Millions of tourists visit Australia every year for its beautiful natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage.
For immigrant or foreign nationals, obtaining an Australian Tourist Visa is often the first step to discovering the country’s unique lifestyle.
Tourist visas allow visitors to explore, travel, and experience all that Australia has to offer for a limited amount of time.
For visitors to Australia, this guide explains the Australia Tourist Visa application process, requirements, and sponsorship process.
Australian tourist visas: what is the process?
Tourists, business travelers, and family and friends visiting Australia can obtain a temporary tourism visa.
Australia’s cultural diversity, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Sydney Opera House are all easily accessible with this visa.
Visas for tourists are usually issued for short periods of time, ranging from two weeks to several months. The visa conditions can vary based on the type of tourist visa you choose and the purpose you intend to use it for.
A visit to Australia requires a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) and an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) (subclass 601).
There are a variety of visa types available, each with its own application process and requirements, but they all aim to allow travelers to explore Australia.
Types of Australian tourist visas
There are several types of Australia Tourist Visas available to immigrants, each suited to a specific purpose and duration of stay. It is important to understand the types of visas below so that you can choose the one that is right for you:
1. Visitor visas (subclass 600)
In Australia, tourist visas (subclass 600) are the most common type of visa for visiting family and friends.
A foreign national can apply for this visa in Australia for a period of three, six, or twelve months, depending on their specific circumstances.
There are a number of events that visitors to Australia can attend with the Visitor Visa (subclass 600):
- Leisure and tourism
- Visits from family and friends
- Short-term study (less than three months)
It is also necessary for applicants to demonstrate that they have enough financial resources to support their stay, and that they intend to return home at the end of their stay.
2. ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) subclass 601
An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (subclass 601) allows travelers from eligible countries to visit Australia for tourism or business.
Citizens of certain countries, such as the United States, Canada, Japan, and most countries in the European Union, are eligible for this visa.
ETA (subclass 601) is a convenient and quick option for short visits to Australia that offers the following advantages:
- Australia has a three-month stay limit
- Whether you’re visiting for business or tourism
- Online application process is easy
An ETA typically requires less documentation than a Visitor Visa and is easier to obtain. This visa, however, is limited to specific nationalities and is only valid for three months at a time.
3. Visa for electronic visitors (subclass 651)
In certain European countries, passport holders can obtain an eVisitor Visa (subclass 651) that allows them to travel to Australia for tourism or business.
ETAs are short-term visas valid for a maximum period of three months within the twelve-month period, while eVisitor visas are online visas.
The eVisitor Visa (subclass 651) has the following features:
- Several European Union (EU) countries and some others are eligible
- Provides opportunities for tourism, business visits, and short-term study
- This offer is valid for three months maximum per visit (short-term stay)
E-Visitor visas can be applied for online, and the process is straightforward and quick. During the validity period of the visa, multiple entries into Australia are also allowed.
4. Visa for Sponsored Family Visitors (subclass 600)
Sponsored Family Visitor Visas (subclass 600) are the specific type of Visitor Visas available to individuals wanting to visit their relatives in Australia.
The applicant must be sponsored by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Short-term visas are available for family members of Australian citizens. As a result of the sponsorship process, the family member will be able to support the applicant financially while they are in Australia.
Sponsorship arrangements may also allow this type of visa to have a longer duration than a regular Visitor Visa.
The Eligibility Requirements for Getting an Australian Tourist Visa
There are different requirements for different types of Australia Tourist Visas. There are, however, some general requirements for most tourist visas, including:
1. Objectives of the visit
Tourists and visitors with valid short-term purposes must demonstrate their intent to visit Australia. A tourist visa does not allow a person to work, study, or immigrate to Australia for a long period of time.
2. Sufficient financial resources
The applicant must demonstrate that he or she has sufficient funds to cover the cost of their stay in Australia. Expenses such as accommodation, food, travel, and other necessities are included. Bank statements may be required as proof of financial stability.
3. Health and character requirements
An applicant for a tourist visa will most likely need to meet certain health and character requirements. In order to ensure the applicant does not pose a health risk or have a criminal history, they are often required to undergo a medical examination and provide police clearance certificates.
4. Returning Intent
An applicant for a tourist visa must prove his or her intent to leave Australia after their visa period is over. The applicant usually demonstrates this through employment, family ties, or financial obligations in their home country, which would dictate their return.
5. Obtain a Passport
A valid passport from an eligible country is required for applicants. There may be additional requirements for passport holders from certain countries, depending on the visa type.
The sponsorship of tourist visas for Australia
It is possible that applicants for Australia Tourist Visas will need a visa sponsor in some cases. People applying for Sponsored Family Visitor Visas (subclass 600) must be sponsored by an Australian citizen, a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen who meets the eligibility requirements.
What is the role of a Visa Sponsor?
Sponsors are individuals or organizations that agree to support visa applicants during their stay in Australia. It is the sponsor’s responsibility to make sure the applicant adheres to the visa’s conditions, including leaving Australia before the visa expires.
It is necessary for the sponsor to provide evidence that the visitor will be financially supported during their stay under a family-based visa.
The role of a tourist visa sponsor
Supporting the project financially: Sponsors may be required to demonstrate their ability to support the applicant while they are in Australia.
Ensure visa compliance: It is the sponsor’s responsibility to ensure that the applicant follows all visa conditions, including the length of stay.
Supporting your visa application: It is necessary for the sponsor to provide proof that they are related to the applicant and meet certain requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
What are the steps to apply for a sponsor’s family member visa?
1. Seek sponsorship: For a visa to be granted, the applicant must be sponsored by an eligible member of their family. A citizen of Australia, a permanent resident of Australia, or an eligible New Zealander citizen must sponsor the sponsorship.
2. Prepare the documents: As part of the application process, the applicant will be required to gather documents such as financial statements, proof of relationship with the sponsor, and health and character references.
3. Fill out and submit the application: A tourist visa application must be submitted to the Australian Department of Home Affairs in person or online by both the applicant and sponsor.
4. Await approval: The processing time for visas varies depending on the type and complexity of the application.
Australia tourist visa application process
In order to apply for an Australia Tourist Visa, you must follow the steps below:
1. Make sure you choose the right visa type
Choosing the right type of tourist visa for your travel purpose is essential before you begin your application. It is important to select the appropriate visa category based on whether you are visiting short-term, visiting family, or exploring Australia at leisure.
2. Obtain the required documents
Make sure you have all the necessary documents to support your visa application, including:
- Having a valid passport
- Bank statements, income tax returns, etc., are proofs of financial capacity.
- Medical exam results and police clearances (documents proving health and character)
- Providing proof that your visit is for a specific purpose (invitation letters, travel itinerary, etc.).
3. Fill out and submit your visa application
Once you have collected all the necessary documentation, you can submit your visa application. Visa applications can be made online or at an Australian Visa Application Center (VAC), depending on the type of visa.
4. Pay the Visa fee
Tourist visa applications usually require a processing fee. You will be charged a fee based on the type of visa you are applying for and the country you are applying from.
5. Await the decision
A tourist visa’s processing time varies depending on the type of visa, the country of origin, and the completeness of your application. Make sure to research your visa type’s estimated processing time.
6. Visa application
You will receive a notification of your visa grant once it has been approved. Consider the validity period, entry requirements, and duration of your stay when reviewing the conditions of your visa.
Australia Tourist Visas are available for visitors to one of the world’s most beautiful countries.
To ensure a smooth visit with family, vacation, or leisure, understanding the visa application process is essential.
When applying for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600), Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (subclass 601), or Sponsored Family Visitor Visa, it is important to have the proper documentation.
Understanding sponsorship and the steps involved will enable you to confidently apply for your Australia Tourist Visa and take advantage of all that this country has to offer.