Australia tourist visa
Here is the first thing that catches Indian travellers out: Australia's quick online options, the Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) and the eVisitor (subclass 651), are not open to you. Both are reserved for a short list of passports, and India is not on it. So whether you are going for a holiday, a cruise, or simply to spend time with family and friends, your route is the Visitor visa (subclass 600), Tourist stream.
The whole thing runs online through the Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount portal: no paper form, and in most cases no interview. If granted, the visa is not a sticker in your passport; it is stored electronically against it. After you lodge, applicants in India may be asked to visit a VFS Global centre to give biometrics, meaning fingerprints and a photograph.
Who this visa is for
- ✓Indian passport holders travelling to Australia for tourism, a holiday or a cruise
- ✓People visiting family or friends living in Australia (an invitation letter supports the application)
- ✓Applicants who can show a genuine intention to stay only temporarily and to leave before the visa ends
- ✓Applicants who can demonstrate sufficient funds for the trip and strong ties to India, such as employment, business, family or property
- ✓Applicants who meet Australia's health and character requirements
Visa options for Australia
Tourist stream (subclass 600)
The stream Indian nationals use, applied for from outside Australia, for tourism, holidays, cruises or visiting family and friends. No work is permitted.
Sponsored Family stream (subclass 600)
For visiting a family member in Australia who sponsors the visit; the sponsor may be asked to lodge a security bond.
Business Visitor stream (subclass 600)
For short, unpaid business-visitor activities such as meetings, conferences or negotiations. It does not permit paid work in Australia.
Documents typically required
- ✓Current passport valid for the intended stay, plus any previous passports
- ✓Recent passport-size photograph meeting Australian specifications
- ✓Subclass 600 application completed and lodged in ImmiAccount
- ✓Proof of funds: personal bank statements (typically the last 3 to 6 months), income-tax returns (ITR), salary slips or business financials
- ✓Evidence of ties to India: employer letter with approved leave, business registration, or proof of enrolment for students
- ✓Travel itinerary with confirmed return or onward travel
- ✓Accommodation details for the period of stay
- ✓Invitation letter from family or friends in Australia where relevant, with their identity or status details
- ✓Cover letter setting out the purpose and duration of the visit
- ✓Overseas travel or health insurance (recommended, and may be requested by the case officer)
- ✓Biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) at a VFS Global centre if requested after lodging
Your exact checklist depends on your profile — we confirm it during your case analysis. Every visa decision rests with the embassy or consulate.
The subclass 600 is lodged online through ImmiAccount; there is no paper lodgement. After you apply, you may receive a request to attend a VFS Global Australia visa application centre in India to give biometrics. A non-refundable Visa Application Charge is paid online at lodgement, and a separate VFS service and biometrics fee applies.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an ETA or eVisitor to visit Australia on an Indian passport?
No. Both the Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) and the eVisitor (subclass 651) are open only to certain passports, and India is not among them. On an Indian passport, your route is the Visitor visa (subclass 600), Tourist stream.
Will I get a visa sticker in my passport?
No sticker. Australia grants the subclass 600 electronically and links it to your passport, so you travel on the same passport you applied with. You can check the grant details in ImmiAccount or through VEVO.
How long can I stay in Australia on this visa?
That is the case officer's call, grant by grant. Stays are commonly 3, 6 or 12 months per visit, usually within a visa valid for up to 12 months and often allowing multiple entries.
Do you guarantee the visa?
No one can. The decision rests solely with the Australian Department of Home Affairs. What we do is give you a frank, honest read of your profile and build the strongest possible application. Over the last 2 to 3 years our applications have seen a 97% success rate.