata.consulate.gov.au/ |
If you want to stay longer in Australia, you can apply to extend your tourist visa before it expires. If your current visa doesn't prohibit further stay, you may even apply for a new visa while the current one is still valid. It's essential to check your current visa for any potential pathways to another visa.
Additionally, you can explore different visa options to find one that best fits your needs and check your eligibility to apply for it. If you apply for a new visa before your current one expires, you'll typically receive a Bridging visa A (BVA).
However, it's crucial not to leave Australia on a BVA if you plan to return because doing so will terminate the BVA, and you won't be allowed re-entry. To leave and re-enter Australia, you must apply for a Bridging visa B (BVB).
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Disclaimer -
Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions mentioned in your policy schedule and policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.
The information mentioned here about the countries, visa fees and others is taken from different sources. Digit Insurance is not promoting or recommending anything here. Please verify the same before you book your tickets, apply for a visa, buy a travel policy or make any other decision.
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