Dreaming of catching a sunset at the Sydney Opera House, exploring the Great Barrier Reef, or finally hugging your family down under? Australia is waiting!
To get you there smoothly, you’ll need the right visa. Below is the complete, up-to-date breakdown of Australia’s primary tourist visa options for 2026. Find the perfect match for your travel plans and get ready to pack your bags.
Quick Comparison: Which Visa is Right for You?
Visa Type | Best For | Application Location | Base Cost (AUD) | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) - Offshore | Travelers worldwide visiting for tourism or family. | Outside Australia | From $200 | Up to 12 months |
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) - Onshore | Travelers already in Australia want to stay longer. | Inside Australia | From $500 | Up to 12 months |
eVisitor (Subclass 651) | Passport holders from eligible European & UK countries. | Outside Australia | FREE ($0) | Up to 3 months per entry |
1. Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) – Tourist Stream
The Subclass 600 visa is the standard visa for global travellers coming to Australia for a holiday, a cruise, or to visit friends and family.
Applying Outside Australia (Offshore)
Perfect if you are planning your trip from home.
You must be outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is granted.
Granted based on your needs (typically 3, 6, or 12 months).
From AUD 200
Applying Inside Australia (Onshore)
Perfect if you are already in Australia on a valid visa and aren’t ready to say goodbye just yet.
You must be physically inside Australia when you apply and when the decision is made.
Your current visa must not have a "No Further Stay" condition.
From AUD 500
Eligibility Criteria (Subclass 600)
To be approved, you must meet the following requirements:
You must genuinely intend to stay temporarily for tourism or family purposes.
You need to show sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
You must meet Australia’s standard health and character checks (including a clean criminal record).
2. eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651)
If you hold a passport from an eligible European country or the United Kingdom, this is your fastest and most cost-effective option.
There is no government application fee (AUD 0).
You must be outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is issued.
Valid for a full 12 months from the date of approval.
Allow multiple entries, meaning you can enter Australia as many times as you like during that year, staying for up to 3 months per visit.
Eligibility Criteria (Subclass 651)
You must hold an eligible passport (e.g., UK, EU nations).
Your visit must strictly be for tourism or short-term, unpaid business activities (like attending a trade conference or contract negotiations).
The Golden Rules of Australian Visitor Visas
No matter which visa you choose, all Australian tourist streams come with strict conditions that you must follow:
* Strictly No Work: You are legally prohibited from working or selling goods/services in Australia. * Limited Study: You can take short courses or train for a maximum of 3 months total. * No Simple Extensions: You cannot technically "extend" these visas. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a brand-new visa before your current one expires.
Ready to Start Your Australian Adventure?
Navigating immigration paperwork can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Let our expert migration team handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on planning your itinerary.