Last checked: November 2026.
Almost every tourist needs a visa before travelling to Australia. Which one you apply for depends on your passport: an ETA (subclass 601), an eVisitor (subclass 651) or a Visitor visa (subclass 600). According to Tourism Australia, only New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival. Always confirm your passport’s rules with the Department of Home Affairs.
Which Australian Visa Do You Need as a Tourist?
Australia doesn’t offer visa-free entry for tourists. You need one of three main options before you board your flight.
| Visa | Who it’s for | How you apply | Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETA (subclass 601) | Passport holders from a set list of countries and regions, living outside Australia | The Australian ETA app only | Up to three months per visit, with multiple visits for up to a year |
| eVisitor (subclass 651) | Passport holders from mainly European countries | Online application | Up to three months at a time within 12 months. It can’t be extended. |
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) | Everyone else, and anyone who can’t use the options above | Online through an ImmiAccount for most applicants, from outside Australia | Set when the visa is granted |
Choose by passport group
- Passports such as the US, the UK (British citizen), Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Malaysia: you’ll most likely use the ETA. The eligible list is set by the Australian government and can change, so check it for your passport.
- Many European passports: you may qualify for the eVisitor, which Tourism Australia describes as free. Some of these passports can also use the ETA.
- Most other passports, including many from South Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America: you’ll usually apply for the Visitor visa (subclass 600).
- New Zealand citizens: you can get a visa on arrival.
Not sure? Use the Home Affairs visa finder and enter the passport you’ll travel on.
How Do You Apply for an Australian Tourist Visa?
The process differs by visa, so start with the right one.
- Check your passport group on the Home Affairs site.
- For an ETA, download the Australian ETA app. Tourism Australia says this is the only way to apply for it.
- For an eVisitor or Visitor visa, create an ImmiAccount and complete the online form.
- Upload what’s asked, pay any official fee shown at checkout, and wait for the decision by email.
- Save your grant details. Visas are linked electronically to your passport, so there’s usually no sticker.
Fees and processing times change. Use only the amount shown on the official application, and treat third-party sites with caution.
Which Documents Should You Prepare?
Requirements depend on the visa. For the Visitor visa (subclass 600), plan for these.
- A valid passport, with enough validity for your whole stay.
- Proof you can pay for the trip, such as bank statements.
- Your travel plans, including where you’ll stay.
- Evidence of your life at home, such as work or family ties.
- Any extra documents the online form requests.
The Visitor visa uses a “genuine visitor” test. That means Home Affairs looks at your purpose, your plans, your travel history and your circumstances at home. A clear, honest application matters more than a long one.
What Happens at the Border?
Australian border officers can check your passport, your visa and your bags. Expect these steps.
- Incoming Passenger Card: most travellers still fill in the paper card on the plane or on arrival, and the government has begun phasing in a digital Australia Travel Declaration to replace it. Follow your airline’s instructions and answer every question truthfully.
- Biosecurity: Australia has strict rules on food, plants, wood and animal products. Declare anything you’re unsure about.
- Cash: you must declare AUD 10,000 or more in cash, or the equivalent in another currency.
The US State Department also reminds travellers to leave Australia before their visa expires.
Can You Extend Your Visa or Work as a Tourist?
Tourist visas don’t allow work. If you want to stay longer, you generally need to apply for another visa before the current one ends.
- An eVisitor can’t be extended.
- An ETA holder can apply for another visa, such as a Visitor visa (subclass 600), according to Tourism Australia.
- Some visas carry a “No Further Stay” condition, which can block onshore applications. Check your grant notice.
If you’re only passing through, a transit visa may apply for stays of up to 72 hours. Some travellers don’t need one, so check your passport group.
Safety Notes for Visitors
The US State Department describes Australia as generally a safe destination for travellers. The UK FCDO travel advice doesn’t advise against travel to any region, but it warns that terrorist attacks can’t be ruled out and that bushfire risk is higher from October to February. Read the latest advice for your own country before you book.
Common Visa Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking non-refundable flights before the visa is approved.
- Applying on an unofficial website that adds extra fees.
- Choosing the wrong visa for your passport.
- Forgetting that each family member needs their own application.
- Assuming you can work or study long-term on a tourist visa.
Australia Visa Checklist
- Confirm your passport group on the official site.
- Apply early and save your confirmation.
- Carry a copy of your grant notice and your travel insurance.
- Check biosecurity rules before you pack food.
- Recheck the rules a week before you fly.
For more detail, see the Tourism Australia visa FAQs.
Australia Visa FAQs
Can you visit Australia without a visa?
Not as a tourist, unless you hold a New Zealand passport. Everyone else needs an ETA, eVisitor or Visitor visa before travelling, according to Tourism Australia.
How early should you apply?
Apply well before you plan to travel. An ETA can be quick, but other visas take longer, and times vary. Check the Home Affairs site for current processing guidance before you buy flights.
Can you use the ETA if your passport isn’t on the list?
No. The ETA is only for eligible passports. If yours isn’t listed, you’ll normally apply for the Visitor visa (subclass 600) instead.
Does a tourist visa let you work?
No. Tourist visas don’t allow work. If you want to work, look at the correct visa category on the Home Affairs site before you travel.
Once your entry route is clear, check the airports and airlines for flights to Australia, then read the guide to getting around Australia and the best time to visit Australia before you choose dates.