Australia Visa for Indians

Indian passport holders generally need an Australian visitor visa before they travel to Australia. The usual option for a holiday is the Visitor visa, subclass 600, which you can apply for online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs. The electronic travel authority and eVisitor options are generally not available to Indian passport holders, so do not assume that a short online form is enough. The rules, fees and document lists can change, so check the official Department of Home Affairs pages before you apply.

Do Indians need a visa for Australia?

Yes. Indian citizens travelling on an ordinary passport generally need a visa before they arrive in Australia. For a holiday, the usual route is the Visitor visa, subclass 600, with the Tourist stream if you apply from outside Australia. Your visa conditions set how long you can stay and what you may do, so read the grant letter carefully and check the conditions in VEVO before you travel.

Which visa should you apply for?

The Visitor visa, subclass 600, covers tourism and visiting family and friends. Choose the Tourist stream if you are applying from outside Australia for a holiday. Check the purpose of your trip before you apply, because the wrong stream or pathway can affect eligibility and fees. The electronic travel authority, subclass 601, and the eVisitor, subclass 651, are generally not open to Indian passport holders, so do not rely on them.

What documents do you need?

The Department asks for a set of documents, and the most important ones are marked as critical in the official checklist. Expect to provide the following:

• A valid Indian passport: pages showing your photograph, personal details, issue date and expiry date.
• Evidence of sufficient funds: bank statements, payslips, audited accounts, tax records, term deposits or credit-card statements that show you can support yourself and leave Australia.
• Evidence of a genuine temporary visit: an employer letter, education enrolment, family ties, property or other proof that you have reasons to return to India.
• Travel or visit plans: details of what you intend to do in Australia, where requested.
• An invitation letter, if you are visiting family or friends: stating the relationship, the purpose and length of the visit, and whether they will provide accommodation. Include evidence of their funds if they will pay for your stay.
• A national identity card, if you have one, and change-of-name evidence, if it applies.

Clear copies of all documents make the process smoother. Upload only what the Department asks for, and keep the originals safe.

How do you apply?

1. Create or sign in to an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs online system.
2. Select the Visitor visa, subclass 600, and the Tourist stream for an application made outside Australia.
3. Complete the form and attach your identity, financial, genuine-visitor and travel-plan documents.
4. Submit the application and pay the applicable visa charge, since the application is not processed until payment is made.
5. Complete any extra requests from the Department, such as biometrics, health examinations or police certificates, if they are asked for.
6. Monitor your ImmiAccount for the decision and the grant conditions.

Processing times vary by application and by the requests the Department makes, so some steps take days and others take longer. Build extra time into your plans.

What does the visa cost?

The visa charge is not stated in this guide, because it changes and depends on the visa and the stream. Check the current amount on the official Department of Home Affairs visa page before you pay. Also check whether any extra fee applies to your circumstances, such as biometrics or health checks, and keep your payment confirmation.

Does a Tripstor package include visa help?

Yes, visa assistance is included in our Australia packages, including the Australia Classic 9N, Australia Family with Theme Parks 10N and Australia and Great Barrier Reef 12N packages. The Australian visa fee itself is not included, and it is paid separately. Our packages are land-only, so flights are also booked separately.

What mistakes should you avoid?

• Applying in the wrong stream: check that you choose the Tourist stream for an application made outside Australia.
• Submitting unclear or incomplete documents: the Department may ask for more information or refuse an application that does not establish eligibility.
• Forgetting to pay the charge: an application is not processed until the fee is paid.
• Assuming work rights or a longer stay: check the grant letter and conditions in VEVO before you work, study or extend your stay.
• Booking non-refundable travel too early: wait for the visa decision before making non-refundable bookings.

Plan your Australia trip

Once your visa is sorted, read how to reach Australia for flight options, best time to visit Australia to pick your dates, and places to visit in Australia to choose regions. Browse our Australia tour packages to see how the trip can be put together.