Australian Visitor Visas

Australia provides a diverse range of visas tailored to meet various purposes, including migration, work, education, family reunions, and tourism. Below is a detailed summary of the available Visitor Visa options, which are specifically designed for those planning a temporary stay in Australia for leisure, business, or visiting loved ones.

### 1. Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

This is the most commonly issued visa for short-term stays in Australia. It enables individuals to travel for tourism, business activities, or to visit family and friends. Depending on the applicant’s situation, the visa may be valid for 3, 6, or 12 months.

Streams available under Subclass 600 include:

- Tourist Stream: For those traveling to Australia for holiday purposes, recreational activities, or spending time with family and friends.

- Business Visitor Stream: Ideal for short-term business trips, such as attending meetings, negotiations, or conferences.

- Sponsored Family Stream: For individuals visiting family in Australia under sponsorship from a relative; a security bond may be required.

- Approved Destination Status Stream: Tailored for nationals from designated countries (e.g., China) traveling as part of organized tour groups.

- Frequent Traveler Stream: Designed for frequent visitors, particularly businesspeople, from select countries (e.g., China).

### 2. Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601)

The ETA is a convenient option for passport holders from certain eligible countries and regions. It permits short-term visits of up to 3 months per trip for either tourism or business purposes. This visa is linked electronically to the applicant’s passport.

Eligibility Criteria:

- Applicants must hold a passport from a specified country, such as Canada, Singapore, the USA, or the UK.

### 3. eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651)

Similar to the ETA, the eVisitor Visa is available to passport holders from specific European nations. It allows for stays of up to 3 months per visit for leisure or business activities.

Eligibility Criteria:

- Open to citizens of eligible European countries, including Germany, France, Italy, and more.

### 4. Transit Visa (Subclass 771)

This visa is intended for travelers passing through Australia en route to another destination. It permits a stay of up to 72 hours. While this visa is free, an application is still required.

### Key Requirements for Visitor Visas:

- A valid passport.

- Proof of adequate financial resources to cover your stay in Australia.

- Documentation showing your intent to return to your home country, such as evidence of employment or family ties.

- Meeting health and character requirements.

### Processing Times:

Processing durations vary based on the visa type and individual circumstances. For ETA or eVisitor visas, decisions may be made within a few days, while Subclass 600 visas might take several weeks.