Planning a trip to Australia and wondering what the visa will cost you? The answer depends entirely on which country your passport comes from and which type of visa you need. For some travellers it is completely free. For others it costs AUD $20. For visitors from countries that require the standard tourist visa, the fee is around AUD $200. And if you are a frequent business traveller or need a long-validity option, it goes up to AUD $1,120 or beyond.
This guide covers every tourist and visitor visa option for Australia in 2026, breaks down the exact fees, explains what the processing times look like in practice, and gives you the most important approval tips including the one factor that catches more applicants off guard than any other: the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement.
Step One: Which Visa Do You Actually Need?
Before you look at costs, you need to know which visa applies to your passport. Australia has three main pathways for short-term visitors, and the one you use determines your cost and how fast you get approved.
Option 1: eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651) — Free
The eVisitor is Australia’s most convenient entry option and it costs absolutely nothing. It is available to passport holders from eligible European countries including all 27 EU member states plus Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, and the Vatican.
The eVisitor allows multiple visits to Australia over a 12-month period, with each stay of up to three months. It is electronically linked to your passport, meaning there is no stamp and no card to carry. You simply apply online, receive your approval (often within a day or two), and travel.
Processing times are generally fast, though delays can occur if the Department of Home Affairs requests additional information. Apply at least four weeks before your intended departure date to be safe.
Cost: AUD $0
Option 2: Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) — Subclass 601 — AUD $20
The ETA is available to passport holders from approximately 34 eligible countries, primarily in Asia and the Americas, including the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, and several Gulf states. UK and Irish passport holders qualify for the eVisitor, not the ETA.
Like the eVisitor, the ETA allows multiple visits over 12 months, each of up to three months. It is electronically linked to your passport. Applications are made through the official Australian ETA app or through authorised travel agents.
The AUD $20 is technically a service charge rather than a visa application fee. Most approvals are near-instant through the app. Processing typically takes minutes, though some applications are referred for manual review and may take a few days.
Note for Indian passport holders: Indian citizens are not eligible for the ETA and must apply for the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa described below.
Cost: AUD $20
Option 3: Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) — AUD $190 to $1,480+
The Subclass 600 is Australia’s standard visitor visa for everyone not eligible for the ETA or eVisitor, including citizens of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, most African and Middle Eastern countries, and many others. It is also used by travellers who want to stay longer than three months, have family in Australia they want to visit under a formal sponsorship arrangement, or need a long-validity frequent traveller option.
The Subclass 600 has five distinct streams with different fees and conditions.
Full Fee Breakdown: Every Tourist Visa Option in 2026
| Visa Type | Subclass | Fee (AUD) | Stay Allowed | Who It Is For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eVisitor | 651 | Free | Up to 3 months per visit, multiple entries over 12 months | European passport holders |
| Electronic Travel Authority | 601 | $20 | Up to 3 months per visit, multiple entries over 12 months | US, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and others |
| Visitor Visa: Tourist Stream (Offshore) | 600 | $190 to $200 | Up to 3, 6, or 12 months | Most other nationalities applying from outside Australia |
| Visitor Visa: Tourist Stream (Onshore) | 600 | $500 | Up to 3 months extension | Visitors already in Australia wanting to extend stay |
| Visitor Visa: Business Visitor Stream | 600 | $200 | Up to 3 months | Short-term business activities, conferences, negotiations |
| Visitor Visa: Sponsored Family Stream | 600 | $200 | Up to 3, 6, or 12 months | Visitors with an Australian citizen or PR relative as sponsor |
| Visitor Visa: Frequent Traveller Stream | 600 | $1,120 | Up to 10 years, 3 months per visit | Invited repeat business travellers |
All fees are quoted in Australian dollars and are non-refundable regardless of outcome. Fees are adjusted on 1 July each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.
The AUD $190 to $200 figure for the offshore Tourist stream is the base government application charge. Additional costs may apply depending on your individual circumstances, which are covered in the next section.
Hidden Costs: What Else You Might Pay
The visa application fee is only the starting point. Depending on your nationality, documentation situation, and personal circumstances, the following additional costs may apply.
Biometrics collection: From January 2025, biometrics including fingerprints and facial photographs became part of the application process for certain nationalities. If required, you will be directed to a biometrics collection centre. The fee is approximately AUD $80. Not all nationalities are required to provide biometrics, and you will only be instructed to do so if it applies to your case.
Document translation: All documents submitted with your application must be in English. If your bank statements, employment letters, property documents, or other supporting materials are in another language, you will need certified translations. Translation costs typically run AUD $20 to $50 per page, depending on the language and the translator you use.
Migration agent fees: Using a registered migration agent is optional for a standard tourist visa application but many applicants, particularly those from higher-scrutiny countries or with complex circumstances, find professional assistance worthwhile. Migration agents registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) charge AUD $200 to $1,500 for tourist visa assistance, depending on complexity. Never pay an unregistered agent.
Travel insurance: While not a formal visa condition for most nationalities, the Department of Home Affairs strongly recommends adequate travel and health insurance. Australia’s public healthcare system through Medicare does not cover visitors, with the exception of citizens of countries holding reciprocal healthcare agreements with Australia, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Malta, and Slovenia. For everyone else, a medical emergency in Australia without insurance can be financially devastating. Travel insurance from AUD $50 to $150 per month of travel is strongly advisable.
Security bond for Sponsored Family Stream: If your Australian sponsor has a lower income or if the Department considers there to be a risk the sponsored visitor may overstay, a financial bond may be required. Bonds typically range from AUD $5,000 to $15,000, held by the Department for the duration of your visit and returned after you depart Australia on schedule.
Realistic total cost for a Subclass 600 Tourist Stream application: For most straightforward offshore applicants: AUD $200 to $350 including base fee and any translation costs. For applicants requiring biometrics, translation, and travel insurance: AUD $400 to $600. For sponsored family applications with a bond requirement: AUD $5,500 to $15,500.
Processing Times: What to Expect in 2026
Processing times vary significantly depending on your visa type, nationality, and how complete your application is. These are the current indicative timeframes.
eVisitor (Subclass 651): One day to several weeks. Most applications from straightforward European applicants are decided within one to three business days. Some applications are referred for additional checks and can take longer.
ETA (Subclass 601): Minutes to a few days. The majority of ETA applications submitted through the app are approved near-instantly. Manual referrals for additional review typically resolve within a few business days.
Subclass 600 Tourist Stream (offshore): The Department of Home Affairs publishes processing time estimates based on the percentage of applications decided. Currently, 75 percent of Subclass 600 Tourist stream applications are decided within 20 to 33 days, and 90 percent within 70 to 100 days. Some complex cases involving detailed character or health checks take longer.
Subclass 600 Tourist Stream (onshore): Similar to the offshore stream but sometimes faster given the Department’s interest in resolving cases before an applicant’s existing permission expires.
Subclass 600 Business Visitor Stream: Generally comparable to the Tourist stream but may be prioritised for business-critical travel.
Subclass 600 Frequent Traveller Stream: Longer, as applications require an invitation to apply and additional assessment. Allow several months.
The critical practical advice is this: apply at least four to eight weeks before your intended travel date for a Subclass 600 visa. Do not book non-refundable flights, accommodation, or tours before your visa is granted. Unexpected delays happen, and the Department is not able to expedite processing for personal deadlines.
Eligibility Requirements: What You Must Meet
All visitor visas require you to satisfy the Department that you meet the following core conditions.
Genuine Temporary Entrant: This is the central and most important requirement. You must genuinely intend to visit Australia temporarily and leave before your visa expires. Case officers assess your overall circumstances, including your immigration history, your ties to your home country, and whether there are reasons you might want to remain in Australia permanently or work illegally.
Financial capacity: You must have enough money to support yourself throughout your stay and to pay for your return journey home. You do not need to show a specific minimum amount, but your bank statements should demonstrate a consistent and genuine financial position. Sudden large deposits made shortly before your application are a red flag.
Health requirements: Most visitor visa applicants do not need a health examination unless they are 75 years of age or older, are applying for a stay of six months or more and come from a country with elevated tuberculosis risk, or have specific circumstances that trigger a health requirement. The Department will advise you if an examination is required.
Character requirements: You must have a clean character history. The Department assesses any criminal history you have declared and may request police clearance certificates from countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay in Australia. Most immigration advisers recommend a minimum of six months’ validity beyond your planned departure date from Australia.
Intent not to work or study: Visitor visas do not permit paid work or long-term study. If you intend to work or study in Australia, you need a different visa entirely.
Required Documents for a Subclass 600 Application
Gather the following before starting your application.
Your valid passport, showing at minimum the biographical data page. Passport-sized photographs that meet Australian Department of Home Affairs specifications. Your birth certificate and national identity document. Bank statements from the past three to six months demonstrating consistent financial capacity. Recent payslips or a letter from your employer confirming your position, salary, and that you have approved leave for the travel period. Evidence of return or onward travel, such as a booking confirmation for a return flight. A travel itinerary showing your planned activities, accommodation bookings, and the dates of your trip. If visiting family or friends in Australia, an invitation letter from your host including their contact details and their Australian visa or citizenship status. Evidence of ties to your home country such as property ownership documents, evidence of dependent family members, business ownership records, or any other documentation that demonstrates you have compelling reasons to return home.
For the Sponsored Family stream, your Australian sponsor will also need to provide evidence of their own status in Australia, potentially their financial details, and in some cases complete a formal sponsorship undertaking.
How to Apply Step by Step
Step 1: Determine which visa stream applies to your situation and passport. If your passport is from a European country, start with the eVisitor. If from a country eligible for the ETA, use the Australian ETA app. For all other nationalities, proceed with the Subclass 600.
Step 2: Create an ImmiAccount at the Department of Home Affairs website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au). This is the official and only portal for Subclass 600 applications. There is no charge to create an account.
Step 3: Complete Form 1419 for the Tourist stream. Select the correct stream (Tourist, Business Visitor, Sponsored Family, or Frequent Traveller). Enter your personal details accurately and consistently. Inconsistencies between what you write in the form and what your documents show are a common cause of delays and refusals.
Step 4: Upload your supporting documents. All documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations. Scan clearly in colour.
Step 5: Pay the visa application fee by credit or debit card. The Department accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Some cards attract a small payment surcharge.
Step 6: Submit your application. You will receive a Transaction Reference Number (TRN) that you can use to track your application in ImmiAccount.
Step 7: Respond promptly to any requests for additional information from the Department. Delays in responding can significantly extend processing time.
Step 8: Once decided, your visa grant notice will be emailed to you. Your visa is electronically linked to your passport. There is no sticker or stamp. Carry a copy of your grant notice when travelling.
The Genuine Temporary Entrant Requirement: The Most Important Factor in 2026
The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement is the central consideration in every Subclass 600 assessment and has attracted significantly tighter scrutiny since late 2025. Understanding this requirement is the difference between approval and refusal for a large proportion of applicants.
In March 2026, a Japanese-based scientist with long-term UK and US visas and a permanent academic post was refused a Subclass 600 visa. The refusal letter stated that officers were not satisfied she genuinely intended to visit temporarily, citing weak evidence of economic ties to her country of residence. Her qualifications, foreign visa history, and academic status were irrelevant. What mattered was whether she could demonstrate compelling reasons to leave Australia when her visa expired.
This case illustrates the key point: the GTE assessment is about what anchors you to your home country, not about how impressive your qualifications are. A well-credentialed traveller with no property, no employer to return to, no dependent family, and no strong financial commitments at home will fail the GTE test. A less credentialed traveller who owns property, has dependent children, has an employer who has approved their leave, and has active financial commitments at home will likely pass it.
Case officers in 2026 are looking specifically for stable employment with approved leave and a confirmed return to work date, property ownership or a long-term lease in your home country, dependent family members (a partner, children, or elderly parents who need you present), active business interests or financial commitments that require your physical presence at home, and a travel history that shows compliance with visa conditions in Australia and other countries.
The GTE assessment is also cumulative. Your immigration history across all countries matters. If you have overstayed a visa anywhere, that will be visible and will be weighed against your application.
Top Approval Tips: What Actually Works
Write a detailed cover letter or personal statement. The application form alone does not give you space to explain your situation fully. A well-written cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit, your itinerary, your reasons for returning home, and your financial position gives the case officer context that the form fields cannot capture. Aim for two to three pages, clear and specific.
Show multiple ties to your home country, not just one. Relying solely on an employer letter, or solely on bank statements, is weaker than presenting employment evidence plus property documents plus family obligations plus financial commitments. Case officers are looking for a pattern of genuine life commitments, not a single document.
Demonstrate consistent finances, not a sudden windfall. Bank statements showing a steady, consistent balance over three to six months are far more convincing than an account that shows a large deposit made shortly before the application date. The Department specifically looks for sudden financial activity as a red flag. If you genuinely have the funds but your account history is thin, consider supplementing your bank statements with payslips, tax returns, or evidence of assets.
Be completely honest about previous visa refusals. Every Australian visa application requires you to declare all previous visa refusals from Australia and other countries. Failing to disclose a previous refusal is a character issue that can result in your current application being refused and may affect all future applications. If you have had a previous refusal, address it directly in your cover letter with an explanation of what has changed.
Match your stated purpose to your documents. If you say you are visiting for tourism, your itinerary should reflect tourism. If your documents show you have business meetings scheduled, this conflicts with a tourist stream application. Choose the correct stream for your actual purpose and make sure every document you provide is consistent with that stated purpose.
Book refundable travel until the visa is granted. Avoid booking non-refundable flights, accommodation, or pre-paid tours before your visa is approved. Unexpected delays are common, and processing times can extend significantly for applicants from certain countries or during peak application periods.
Apply four to eight weeks in advance. Last-minute applications are a significant source of stress and a common reason why people pay more for urgent agent assistance that may not be able to help anyway. Four to eight weeks gives you enough buffer to respond to any requests for additional information without affecting your travel plans.
Do not apply for a 12-month stay unless you genuinely need it. Requesting a longer grant than your circumstances justify raises scrutiny. If you are visiting for two weeks, requesting a 12-month visa may prompt the case officer to question your genuine intention. Request what you actually need and explain your purpose clearly.
Common Rejection Reasons and How to Avoid Them
Australia refused approximately 9.2 percent of Subclass 600 applications as of December 2024, with rejection rates rising slightly above 10 percent in 2025, according to industry data. The most common reasons for rejection are consistently the same.
Weak ties to home country. The single most common refusal reason. Counter this with multiple layers of evidence: an employer letter with return-to-work date, property documents, family obligations, and active financial commitments.
Insufficient financial evidence. Bank statements that show an inconsistent balance, sudden large deposits, or funds that do not appear to be genuinely the applicant’s own are viewed with suspicion. Provide three to six months of consistent statements.
Incomplete or inconsistent documents. Missing documents or information that contradicts other parts of the application trigger delays and refusals. Cross-check every document against the information in your form before submitting.
Suspected intent to work or stay. If your application gives any impression that you intend to work or remain in Australia permanently, expect a refusal. Be clear about your purpose and present a realistic itinerary.
Previous visa overstays. A history of overstaying visas in Australia or other countries significantly and negatively affects GTE assessment. If you have an overstay on record, address it directly in your application and explain what has changed since then.
Undisclosed previous visa refusals. Failing to declare a prior refusal when the application asks the question directly is treated as a character issue, not an oversight.
What Happens After Refusal
If your Subclass 600 application is refused, you can reapply immediately. There is no mandatory waiting period. However, reapplying with the same documentation that led to the original refusal will produce the same outcome.
Read the refusal letter carefully. The Department is required to provide reasons for offshore visitor visa refusals. Those reasons tell you exactly what the case officer found insufficient. Address those specific points in your new application with additional or stronger evidence.
For offshore Subclass 600 refusals, merits review at the Administrative Review Tribunal is generally not available. Your option is to lodge a stronger new application. This is where using a MARA-registered migration agent can provide genuine value: they can assess what went wrong and help you present a stronger case.
Be aware that all future applications require you to declare the previous refusal. Address it honestly and explain what has changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in Australia on a tourist visa? No. Tourist visas (eVisitor, ETA, and Subclass 600 Tourist stream) strictly prohibit paid work, including remote work for a foreign employer. Engaging in paid employment on a visitor visa can result in visa cancellation, deportation, and a ban on future Australian visas. If you intend to work in Australia, you need a work visa.
Can I study on a tourist visa? Short courses of up to three months duration are permitted on a visitor visa. Enrolment in any course longer than three months requires a student visa.
Can I extend my tourist visa from inside Australia? You can apply for another Subclass 600 visa while in Australia if your current visa does not carry a Condition 8503 (No Further Stay) condition. However, approval is not automatic and you must demonstrate genuine temporary intent, financial capacity, and strong ties to your home country. Extension applications attract the higher onshore fee of AUD $500.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused? No. All Australian visa application charges are non-refundable regardless of outcome. If your application is refused, withdrawn, or incorrectly lodged, you lose the fee. This policy makes it essential to be confident of your eligibility before applying, and to prepare your application thoroughly.
How do I know if my passport qualifies for the ETA or eVisitor? Check the official Department of Home Affairs website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) visa finder tool. Enter your passport country and your intended purpose of travel. The tool will identify which visa options are available to you.
Does Australia have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with my country? Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements with the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Malta, and Slovenia. Citizens of these countries can access Medicare for medically necessary treatment during their visit. All other visitors should arrange comprehensive travel health insurance.
Can I visit Australia if I have a criminal record? A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from a visitor visa, but it will be assessed. Minor historical offences are generally not problematic. Serious convictions, particularly those resulting in a sentence of 12 months or more imprisonment, can result in refusal under Australia’s character requirements. Declare any criminal history accurately and fully. Failing to disclose when asked directly is treated as a character issue.
The Bottom Line
Australia’s tourist visa system in 2026 covers every budget and every travel need. For eligible passport holders, the eVisitor is completely free and the ETA costs just AUD $20. For the majority of other nationalities, the standard Subclass 600 Tourist stream costs AUD $200 and processes in three to five weeks with a well-prepared application.
The cost is not the hard part. The hard part is demonstrating to a case officer that you are a genuine temporary visitor who has compelling reasons to return home. Get that right, and the rest of the process is straightforward.
Apply early. Be consistent and honest across every document. Show multiple ties to your home country. And carry comprehensive travel insurance regardless of what your visa says about it.
Sources: Australian Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au), Australian Visa Online Fee Guide March 2026, Fenro Immigration Subclass 600 Guide April 2026, Tern Visa Australian Visa Cost Guide March 2026, Edvise Hub Visitor Visa Guide March 2026, VisaHQ GTE Analysis March 2026, Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers 2026, ISAM Migrations Visitor Visa Rejection Guide. All fees and processing times are current as of May 2026. Fees are indexed annually on 1 July. Always verify current fees and requirements at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before applying.