Australia Tourist Visa
Quick Guide - What You Need To Know

Do I need Australia Tourist Visa to visit Australia?
Pretty much every traveller to Australia except (Australian and New Zealand Citizens with passports) require some kind of Australian travel visa.

There are different kinds of visas but I am only talking about Australian tourist visas.

You must apply for your visitors visa outside Australia before you travel.

You can do that either at an Australian Diplomatic office in your country or apply online for an an electronic Visa if you meet the criteria.

If you meet the criteria for an Electronic Travel Authority Visa (ETA Visa) and can apply online for your Australia Tourist Visa, this will save you having to visit your Australian Embassy or High Commission in person or posting your application to them. ETA Visas are very handy because they can save you time and money. ETA Visas or eVisas are quick and easy to arrange.

You should apply at least 24 hours in advance, and once issued they are valid for 12 months, so the sooner you apply the better.

Criteria for Eligiblity for ETA Visa

In order to be eligible for an ETA Visa you have to have a valid passport from one of the 32 eligible ETA countries.  You also must be in good health and have NO criminal record.

Also, if you are travelling a country other than your country of citizenship (where your passport is from) you may need proof of your entry visa to Australia.  This proof may be required in the form of a stamp or label in your passport. If this is your situation you will need to check with the immigration department of your departure country. It is best to do this early to avoid difficulty at the airport.

Common Questions

Do I need to have my travel booked before I apply for a visa?

No, you don't need to have booked your travel before you apply for a visa. In fact it is probably better to secure your visa first - this is what the Australian Government recommends.


What do I need to apply online?

• A valid passport
• Credit card

Which countries are approved ETA Countries?

Here is a current list of the ETA countries.  Please use this link as I am not a immigration specialist and the list may change and I want you to have up to date information.


What if I don't have a passport from an approved ETA country?

If you don't have a passport from an approve ETA country you will need to contact your local Australian Visa Office.


I am travelling to a conference for business can I use an Australia Tourist Visa?

No, if you you are travelling on business you cannot use a tourist visa. You can apply for a short Validity Business ETA Visa also know as a Subclass 977 Visa. You can apply online for this Australian Business ETA Visa if you fit the criteria.

Useful Australia Tourist Visa Information

Australian Visa Offices - details from the Australian Immigration Department on overseas offices where Australian Tourist Visas and Other Australian Visas can be obtained.

Temporary Business Entry Visa Information - details about the Business Entry Long Stay (subclass 457) visa
 
Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) website - more information directly from the Australian Government Department that handles immigration.

Apply online for an ETA visa - this company has been providing an online service for Australian Tourist visa since 2004 as a provider to the Australian Government. Their website is simple and easy to use and after you have applied you can easily access your eVisa so you can print it out if you lose it.