Visitor & Short-Stay Visas

The eVisitor is a high-speed, digital authorization designed for citizens of the European Union and several other European nations. It is strictly for those outside Australia at the time of application and offers one of the most streamlined entry processes in the world.

• Eligibility: Holders of eligible passports (for example UK, France, Germany, Italy, and other listed countries).
• Cost: Free (no application fee).
• Stay duration: Valid for 12 months; allows stays of up to 3 months at a time.
• Permitted activities: Tourism, visiting family, or business visitor activities (contract negotiations, attending conferences).
• Key restriction: You cannot work for an Australian business or sell goods or services to the public.

The ETA is a digitally stored authority that replaces the need for a traditional paper visa or passport stamp. Most applicants apply via the Australian ETA app, making it the go-to for spontaneous trips from eligible countries such as the USA, Canada, Singapore, and Japan.

• Eligibility: Selected passport holders outside Australia.
• Cost: Base visa is free, but a $20 AUD service fee applies via the app.
• Stay duration: Up to 3 months per visit over a 12-month period (multiple entries).
• Processing: Usually processed within minutes or hours.
• Best for: Fast-tracked tourism or short-term business meetings without an embassy visit.

This is a standard visitor visa for people who are not eligible for the eVisitor or ETA, or who need to stay in Australia longer than three months. It involves a more formal application, including proof of financial capacity.

• Stay duration: Options for 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your needs and profile.
• Requirements: You must show you have enough money to support yourself and a genuine intention to return home (for example employment, property, or family ties).
• Application location: Can be lodged from outside or inside Australia (including to extend a current stay).
• Cost: From $190 AUD (outside Australia) or $490 AUD (inside Australia).

Designed for professionals travelling to Australia for business purposes that do not involve work or labour in the Australian labour market—such as attending a summit or scouting a new office location.

• Allowed activities: General business inquiries, negotiating contracts, and participating in seminars or trade fairs (where you are not being paid by the organiser).
• Restrictions: No paid work. You cannot provide services to an Australian company or sell goods.
• Stay duration: Generally up to 3 months per visit.
• Evidence: An invitation letter from an Australian organisation is often required.

For travellers who have an eligible relative in Australia willing to sponsor them. Often used when a visitor may find it harder to demonstrate sufficient funds alone, because the sponsor accepts a level of responsibility.

• Sponsorship: The sponsor is usually an Australian citizen or permanent resident (a settled relative).
• Security bond: The Department of Home Affairs may require a security bond (often between $5,000 and $15,000 AUD) paid by the sponsor, refundable after the visitor departs as required.
• Stay duration: Often up to 12 months.
• Condition:Frequently includes a "No Further Stay" condition, meaning you cannot apply for most further visas while in Australia.

Originally launched for citizens of the People's Republic of China, this stream has expanded to include other eligible nationalities (such as Thailand and Vietnam). It suits high-value travellers who visit Australia often for business or leisure.

• Validity: Up to 10 years.
• Stay per visit: Up to 3 months per entry.
• Eligibility: Limited to specific nationalities; higher application fee ($1,480 AUD as of 2026).
• Cumulative stay: You cannot remain in Australia for more than 12 months in any 24-month period.
• Benefit: Avoids re-applying for a visa for each trip across the validity period.