Australia visas
Every non-citizen needs a visa to enter Australia, arranged before travel. Australia's visas are run by the Department of Home Affairs. For short visits, holders of eligible passports can use the Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) or the eVisitor (subclass 651), while the Visitor visa (subclass 600) is open to any passport holder; study, work, family and skilled routes have their own subclasses. This hub explains the main routes in plain language and links to the official Home Affairs sources so you can confirm exactly what applies to you.
Important information
Australian visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor visas & ETAShort stays in Australia — tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips and transit, plus any visa-free or electronic-authorisation options.3 visas
- Work & skilled visasComing to Australia to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.7 visas
- Student visasStudying in Australia — student visas and permits for accepted students, and what they let you do.2 visas
- Family & partner visasJoining or sponsoring a family member in Australia — spouse, partner, child and other relative routes.4 visas
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Australia as a highly skilled or exceptional individual.1 visa
- Permanent residence & citizenshipLiving in Australia long term — permanent residence and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Australian visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Who needs a visa to Australia?
If you are not a citizen of Australia, you will require a valid visa to enter the nation. Passport holders from New Zealand can apply for a visa upon arrival. All other passport holders, regardless of age, are required to get a visa before to departure.
Entry into Australia
When entering Australia, you must present your travel documentation or passport. Your visa is electronically linked to the passport you used to apply for the visa. Bring your current, valid passport or travel document as well as any expired passports or travel documents associated with your visa.
SmartGates expedite the passport control procedure at the border. They verify your identity using face recognition technology and your ePassport. You must complete and present us with your Incoming Passenger Card. You may bring an unlimited amount of cash into Australia, but you must declare any amount above AUD10,000. In addition, your baggage will be inspected for forbidden or restricted items.
Eligibility to apply for a Australian visa
To enter Australia, you must have a valid passport, a valid visa, and an Incoming Passenger Card that has been filled and signed. Your airline distributes Incoming Passenger Cards to you during your travel to Australia.
If you are fully immunised
- Passport.
- Australian Visa Form.
- Paid Visa Fee.
- National Identity Card.
- Evidence of Financial Means.
- Police Certificate.
- Family Certificates.
Processing time for Australian visas
Permanent visas can take between 5 and 9 months.
Temporary visas can take up to 3 months.
Who can visit Australia without a visa?
Australian entry does not require a visa for holders of Australian passports. New Zealand citizens can travel to Australia without a visa and receive one at the airport upon arrival. Details can be found in Entry criteria for New Zealand Citizens. All other passport holders must obtain the appropriate visa to enter Australia.
Australia — key facts
- Entry document
- Visa required
- Every non-citizen needs a visa arranged before travel
- Authority
- Department of Home Affairs
- Australian Government
- Short visits
- ETA / eVisitor
- Electronic visas for eligible passports (subclass 601 / 651)
- General visitor visa
- Subclass 600
- Visitor visa open to any passport holder
Australian visas — people also ask
Yes — every non-citizen needs a visa to enter Australia, arranged before travel. For short visits, holders of eligible passports can use the ETA or eVisitor; otherwise the Visitor visa (subclass 600) is open to any passport holder. Check the official visa listing for your passport.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-09. Information only — not legal advice.