How Indian passport holders get a visa for Australia: visa type, government fee, processing time, maximum stay, the documents required and where to apply. Government-sourced — always verify on the official site before you travel.
Quick facts
- Visa type: Visitor visa subclass 600 (Tourist stream) — ETA / eVisitor NOT for Indians
- Government fee: AUD 195 (~₹10,800) Visa Application Charge (VAC) for Visitor visa subclass 600 Tourist stream (2026 rate). Plus biometrics fees at VFS (~₹2,000).
- Processing time: Officially 21 days; realistically 4–8 weeks for first-time Indian applicants (75% within ~22 days, 90% within ~50 days per Home Affairs).
- Maximum stay: Up to 3, 6 or 12 months per entry as decided by the case officer (12 months is typical for repeat travellers); visa often valid 12 months (sometimes 3 years multi-entry for return visitors).
- Interview: Not required
- Ease for Indian travellers: 45/100
Documents you'll need
- Passport 6+ months valid
- Recent digital photograph
- Form 1419 (Visitor visa application)
- Proof of funds (bank statements, ITRs last 3 years)
- Employer NOC / business proof
- Confirmed return/onward ticket
- Travel itinerary and hotel bookings
- Family/ties-to-India evidence
How & where to apply
Apply online via ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs portal. Biometrics at any VFS Global Australia Visa Application Centre in India. Australia Home Affairs — Visitor visa subclass 600 (official)
Transit & connections
Indians need an Australian Transit visa (subclass 771, free) or a Visitor visa even for airside transit through Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane — there is no airside transit exemption for India.
Good to know
Indians are NOT eligible for the ETA (subclass 601) or eVisitor (subclass 651) — those are only for citizens of around 35 visa-waiver countries. The Tourist stream (subclass 600) is the only path. Common confusion: do not apply on third-party 'ETA' sites — they cannot help Indian passport holders. Visa rules change often — confirm on the official government source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/visitor-600
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for Australia?
Visitor visa subclass 600 (Tourist stream) — ETA / eVisitor NOT for Indians. Indians are NOT eligible for the ETA (subclass 601) or eVisitor (subclass 651) — those are only for citizens of around 35 visa-waiver countries. The Tourist stream (subclass 600) is the only path. Common confusion: do not apply on third-party 'ETA' sites — they cannot help Indian passport holders.
What documents do Indians need for a Australia visa?
Passport 6+ months valid; Recent digital photograph; Form 1419 (Visitor visa application); Proof of funds (bank statements, ITRs last 3 years); Employer NOC / business proof; Confirmed return/onward ticket; Travel itinerary and hotel bookings; Family/ties-to-India evidence
How long does a Australia visa take and what does it cost?
Processing: Officially 21 days; realistically 4–8 weeks for first-time Indian applicants (75% within ~22 days, 90% within ~50 days per Home Affairs).. Government fee: AUD 195 (~₹10,800) Visa Application Charge (VAC) for Visitor visa subclass 600 Tourist stream (2026 rate). Plus biometrics fees at VFS (~₹2,000).. Maximum stay: Up to 3, 6 or 12 months per entry as decided by the case officer (12 months is typical for repeat travellers); visa often valid 12 months (sometimes 3 years multi-entry for return visitors)..
How do Indians apply for a Australia visa?
Apply online via ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs portal. Biometrics at any VFS Global Australia Visa Application Centre in India. Official source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/visitor-600