What you need before
you fly.

Which visa do most travellers need?

Most international visitors -- including all Indian passport holders -- travel to Australia on the Visitor visa (Subclass 600), Tourist stream. This covers holidays, sightseeing, and visiting family or friends. A small number of nationalities (mostly European, plus a handful of others such as the US, Canada, Japan, and Singapore) can instead use the simpler ETA (Subclass 601) or eVisitor (Subclass 651) -- Indian passport holders are not eligible for either of these and must apply for the full Subclass 600.

Key facts about the Subclass 600 (Tourist stream)

Fees are reviewed periodically -- confirm the current Visa Application Charge on the official Home Affairs website before paying. Third-party sites often charge a mark-up over the official government fee.

Document checklist

Requirements vary by individual circumstances, but most Tourist stream applications include:

• Valid passport -- with at least 6 months' validity beyond your planned departure from Australia
• Recent passport-style photograph -- meeting Australian visa photo requirements
• Proof of funds -- recent bank statements (typically 6 months), showing a stable balance consistent with your trip length
• Proof of employment or income -- an employer letter, business registration, or income tax returns showing ties back home
• Travel itinerary -- flight bookings and an outline of where you plan to stay and what you plan to do
• Accommodation details -- hotel bookings or an invitation letter if staying with family/friends
• Evidence of ties to your home country -- family, property, ongoing employment or study -- supporting your intention to return
• Travel insurance -- not mandatory for the visa itself, but strongly recommended -- visitors are not covered by Australia's Medicare system
• Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends) -- from your host, plus evidence of their status in Australia

The one thing that matters most: genuine intent

The core test for every visitor visa application is whether the case officer believes you genuinely intend to visit temporarily and return home -- known as the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement. Strong, well-documented ties to your home country (stable employment, family, property) matter more than any single document. Inconsistencies between your application, bank statements, and stated travel plans are the most common reason for refusal or delay.

Applying: the basic steps

1. Create an ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au -- avoid third-party sites charging a mark-up with no additional benefit.
2. Select Visitor visa (Subclass 600), Tourist stream and complete the application form, ensuring every detail matches your supporting documents exactly.
3. Upload your documents as clear digital scans (PDF, JPEG, or PNG) -- non-English documents need certified translations.
4. Pay the Visa Application Charge online -- confirm the current fee before paying, as it's reviewed periodically and non-refundable.
5. Track your application using your Transaction Reference Number (TRN) in ImmiAccount.
6. Respond quickly to any request for additional information or documents -- delays here are the most common cause of processing delays.