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.
How Australia compares in Oceania
With an ease score of 45/100 this is a moderate-effort application for Indians — start early and follow the document checklist exactly. Australia requires a full pre-travel application (embassy / visa application centre) for Indian passport holders.
| Country | Visa type | Government fee | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇺 Australia | Visitor visa subclass 600 (Tourist stream) — ETA / eVisitor NOT for Indians | AUD 195 (~₹10,800) Visa Application Charge (VAC) for Visitor visa subclass 600 Tourist stream (2026 rate). Plus biometrics fees at VFS (~₹2,000). | Officially 21 days; realistically 4–8 weeks for first-time Indian applicants (75% within ~22 days, 90% within ~50 days per Home Affairs). |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | Visitor visa — apply online (NZeTA is NOT for Indians) | NZD 341 (~₹17,000) Visitor Visa fee + NZD 100 (~₹5,000) International Visitor Levy (IVL). Total NZD 441 (~₹22,000), non-refundable. | Aim for ~20 working days from a complete application; many decisions in 3 weeks. 80% of applications cleared within 3 weeks. Apply 4–6 weeks before travel. |
| 🇫🇯 Fiji | Visa-free — 4 months | No government visa fee. | Granted on arrival at Nadi or Suva international airport — no advance application needed. |
| 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea | eVisa — apply online via evisa.ica.gov.pg | USD 50 (~₹4,200) Short Term (30 day) eVisa. Long Term 60 days higher. | 5 working days. Apply at least 5 days before travel. |
| 🇼🇸 Samoa | Free visa on arrival — 60 days | FREE visa-on-arrival. Extension fee: WST 100 (~₹3,200) for an additional 60 days. | Granted on arrival at Faleolo International (APW) — no advance application. |
| 🇵🇼 Palau | Visa on arrival — USD 50 + USD 100 environmental fee | USD 50 visa fee + USD 100 mandatory Palau Environmental Fee. Total ~USD 150 (~₹12,600). | Granted on arrival at Roman Tmetuchl International (ROR) — no advance application. |
| 🇨🇰 Cook Islands | Visa-free — 31 days | No government visa fee. | Granted on arrival at Rarotonga International (RAR). |
Fees and processing times are indicative and change with exchange rates and season — always confirm on each country's official source before applying.
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-guide/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-guide/visa-listing/visitor-600
Is a Australia visa hard to get for Indian citizens?
With an ease score of 45/100 this is a moderate-effort application for Indians — start early and follow the document checklist exactly. No interview is normally required.
Can Indians get a Australia visa online or on arrival?
Australia requires a full pre-travel application (embassy / visa application centre) for Indian passport holders.
More visas nearby
← All visa guides for Indian travellers · Get expert help with your Australia visa