Skip to content 
Australia Visit Visa from India in 2026: Eligibility, Fees, Documents & Application Process
Planning to see the Gold Coast beaches, the Sydney Opera House or family in Melbourne? The Australia visit visa is the first step, and the tourist visa Australia route is simpler than most people think when your file is prepared well.
In 2026 the government charge went up, processing is faster than last year and there is news about tighter visitor conditions. This guide covers eligibility, costs, documents and the step-by-step process for Indian applicants. You will learn:
- Who can apply and how the Australia visitor visa from India works
- The latest Australia tourist visa cost for Indian passport holders
- Documents, bank statement tips and the full application process
- Processing times, validity and common refusal reasons
Key Takeaways: Australia Visit Visa 2026
- Indian passport holders apply for the Visitor visa (subclass 600), Tourist stream online through ImmiAccount.
- The government charge is AUD 250 from 1 July 2026 when you apply from outside Australia, and AUD 630 if you apply inside Australia.
- As at 29 September 2026, about 75% of Tourist stream applications were decided within 26 days and 90% within 33 days.
- There is no fixed bank balance. You must show enough funds and strong ties to India.
- A typical grant allows 3, 6 or 12 months. The 3 year multiple entry option is for selected nationalities, not India.
- The visa is not free, does not allow work and may carry a No Further Stay condition.
Australia Visit Visa (Subclass 600): What It Is and Who Needs It
The Visitor visa (subclass 600) lets you visit Australia for tourism, family visits or short business activities. It is a temporary visa, and it does not lead to permanent residence.
Most Indian travellers apply under the Tourist stream. For a wider overview of our travel services, see our Australia visit visa consultants page.
Streams of the Visitor Visa
- Tourist stream: holidays, sightseeing and visiting friends or relatives.
- Business Visitor stream: meetings, conferences and negotiations, but no work.
- Sponsored Family stream: an eligible Australian relative sponsors you.
- Frequent Traveller stream: up to 3 years of multiple entry, for selected nationalities only.
Can Indians Use the eVisitor or ETA?
No. As per available Home Affairs information, Indian passport holders are not on the eVisitor or ETA lists, so the full visa application in ImmiAccount is the way to go.
Australia Tourist Visa Eligibility for Indian Passport Holders
Home Affairs looks at one thing above all: are you a genuine visitor? Your file should answer that question without doubt.
The Genuine Visitor Test
- You plan a short, clear trip with a realistic itinerary.
- You have a stable job, business, studies or family in India.
- You have a good travel and immigration history.
- You can pay for the trip without working in Australia.
Health and Character Requirements
You must meet basic health and character rules. Declare any past visa refusals, cancellations or criminal matters. Hiding information is a common reason for refusal.
Tourist Visa Australia Fees in 2026: Cost for Indian Applicants
Charges are indexed on 1 July each year. The table below shows the main figures reported from the Home Affairs pricing table for 2026–27.
| Visitor visa stream | Government charge (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist stream, applied outside Australia | 250 | Most Indian applicants |
| Tourist stream, applied inside Australia | 630 | Extension or new visitor visa onshore |
| Business Visitor stream | 250 | Meetings and conferences only |
| Sponsored Family stream | 250 | Needs an Australian sponsor |
| Frequent Traveller stream | 1,845 | Selected nationalities, up to 3 years |
Confirm every figure on the Home Affairs visa pricing page before you pay, since rules and rates can change.
Other Costs to Budget For
- VFS or biometrics service charges, if requested
- Document translation and courier costs
- Travel insurance, which is not compulsory but strongly advised
- Flights, accommodation and daily spending money
Australia Visitor Visa Processing Time in 2026
Processing is quick for straightforward files. The figures below were reported from Home Affairs data as at 29 September 2026 for the Tourist stream.
| Share of applications | Decided within |
|---|---|
| 50% | About 21 days |
| 75% | About 26 days |
| 90% | About 33 days |
These are guides, not promises. Missing documents, health checks or a request for more information can add weeks. Check the official processing time tool for your stream.
Documents Required for Australia Tourist Visa from India
A tidy, well-labelled file helps the case officer say yes faster. Use clear scans and translate anything that is not in English.
| Document | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Valid passport and old visas | Identity and travel history |
| Recent passport-size photo | Application form requirement |
| Last 3 to 6 months bank statements | Proof of funds for the trip |
| Income tax returns and salary slips | Shows stable income |
| Employment letter with leave approval | Proves you will return to work |
| Business registration or GST papers | For business owners and the self-employed |
| Property, family or study proof | Ties to India |
| Travel plan, flight and stay details | Shows a genuine, short trip |
| Invitation letter (if staying with family) | Host details and relationship |
| Travel insurance | Not compulsory but helpful |
How Much Bank Balance Do You Need?
There is no official minimum. You need enough for flights, accommodation and daily costs for your whole stay. A realistic, steady balance with regular deposits works better than a big sudden transfer before applying.
How to Apply for an Australia Visit Visa Online: Step by Step
To apply for travel visa to Australia, follow these steps in order.
- Check your stream. Most Indians choose the Tourist stream.
- Create an ImmiAccount on the official Home Affairs website.
- Fill in the form with your passport, travel plans, work details and funds.
- Upload documents as clear PDFs or images.
- Pay the AUD 250 charge online.
- Give biometrics if you receive a notification letter.
- Wait for the decision and answer any request quickly.
- Read the grant letter for the stay period and conditions before booking non-refundable travel.
The official source is the Home Affairs Visitor visa (subclass 600) page.
Australia Visit Visa Validity, Stay Period and Multiple Entry
A Tourist stream visa is usually valid for up to 12 months from the grant date. Each visit can be limited to 3, 6 or 12 months, depending on your purpose.
Is the 3 Year Multiple Entry Visa Available for Indians?
The 3 year option sits in the Frequent Traveller stream and is limited to selected nationalities. For Indian passport holders, the usual outcome is a visa valid for up to 12 months.
Condition 8503: No Further Stay
Many visitor visas include a condition that stops you from applying for most other visas while you are in Australia. Some applicants may also see a limit of 3 months in any 12 months. Always read your grant letter.
Australia Tourist Visa 2026 Updates: What Has Changed
Several points have shifted this year. The table separates what is in force from what has only been announced.
| Item | Earlier position | 2026 position |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist stream charge (offshore) | AUD 200 in 2025–26 (as per available data) | AUD 250 from 1 July 2026 |
| Tourist stream charge (onshore) | Lower than today | AUD 630 |
| Processing time (90% decided) | Commonly 35 days or more | About 33 days (September 2026) |
| No Further Stay for future visitor visas | Applies through visa conditions | Wider condition announced in September 2026, start date not confirmed |
| Eligibility for India | ETA and eVisitor not available | Still not available, apply via ImmiAccount |
The wider visitor visa condition was part of a reform package we cover in our Australia immigration news 2026 update. As of mid-October 2026 it had no start date, so current rules apply.
Tourist Visa Australia for Different Types of Indian Travellers
The same Australia visit visa works for very different trips. What the case officer wants to see changes slightly with your profile.
Salaried Professionals
Add your employment letter, recent payslips, Form 16 or tax returns and approved leave. A clear return date helps show that you plan to go back to your job.
Business Owners and Self-Employed Applicants
Include your business registration, GST returns, company bank statements and personal tax returns. Show that the business runs without you for the trip, for example through a partner or manager.
Students and Homemakers
Students should add a bonafide certificate and fee receipts. Homemakers can rely on the sponsoring spouse or parent, with proof of the relationship and that person’s income documents.
Families Visiting Relatives
For a family visit, an invitation letter with your host’s address, visa status and contact details is useful. Add proof of how you are related, such as birth or marriage certificates. If your host wants to offer a formal guarantee, the Sponsored Family stream may apply.
Conditions to Follow After You Land in Australia
Getting the visa is only half the job. Breaking visa conditions can lead to cancellation and make later applications harder.
- No paid work. Voluntary work for a charity may be possible, but paid employment is not.
- Respect the stay period. Leave before the date allowed on your grant letter.
- Study only up to 3 months. Longer courses need a Student visa.
- Keep health cover. Visitors are not covered by Medicare, so travel insurance matters.
- Update your details. Tell Home Affairs if your passport or address changes.
A Simple Trip Budget Example
Many first-time applicants ask what an aus tourist visa file should show about money. The answer is a believable plan backed by savings you can explain.
Think about the full cost before you apply. A two-week trip usually includes return flights, local travel, stay, food and activities, plus the AUD 250 visa charge. A case officer expects your funds to match a plan like this. Your numbers should look realistic for your income, not inflated for the application.
Using a Consultant for Your Australia Tourist Visa
Every tourist visa Australia file is judged on its own facts. Two applicants with the same salary can get different outcomes because of their travel history, explanations and documents.
You can apply on your own, because the form is online. A consultant adds value when your case has a complication, such as a past refusal, a thin travel history, self-employment or a first international trip.
A registered adviser can check your documents, write a clear cover letter and answer a request for information in time. No agent can guarantee a visa, so avoid anyone who does.
Why Australia Visit Visa Applications Get Refused
- Weak ties to India, such as a new job or no savings history
- Funds that do not match the trip or the declared income
- An unclear or unrealistic travel plan
- A history of overstays, refusals or visa breaches
- Missing documents or untranslated papers
- Plans to work or study beyond 3 months on a visitor visa
Mistakes to Avoid
Do not submit fake documents or sudden large deposits. Do not book non-refundable flights early. Do not apply through unofficial websites that promise a free or guaranteed visa.
Practical Tips for Indian Applicants in 2026
- Apply 6 to 8 weeks before travel, and earlier for December and January.
- Keep a covering letter that explains your plan in one page.
- Include leave approval and proof of return commitments.
- Use the same name spelling across all documents.
- Travelling with family? Apply for everyone together and show shared costs.
- Planning a longer stay or studies? Explore study in Australia options before you travel.
If you are on a student pathway, our guide on Australia student visa changes 2026 explains the latest family and fee rules. If your long-term aim is migration, our Australia PR visa consultants can map the right pathway.
Final Word: Getting Your Australia Visit Visa Right in 2026
A strong Australia visit visa application comes down to a genuine plan, clean documents and honest answers. With the tourist visa Australia charge at AUD 250 and decisions often within about a month, early preparation pays off.
Check official sources for the latest rules, keep your funds and ties clear and avoid shortcuts. For a personal review of your file, speak with a GIEC Global consultant before you apply.
This article is general information based on published figures as at 29 October 2026. It is not migration advice for your circumstances. Fees, processing times and rules change often, so confirm details with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Australia Visit Visa
How much is a 3 month visitor visa in Australia?
The government charge does not depend on how long you stay. For 2026–27, the Tourist stream of the Visitor visa (subclass 600) costs AUD 250 per person when you apply from outside Australia. A 3, 6 or 12 month stay costs the same. Add VFS service charges, biometrics and insurance on top.
How can I get a tourist visa for Australia?
Create an ImmiAccount, choose the Visitor visa (subclass 600) Tourist stream, fill in your travel plans, upload your passport, funds and ties evidence, and pay the charge. You may then be asked for biometrics. Wait for the decision, then check the grant letter for your stay period and conditions.
What are the requirements for a visitor visa in Australia?
You must be a genuine visitor, meet health and character rules, hold a valid passport and show enough money for the trip. You also need clear reasons to return to India, such as a job, business, property or family. You must not plan to work or stay permanently.
How much bank statement is required for an Australia visit visa?
Home Affairs sets no fixed minimum. You must show enough funds for flights, stay and daily costs. Many advisers suggest recent 3 to 6 month statements with a steady balance that clearly covers the trip. Genuine, regular savings matter more than a large sudden deposit.
How much is a 3 month tourist visa for Australia?
The fee is AUD 250 for the Tourist stream applied outside Australia, whether you ask for 3 months or more. Converted to rupees, it moves with the exchange rate. Check the Home Affairs pricing page on the day you pay, as charges are indexed each 1 July.
What are the requirements for a tourist visa in Australia for Indian citizens?
Indian applicants usually provide a passport, photo, completed form, travel plan, bank statements, income tax returns, employment or business proof and family ties. If someone invites you, add their details and proof of status. Translate any document not in English before uploading.
Is Australia tourist visa 3 months or 90 days?
The grant letter normally states the stay in months, such as 3, 6 or 12 months, which works out to roughly 90 days for a 3 month stay. Always follow the exact period and conditions written on your grant letter, because overstaying can affect future applications.
Is there a 3 year multiple entry visa for Australia from India?
The 3 year multiple entry option is the Frequent Traveller stream, which is open to selected nationalities and not currently to Indian passport holders, as per available information. Indian travellers normally apply for the Tourist stream and receive a visa valid for up to 12 months.
What is the Australia visitor visa processing time in 2026?
As at 29 September 2026, Home Affairs data reported by migration sites shows 50% of Tourist stream applications decided in about 21 days, 75% in 26 days and 90% in 33 days. Times change monthly, so apply well ahead of travel and check the official tool.
Can I apply for an Australia visitor visa online?
Yes. Most applicants lodge the Visitor visa (subclass 600) online through ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. You upload scanned documents, pay the charge online and track progress in the same account. Biometrics may be collected at an authorised centre in India.
Is the Australia tourist visa free?
No. The Tourist stream carries a government charge of AUD 250 for applications made outside Australia. It is not free for Indian passport holders. Beware of websites claiming free visas, and always pay only through the official Home Affairs portal.
What is the validity of an Australia tourist visa?
A Tourist stream visa is usually granted for up to 12 months from the grant date, with permission to stay for 3, 6 or 12 months per visit. The case officer decides based on your purpose and circumstances. Check the stay period and entry rules on your grant letter.
What is the official website for an Australia tourist visa?
The official website is the Department of Home Affairs at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Apply only through ImmiAccount there. Agents and VFS can help with forms and biometrics, but they cannot issue visas or guarantee approval. Be careful with look-alike websites that copy the official design and charge extra fees.
Can I work on an Australia visit visa?
No. A Visitor visa does not allow paid work. Business visitors may attend meetings or conferences, but they cannot take up employment. Short courses of up to 3 months are allowed. Breaking visa conditions can lead to cancellation and affect later applications.
Can Indian passport holders use the eVisitor or ETA?
No, as per available Home Affairs information, Indian passport holders are not on the eligible list for the eVisitor (651) or ETA (601). Indian citizens normally need to apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) through ImmiAccount. Plan extra time for processing, and avoid booking fixed tickets before the grant.
How early should I apply for an Australia visit visa?
Apply at least 6 to 8 weeks before travel, and earlier in peak seasons such as December and January. Median times are about three weeks, but requests for more information can add time. Do not book non-refundable tickets until your visa is granted.
Do I need an invitation letter for an Australia tourist visa?
No, it is not compulsory for the Tourist stream. If you are staying with family or friends, an invitation letter with their address, visa status and relationship helps. If the host must sponsor you, the Sponsored Family stream applies, and it may involve a separate process.
Can I extend my Australia visit visa while I am there?
You can apply for another Visitor visa from inside Australia, but the charge is much higher at AUD 630 for the Tourist stream, and approval is not guaranteed. A condition such as 8503 No Further Stay may stop you applying, so check your grant letter.
Can I study on an Australia visit visa?
You may study or train for up to 3 months on a Visitor visa, but not longer. If you plan a longer course, apply for a Student visa before you travel. Changing from a visitor visa to a student visa from inside Australia is often not allowed.
Do I need a medical or police certificate for a tourist visa?
Not usually for a short trip. A health examination may be requested if you plan to stay for more than three months or have a health concern. Police certificates are rarely needed, but a case officer can ask for them. Answer all health and character questions honestly.
Still unsure about your documents or funds? Share your details and a GIEC Global consultant will review your travel plan for free.
Mr. Suman Prem is the Founder and CEO of GIEC Global India, an international education and immigration consultancy serving students, skilled professionals, and families across India. With experience in the education and migration industry, he leads the organisation in helping individuals explore international study opportunities, student visas, skilled migration, permanent residency (PR), and other immigration pathways.
Under his leadership, GIEC Global has developed a presence across multiple international destinations, supporting clients with overseas university admissions, education counselling, visa guidance, and immigration services. The organisation focuses on providing personalised guidance, transparent communication, and professional support to help clients make informed decisions about their international education and migration goals.
