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.

The requirements for different types of Australian tourist visas that Indian applicants must comply with are described below:

Visitor Visa (subclass 600)

• Tourist Stream (apply outside Australia) - You should intend only to visit Australia and not plan to work in the country, have sufficient funds for your stay, and be outside Australia both during the application and visa decision process.
• Tourist Stream (apply in Australia) - Your intention to enter Australia must be to visit only, have sufficient funds for your stay, and be physically present in Australia during both the application and decision-making process.
• Business Visitor Stream – You should be a genuine visitor travelling to Australia for business visitor activities and be outside Australia during both the application and decision-making process on your application.
• Sponsored Family Stream – You must have been sponsored by a family member and intend to come to Australia for visiting only.

Transit Visa (Subclass 771)

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.

Eligibility for Australian Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

To be eligible for an Australian Visitor Visa (subclass 600) as an Indian citizen, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a genuine visitor; must intend to enter and stay in Australia for a temporary period only. 
• Have a genuine reason to visit, such as tourism, visiting family or friends, or attending a social or business event.
• Hold a valid Indian passport of at least six months validity from the date you intend to enter Australia.
• Must comply with the health standards and be considered a person of good character as per the character requirements and not pose a health risk to Australia. 
• Intend to stay in Australia only for the authorised period, i.e. for a maximum of three months at a time. 
• Have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Australia.
• Should not hold an Australian visa revoked or cancelled in the past.
• Have repaid your debts to the Australian government, if any.
• The visit is in the best interests of an applicant under 18.

Eligibility for Australian Visitor Visa (Subclass 771)

In addition to the above criteria, a person requiring a Transit (Subclass 771) visa should also meet the below eligibility criteria:

• Departure from Australia is required within 72 hours unless you also hold a Maritime Crew Visa (MCV).
• Must meet the biometric requirements.
• Must have travel insurance. 
• Individuals aged 18 and above must sign the Australian Values Statement.
• When entering by air to join an eligible ship's crew, holding a Maritime Crew Visa (MCV) is obligatory, and joining the ship within 5 days is required.

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:

First, You Need to Identify the Type of Australia Tourist Visa from India

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.

Next, Check Your Passport Validity for Australia Tourist Visa from India

Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity from your planned entry date to Australia.

Get Health Examinations Done for Your Australia Visa from India

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.

Common Documents Required for Australian Tourist Visa for Indians

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

• Certified copies of both sides of the Indian national identity card 
• Notarised copies of all pages of your current passport, including the bio-data, alterations, and back page.

2. Travel Itinerary

Your itinerary for your stay in Australia.

3. Application Forms and Authorizations

• Completed and signed Form 1419 for general visits and other recreational activities, or 
• Completed and signed Form 1415 for a visit for business purposes.
• Form 956 if you authorise another person to communicate regarding your visa application.

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

• A certified copy of your birth certificate
• Evidence of immediate family members.
• Evidence of name change if applicable.

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:

• The purpose of your trip
• When and where you intend to travel
• How your trip is going to be funded
• The status of your employment
• A complete itinerary for your trip
• Total duration of the trip 
• Reasons if any of the required documents were not submitted with your application

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.

Additional Documents Required for Australian Tourist Visa for Indians

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

• If your relative or friend is paying for your visit, provide evidence that they have the necessary funds.
• A letter from your employer stating your intention to return to your job
• Evidence of enrolment at a school, college or university in your home country
• Evidence of immediate family members in your home country
• Evidence of your visa or residence status in your home country and your right to return
• Evidence of property or other significant assets owned in your home country.
• Certified copies of company documents such as valid business registration licenses, import & export permits, and bank statements.
• Certified copies of military service records or discharge papers (if served in the Armed Forces of any country).
• If you are unemployed, a signed letter from your relative or any person confirming their support.

11. For Business Visitor Stream

If you are employed:

• Employment Documentation:
  • HR Letter from employer detailing position, length of employment, intended role in Australia, and travel expenses covered.
  • Educational qualifications.

• Business Contacts and Invitations:

  • Itinerary with business contacts' details.
  • Letter of invitation from the host organisation.
  • Conference registration details.
  • Details of previous contacts with Australian business entities.

• Company Documentation:

  • Certified copies of company documents for employed individuals.
  • Evidence of active business operations, such as business registration or annual report.
  • Evidence of sufficient personal funds.

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.

Create an ImmiAccount to Begin Your Australia Visa Application from India

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.

Fill the Australia Tourist Visa Application Form Online

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.

Attach Supporting Documents & Photos to Your Australia Visa Application

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.

Next, Pay the Application Fee for Your Australia Tourist Visa From India

Once the form is completed, pay the application fee using the online payment system.

Submit Your Completed Australia Tourist Visa Application

Double-check everything, then hit submit! You've officially lodged your Australian visa application online.

Provide Biometric Information for Your Australia Tourist Visa from India

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: 

• The peak processing period 
• The complexity of your application
• If the application form is incomplete and/or doesn’t include necessary supporting documents
• The current workload of the department
• The need for additional information from you

• Processing times can vary, so apply well before your travel date.
• Consider travel insurance for unexpected health emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.
• You can pay for online applications in ImmiAccount by Credit Card, PayPal, UnionPay, or BPAY. Do not use 'Manage Payments' to pay for online applications. You can only use it to pay for a paper application or an invoice.
• After submitting the application, you must regularly check your ImmiAccount for an update. 
• You can withdraw your application in ImmiAccount before a decision is made.
• You can inform the immigration centre about any changes in your situation, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or death in the family, or changes to your phone number, email, address, or passport, using your ImmiAccount. This will help you avoid delays in visa processing time.
• You can inform the immigration centre about a mistake on your visa application through your ImmiAccount.
• You should not make travel arrangements to Australia until you receive the final decision on your visa application in writing from the immigration centre. 
• You are not eligible to obtain a bridging visa to extend your stay in Australia if you enter the country on a different visa and it expires. This is due to the requirement that you be outside of Australia while your application for a visitor visa is being considered.
• Refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website for the latest information and any specific requirements for your situation.

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. 

Additional Documents Required for Minors

• 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:

• It will secure your luggage from stealing and loss.
• If you need any medical assistance, it will not dig your pocket. You just need to claim it and go for assistance.
• If personal Accidents happen, it will take care of that also.
• Delayed flights or cancelled flights for any reason will be taken care of.
• In case of lost bags or stolen wallets, you will get financial emergency cash.

Check out the below-mentioned benefits we give you with Travel Insurance for Australia:

• Zero Deductible - You don’t pay at all from your pocket, we will take care of everything.
• Cover that knows how you travel - Our coverage includes activities such as scuba diving, bungee jumping and sky diving (provided the duration is one day).
• Smartphone-enabled claims process - It’s all smart with a smartphone-enabled claim process. No paperwork, no running around. Just upload your documents when you make a claim.
• Missed Call Facility - Give us a missed call at +91-124-6174721, and we’ll call you back in 10 minutes. No more international calling charges!

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)

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).