If you’re planning to visit Australia for tourism, whether it’s for sightseeing, visiting family, or experiencing the culture, you will need a tourist visa. Understanding how much it costs to apply for a tourist visa is essential to ensure you’re financially prepared for the application process.
In this article, we will explain the different types of tourist visas for Australia, how much they cost, and the steps involved in the application process. We will also discuss some additional costs that you may need to consider when applying for a tourist visa.
Types of Tourist Visas for Australia
Before we dive into the costs, it’s important to know that there are different types of tourist visas available for Australia. The two most common types are:
Visitor Visa (Subclasses 600, 601, and 651)
The Visitor Visa allows you to visit Australia for tourism purposes. The specific subclass you apply for depends on your situation, such as your nationality, the length of your stay, and whether you plan to apply online or on paper.
Subclass 600: This is the most common visitor visa. You can apply for this visa if you want to visit Australia for tourism, business, or to visit family. You can stay for up to three, six, or twelve months on this visa, depending on the conditions of your visa approval.
Subclass 601 (Electronic Travel Authority – ETA): This visa is only available to passport holders from certain countries. With this visa, you can visit Australia for tourism or business for up to three months at a time.
Subclass 651 (eVisitor): This visa is similar to the ETA, but it’s only available for citizens of certain European countries. It allows you to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three months.
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)
This visa allows you to travel and work in Australia for up to one year. While this isn’t specifically a tourist visa, it allows you to explore Australia while also taking on short-term work to fund your trip.
Other Visa Options
While the Visitor Visa and Working Holiday Visa are the most common for tourists, other visa options might be available depending on your specific needs, such as the Tourist Stream Visa or Transit Visas.
Costs of Applying for a Tourist Visa
The cost of applying for a tourist visa to Australia can vary depending on the type of visa, your nationality, and the method of application (online or paper). Below is a detailed breakdown of the costs for different visa types.
Visitor Visa Subclass 600
The application fee for the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa varies depending on whether you apply online or on paper, and the country you are applying from. As of 2025, the approximate costs are as follows:
Online Application: AUD 145 to AUD 1,065
Paper Application: AUD 145 to AUD 1,085
The cost may also change based on the duration of your stay. If you apply for a longer stay (more than 6 months), the cost could be higher. It’s always a good idea to check the current fees on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website to get the most accurate and up-to-date pricing.
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) Subclass 601
The ETA (Subclass 601) is usually available for citizens from certain countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and many others. If you’re eligible for an ETA, the application fee is typically:
ETA Online Application: AUD 20
This fee is relatively low, making the ETA an affordable option for many travelers. However, the ETA only allows stays of up to three months, so if you plan to stay longer, you may need to apply for a different visa.
eVisitor Subclass 651
The eVisitor visa is similar to the ETA and is only available to citizens from European countries. The application fee for the eVisitor visa is:
eVisitor Visa Application Fee: Free
This visa allows you to stay in Australia for up to three months at a time. Since there is no application fee for this visa, it is one of the most affordable options for European travelers.
Working Holiday Visa Subclass 417
If you are planning to visit Australia and work while you travel, the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) might be a great option. The costs for this visa are as follows:
Working Holiday Visa Application Fee: AUD 510
This visa is for travelers between the ages of 18 and 30 (or 35 for some countries) and allows you to work in Australia for up to one year while traveling.
Additional Costs to Consider
In addition to the visa application fee, there are other costs associated with the visa application process. These costs can vary depending on the type of visa and your personal circumstances. Below are some additional costs you might encounter:
Health Insurance
Many visa applicants are required to show proof of health insurance during their stay in Australia. While this is not a strict requirement for all tourist visas, it is highly recommended. International visitors should consider purchasing travel health insurance to cover any medical expenses during their time in Australia.
Estimated Health Insurance Costs: AUD 100 to AUD 200 per month (depending on the provider and coverage)
Biometrics and Medical Examinations
Some visa applicants may need to undergo a medical examination or provide biometric information (fingerprints, photos) as part of their application process. These additional requirements can add to the total cost of applying for a visa.
Biometrics Fee: AUD 85 to AUD 200 (depending on the country)
Medical Examination: AUD 100 to AUD 300 (depending on the location and clinic)
Visa Processing Times and Expedited Applications
If you need your visa processed more quickly, you may need to pay an additional fee for expedited processing. Regular processing times can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the visa type and the time of year.
Expedited Processing Fees: AUD 100 to AUD 500 (depending on how fast you need the visa)
Other Possible Costs
You may also incur costs such as:
Passport Fees: If your passport is due for renewal, you may need to pay for a new passport before applying for your visa.
Travel Expenses: Don’t forget to account for the cost of flights to and from Australia and other travel expenses during your stay.
How to Apply for a Tourist Visa to Australia
Now that we’ve discussed the costs involved, let’s take a look at the steps required to apply for a tourist visa.
Step 1: Choose the Right Visa Type
First, you need to determine which visa type suits your travel plans. If you’re planning a short vacation, the Visitor Visa Subclass 600 or the ETA Subclass 601 may be the best options for you.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
You will need several documents to support your visa application. The exact documents required can vary based on the visa type and your personal situation, but common documents include:
- Valid passport
- Proof of financial ability (bank statements, pay slips)
- Travel itinerary (flight bookings, hotel reservations)
- Health insurance documents
- Any additional documents requested by the Australian government
Step 3: Complete the Application
You can apply for your visa online or on paper. Applying online is typically faster and more convenient. The online application form can be filled out through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Fee
Once you’ve completed the application, you will be required to pay the visa application fee. This can typically be done by credit card or other electronic payment methods.
Step 5: Wait for Your Visa to Be Processed
Visa processing times can vary, but you will usually be notified of the outcome within a few weeks. If you applied online, you can check the status of your visa through the Department of Home Affairs website.
Step 6: Receive Your Visa Approval
Once your visa is approved, you will receive a notification, and you can travel to Australia. Make sure to carry a copy of your visa approval with you when you travel.
Conclusion
Applying for a tourist visa to Australia can be an exciting step toward exploring this beautiful country. The cost of applying for a tourist visa varies depending on the type of visa and other factors, but the application process is straightforward. Whether you choose a Visitor Visa, ETA, or Working Holiday Visa, make sure to plan ahead and gather all the necessary documents to ensure a smooth application process.
Make sure to check the official Australian government website for the latest information on visa fees, requirements, and application procedures. Safe travels, and enjoy your trip to Australia!
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