Planning a trip to Australia — a holiday, to meet family, or just to see what life’s like there. You could be preparing to travel for any reason; irrespective of that, you’ll need a tourist visa first. The process looks complicated on paper, but once you know what they actually ask for, it’s pretty simple.
What purpose does a Tourist Visa Serve?
A tourist visa (subclass 600) lets you visit Australia for a short time — usually anywhere between 3 and 12 months. You can travel around, attend family events, or take a short study course, but you can’t work.
You can apply for a single entry (one trip) or multiple entries (come and go a few times). Most visitors apply online, and the visa is linked directly to your passport — so there’s no label or stamp.
Tourist Visa Australia Requirements
The Department of Home Affairs doesn’t just check documents. They check how genuine your reason for travel is. It is like a trust test — you show them who you are, how you’ll support yourself, and that you’ll return home after your trip.
Requirements for the tourist visa application are:
- A valid passport
- Recent photo
- Proof of funds — bank statements or payslips
- Return flight details or travel plan
- Job or business proof from home country
- Family or property ties showing you’ll go back
- Health insurance (recommended)
- Police or medical checks if asked
This list stays mostly the same unless you are asked for any extra information.
Tourist Visa Australia Cost
The cost of an Australian tourist visa is what most applicants are curious about. The base cost for a tourist visa is around AUD 200 if you apply online. If someone in Australia sponsors you under the family stream, the fee can change slightly.
There might also be some extra expenses for health checks, biometrics, document translations, etc. So don’t just budget for the visa fee alone. Keep some buffer for these small but necessary costs.
Tourist Visa Australia Processing Time
There’s no exact timeline because it depends on your case. Most tourist visa applications are, however, processed within 3 to 6 weeks. Some cases move faster and get approved in 10 days. Others might wait longer if they miss a document or if the department asks for more proof.
Here’s a small tip: apply at least 6–8 weeks before your trip. It saves the last-minute panic if the application takes longer.
Tourist Visa Australia Checklist
Before you start filling out the online form, keep these ready:
- A valid Passport (at least 6 months)
- Recent passport-size photo
- Proof of income or savings
- Travel itinerary
- Return ticket or booking plan
- Job letter, business license, or student ID
- Address details in Australia (if visiting someone)
Don’t upload random files — name them properly and keep them clear. Simple, complete documents are easy to work with and make the process swift.
Common Mistakes That Delay Approval
You’ll be surprised how many people get stuck for avoidable reasons.
Here’s what to avoid:
- Wrong visa type (e.g., visitor instead of tourist stream)
- Old or unclear bank statements
- No explanation letter for travel
- Not mentioning dependents or family ties
- Submitting incomplete translations
A short explanation note can actually make your case stronger. Write why/who you’re visiting, your plan, and when you’ll return. This shows you’re genuine.
Tourist Visa Australia Tips
Are you new to the visa process? If you have never done this before, or if handling forms feels heavy, you can always get help from our expert visa consultants. They make sure your form and documents line up with the current tourist visa Australia requirements.
They’ll also keep an eye on changing rules — like biometrics, document size limits, or health requirements. The rules don’t change every day, but missing even a small update can slow your application down.
The Bottom Line
Australian immigration just expects honesty and preparation. If you understand the tourist visa Australia requirements, have your funds ready, and apply early, the process goes smoothly.
Keep your checklist short, your story clear, and your documents complete. The rest will fall into place.
