Australia's Visitor Visas:
Exploring Your Travel Options
Welcome to your guide on Australia’s Visitor Visas, where we open the doors to a world of exploration, work, and cultural immersion in Australia. Whether your heart is set on a brief tourist adventure, an enriching working holiday, or a smooth transit, we have a visa tailored to every travel desire. Each subclass is crafted to accommodate various travel experiences, making your stay in Australia as enjoyable and straightforward as possible. We invite you to carefully review the unique requirements and conditions of each visa to ensure a seamless and compliant travel experience. Let’s embark on this exciting journey together and make your Australian visit unforgettable!
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) - Tourist Stream (Onshore)
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Tourist Stream (Onshore) is an ideal option for those looking to explore Australia’s beauty, meet with family and friends, or enjoy a leisurely cruise. It offers a flexible duration of up to one year, making it suitable for extended visits. The visa emphasises the importance of tourism and family visits in Australian society, contributing to cultural exchange and personal connections. Applicants are encouraged to have a clear plan and adequate financial resources to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Applying for this visa stream simplifies the process for tourists already in Australia, wanting to extend their stay for leisure purposes.
Who it’s for: This visa stream is designed for individuals who want to visit Australia as tourists, to see family and friends, extend their current stay, or for activities other than business or medical treatment.
Stay: Allows a stay of up to 12 months.
Key Features:
- Permits visiting family or friends in Australia.
- Suitable for tourists, including those on a cruise, or for non-business, non-medical purposes.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must intend to stay in Australia solely for visiting purposes.
- Must have sufficient funds to support their stay in Australia.
- Applicants must be in Australia both when they apply for the visa and when the decision is made.
Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)
First Work and Holiday Visa
The First Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) provides a unique opportunity for young adults to experience Australian culture, lifestyle, and work environment. It is perfectly suited for those looking to combine travel and work, offering a balance of earning while exploring the diverse landscapes and cities of Australia. This visa encourages cultural exchange and international understanding, allowing young people to broaden their horizons, gain new skills, and make international connections. The ability to study for a short period adds to the appeal, enabling visa holders to enhance their educational experience while in Australia.
Who it’s for: Targeted at young people aged 18 to 30 from eligible countries, this visa enables them to have an extended holiday in Australia while working to fund their trip.
Stay: The visa duration is 12 months.
Key Features:
- Allows short-term work in Australia to support the visa holder’s holiday expenses.
- Permits study for up to 4 months.
- Enables multiple entries to and from Australia during the visa’s validity.
- Offers the opportunity to do 3 months of specified work under subclass 462, qualifying for a Second Work and Holiday visa.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must hold a passport from an eligible country.
- Age requirement is between 18 to 30 years (inclusive).
- Application must be made from outside Australia.
- Applicants cannot be accompanied by dependent children or family members.
- Applicants must not have previously entered Australia on a subclass 462 or 417 visa.
Second Work and Holiday Visa
The Second Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) provides a fantastic opportunity for young adults to extend their adventure in Australia. It is ideal for those who have enjoyed their first working holiday and wish to continue exploring the Australian lifestyle, culture, and work opportunities. This visa reinforces Australia’s commitment to cultural exchange and international connections by allowing young people to deepen their experience in the country. The requirement of completing specific work underlines the visa’s focus on contributing to Australia’s economy and society, while also enriching the visa holder’s life experience.
Who it’s for: Aimed at individuals aged 18 to 30 who currently hold, or have previously held, a First Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462), this visa allows them to enjoy a second working holiday in Australia.
Stay: The visa permits another 12-month stay.
Key Features:
- Enables short-term work in Australia to support the visa holder’s holiday.
- Allows study for up to 4 months.
- Permits multiple entries to and from Australia during the visa’s validity.
- Offers eligibility for a Third Work and Holiday visa after completing 6 months of specified work under subclass 462.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have previously entered Australia on a First Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462).
- If in Australia, applicants must hold a substantive visa or their last substantive visa should have expired less than 28 days ago.
- Holders need to have a passport from an eligible country.
- Age requirement is between 18 to 30 years (inclusive).
- Applicants are required to have completed 3 months of specified subclass 462 work.
- Cannot be accompanied by dependent children or family members.
Third Work and Holiday Visa
The Third Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) offers an extended opportunity for young adults to immerse themselves further in the Australian way of life. It is an excellent option for those who have thoroughly enjoyed their previous working holidays in Australia and wish to continue exploring the country’s diverse landscapes, culture, and employment opportunities. This visa not only encourages ongoing cultural exchange and international friendship but also supports the Australian economy through the participation of young, enthusiastic individuals in the workforce. Emphasis on both work and holiday reflects a balanced approach to experiencing Australia, providing young travellers with a unique blend of adventure, work, and educational opportunities.
Who it’s for: Tailored for individuals aged 18 to 30 who currently hold, or have held, a Second Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462). This visa enables them to experience a third working holiday in Australia.
Stay: The visa permits a further stay of 12 months.
Key Features:
- Allows for short-term work in Australia to help fund the holiday experience.
- Enables study for up to 4 months.
- Grants the freedom to travel to and from Australia multiple times during the visa’s validity.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have previously held First and Second Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)
- If in Australia, applicants must either hold a substantive visa or their last substantive visa should have expired less than 28 days ago.
- Applicants need to have a passport from an eligible country.
- The age requirement is between 18 to 30 years (inclusive).
- Must have completed 6 months of specified work under subclass 462.
- Cannot be accompanied by dependent children or family members.
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)
First Work and Holiday Visa
The First Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) provides a fantastic opportunity for young adults from various countries to explore Australia’s vibrant culture and diverse landscapes. It is ideal for those seeking to combine travel and work, facilitating a deeper understanding of Australian life while enabling them to fund their adventures. This visa fosters cultural exchange and international friendships, enriching the Australian community and providing a life-changing experience for the visa holders. The balance of work and holiday options under this visa allows for both personal and professional growth, making it an attractive choice for young travelers.
Who it’s for: This visa is designed for young people aged 18 to 30 years old (or 35 years old for certain countries), allowing them to enjoy their first extended holiday in Australia while working to fund their trip.
Stay: The visa duration is 12 months.
Key Features:
- Enables short-term work in Australia to help support the visa holder’s holiday.
- Allows study for up to 4 months.
- Permits multiple entries to and from Australia during the visa’s validity.
- Offers the opportunity to do 3 months of specified work, qualifying for a second Working Holiday visa.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must hold a passport from an eligible country or jurisdiction.
- Age requirement is between 18 to 30 years old (or up to 35 years old for some countries).
- Application must be made online from outside Australia.
- Applicants cannot be accompanied by dependent children or family members.
- Must not have previously entered Australia on a subclass 417 or 462 visa.
Second Work and Holiday Visa
The Second Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) offers an extended opportunity for young adults to further immerse themselves in the Australian lifestyle and work environment. It is particularly suited for those who have enjoyed their initial working holiday and are eager to continue their adventure, exploring more of what Australia has to offer. This visa strengthens the cultural and social ties between Australia and the countries of the visa holders, fostering deeper international connections and contributing to the multicultural landscape of Australia. The requirement of completing specific work demonstrates a commitment to contributing to the Australian community, enhancing the overall experience of the visa holder.
Who it’s for: This visa caters to individuals aged 18 to 30 years old (or up to 35 years old for certain countries) who currently hold, or have previously held, a First Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417), allowing them to have a second working holiday in Australia.
Stay: The visa permits another stay of up to 12 months.
Key Features:
- Enables short-term work in Australia to support the holiday expenses.
- Permits study for up to 4 months.
- Allows multiple entries to and from Australia during the visa’s validity.
- Qualifies for a Third Working Holiday Visa after completing 6 months of specified work under Subclass 417.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have previously entered Australia on a Subclass 417 visa.
- If in Australia, applicants should hold a substantive visa or their last substantive visa should have expired less than 28 days ago.
- Holders need to have a passport from an eligible country or jurisdiction.
- The age requirement is between 18 to 30 years old (or up to 35 years old for some countries).
- Must have completed 3 months of specified work under Subclass 417.
- Cannot be accompanied by dependent children or family members.
Third Work and Holiday Visa
The Third Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) provides an incredible opportunity for young travelers to further explore and experience the diverse Australian culture, landscape, and work opportunities. This visa is perfect for those who have thoroughly enjoyed their previous working holidays and are eager to continue their adventures in Australia. It fosters deeper understanding and connections with Australia, allowing for a prolonged and enriching cultural exchange. The visa’s focus on both work and leisure ensures a balanced experience, promoting personal growth and contribution to the Australian community.
Who it’s for: This visa is tailored for individuals aged 18 to 30 years old (or up to 35 years old for certain countries) who have previously held two subclass 417 visas, offering them a chance to enjoy a third working holiday in Australia.
Stay: The visa permits for a further 12 month stay.
Key Features:
- Permits short-term work in Australia to help finance the holiday experience.
- Enables study for up to 4 months.
- Allows for multiple entries to and from Australia during the visa’s validity.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have previously held both First and Second Working Holiday Visas (Subclass 417).
- If in Australia, applicants must either hold a substantive visa or their last substantive visa should have expired less than 28 days ago.
- Applicants need to have a passport from an eligible country or jurisdiction.
- Age requirement is between 18 to 30 years old (or up to 35 years old for some countries).
- Must have completed 6 months of specified work under subclass 417.
- Cannot be accompanied by dependent children or family members.
Transit Visa (Subclass 771)
The Transit Visa (Subclass 771) is an essential visa category facilitating smooth and efficient transit through Australia for travelers and crew members. It provides a practical solution for individuals with brief layovers in Australia or those transitioning to join a ship’s crew. The visa ensures that transit passengers and maritime crew can meet their travel and work commitments without unnecessary delays or complications. This visa type underscores the importance of supporting international travel and maritime operations, reflecting Australia’s role as a global hub for transit and maritime activities.
Who it’s for: The Transit Visa (Subclass 771) is designed for individuals who need to transit through Australia for up to 72 hours. It’s also applicable to those holding a Maritime Crew visa who need to enter Australia by air and join an eligible ship as a crew member within 5 days of arrival.
Stay: The visa allows for a transit period of no longer than 72 hours.
Key Features:
- Permits transit through Australia for up to 72 hours.
- Enables Maritime Crew Visa (Subclass 988) holders to enter Australia and join the crew of an eligible ship within 5 days of arrival.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be outside Australia.
- They need to have evidence of a confirmed booking to travel to another country within 72 hours of arriving in Australia, along with the correct documents to enter that country.
- If joining the crew of an eligible ship, they must hold a Maritime Crew Visa and the necessary crew documents, signing on to the ship within 5 days of arrival.
Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601)
The Electronic Travel Authority offers a convenient and flexible way for eligible individuals to visit Australia frequently for short periods. This visa is ideal for tourists and business visitors who plan to make multiple trips to Australia, providing them the liberty to come and go as needed over a 12-month period. The simplicity and speed of the application process through the Australian ETA app make it an attractive option for frequent travelers. With each entry allowing up to a 3-month stay, it’s perfect for those who wish to explore Australia’s diverse attractions or conduct short-term business visits. This visa type underscores Australia’s welcoming approach to visitors and business travelers, simplifying entry formalities while ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Who it’s for: The Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) is designed for individuals who wish to visit Australia frequently within a 12-month period, primarily for tourism or certain business visitor activities.
Stay: Allows multiple entries with each stay lasting up to 3 months.
Key Features:
- Permits multiple visits to Australia for family visits, holidays, or cruises.
- Enables undertaking of some business visitor activities.
- Offers flexibility in travel with the option to enter Australia multiple times within a year.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must apply from outside Australia.
- They must hold an eligible passport.
- The application must be done using the Australian ETA app.
- Watching the ETA video guides is a part of the application process.
E-Visitor (Subclass 651)
The eVisitor (Subclass 651) visa offers a flexible and cost-effective way for eligible individuals to enjoy Australia’s diverse attractions and engage in short-term business activities. This visa type is particularly convenient for those who plan frequent visits or extended stays in Australia, whether for leisure, family visits, or business purposes. The ability to undertake short-term study or training adds to its versatility, making it an attractive option for those seeking to enhance their skills while enjoying a stay in Australia. The visa’s ease of access and available to a wide range of nationalities, demonstrates Australia’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange and supporting international business relations.
Who it’s for: The eVisitor visa (Subclass 651) is intended for individuals who want to visit Australia multiple times within a 12-month period for tourism, visiting family or friends, or conducting business visitor activities. It’s also suitable for those interested in short-term study or training.
Stay: Allows multiple entries with each visit lasting up to 3 months.
Key Features:
- Enables visiting family or friends, holidaying, or cruising.
- Permits undertaking business visitor activities.
- Allows for short-term study or training for up to 3 months, under certain conditions.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must apply from outside Australia.
- They must hold a passport from an eligible country.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visitor Visas
How long does the Visitor Visa application process take? Processing times vary based on the visa subclass and individual circumstances. For an indication of processing times it is recommended to visit The Department of Home Affairs visa processing time guide tool.
What are the main differences between the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) and the Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601)? “The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) allows for a longer stay and is more versatile, while the Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) is ideal for multiple short-term visits over a year.”
Can I work in Australia on an eVisitor (Subclass 651) visa? “No, the eVisitor (Subclass 651) visa is primarily for tourism and certain business activities, not for employment.”
Discover Endless Opportunities with Australia's Visitor Visas
Australia invites you to experience its stunning landscapes, dynamic business environment, and unique working holiday opportunities with its array of visitor visas. Each visa is thoughtfully designed to enrich your journey, whether you’re seeking adventure, business engagements, or simple transit. Our visitor visas cater to a wide spectrum of needs, from tourists and business travelers to those passing through or seeking an adventure, showcasing Australia’s warm welcome to guests from around the globe. Selecting the right visa doesn’t just prepare you for a trip; it launches you into an unforgettable experience in Australia.
Ready to embark on your Australian adventure? Start exploring the perfect visa for your journey today, and step into a world where your travel dreams turn into reality. Australia awaits your arrival – let’s begin this incredible journey together!