Australia is the ideal tourist destination for many people. With their vibrant culture, wonderful wildlife and colourful cities, many tourists opt to visit there. However, Australia has strict rules when entering their country as a foreigner. Even as a tourist, choosing the right visit visa to Australia isn’t easy, since there are various subclasses that can be confusing to navigate.
What Are the Different Types of Visit Visa to Australia?
| Type of Visa | Subclass | Who It’s Best Suited For | Average Stay | Approximate Cost |
| eVisitor | 651 | People with European passports | 3 months | Free |
| Visitor Visa (Tourists) | 600 | Any nationality | 12 months at maximum | AUD 250 onwards |
| Visitor Visa (Business) | 600 | For short business trips | 12 months at maximum | AUD 250 onwards |
| Visitor Visa (Sponsored Family) | 600 | For visiting family residing in Australia | 12 months at maximum | AUD 250 onwards |
| Frequent Traveller Stream | 600 | Frequent visitors from specific Asian nationalities | 3 months | AUD 1,845 |
| Electronic Traveller Authority | 601 | People from selected nationalities, including some Asian passports | 3 months | AUD 20 (Service fee for the appointment) |
eVisitor Visa
An eVisitor Visa is free for anyone who holds a European passport. More specifically, eVisitor visas are eligible for all EU member states and specific European countries.You may stay up to 3 months per visit in Australia within 12 months. This is a good choice for tourists entering Australia.
Visitor Visa
The Visit Visa is the most flexible in this list, as there are subcategories within this visa as well. It’s available for all and any nationalities, giving you the chance to stay up to 12 months in Australia. For example, if someone needs a visit visa to Australia from Sri Lanka, this is the type of visa they should apply for.
For tourists who want to extend their stay, they can apply for the Visit Visa from both inside or from outside of Australia. The Visit Visa can also be used by those going for short business related visits to Australia, such as seminars or conferences.
Frequent Traveller Stream
The Frequent Traveller Stream is a type of visa exclusively available to those from China, Brunei, Cambodia, the Philippines, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste. People with passports from these countries can apply for a Frequent Traveller Stream Visa if they often visit Australia. You can stay up to 3 months per each entry, but the overall visa is valid for up to 10 years.
Electronic Traveller Authority (ETA)
The Electronic Travelling Authority is a specific visa for which only some countries are eligible for. These include Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Hong Kong and so forth. The visa is valid for 12 months, but people can stay only up to 3 months per visit.
What Documents Do You Need for a Visit Visa to Australia?
An Australian Visit Visa doesn’t require as many documents as a job visa. For instance, a job visa requires proof of the applicant being able to communicate in English. Nonetheless, there are still some boxes that need to be ticked so that you can successfully visit Australia. The following show those documents:
- Health requirements should prove that you are of able and good health, and will not pose any threat to yourself or others when you visit Australia. In some cases, a police report will be needed as well as part of the character requirement.
- Sufficient funds to show that you are able to afford your visit to Australia.
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Australia.
- Your visa should match your length of stay
- Proof of onward and return tickets, so that the Australian government can verify that you do not plan to overstay beyond your intended duration in Australia.
- Evidence of ties to your home country, such as an address or a job.
What Can a Visit Visa Offer You?
A visit visa is generally temporary, usually lasting up to 12 months, with the exception of the Frequent Traveller Visa, which can last up to a decade. Based on your intention to visit Australia, your visa may differ, but most Visit Visas fall under subclass 600. This includes sponsored family, tourist and business visas. This typically allows tourism, sight seeing, cruises, festivals and even short courses, lasting maximum 3 months, since that’s the most time a person can stay in Australia per entry.
How to Apply for a Visit Visa to Australia from Sri Lanka
When applying for an Australian Visit Visa from Sri Lanka, the first step is to gather all the necessary documents, like your passport, your proof of ties to Sri Lanka and such. Use an ImmiAccount to apply for your visa, and submit biometrics. Pay the visa charge digitally as well. The process can be incredibly confusing, so appointing a migration agent such as IMM Consults would help you complete this process as smoothly as possible.
Common Reasons an Australian Visit Visa May Be Refused
For the most part, a visit visa to Australia isn’t usually refused, but approval is never guaranteed.The rare cases that result in your Visit Visa getting rejected are most likely due to one of the following:
- Failure to meet health requirements
- Failure to meet character requirements
- Incomplete documentation
- Previous visa breaches/refusals
- Insufficient evidence of entrant’s stay
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work or study with a Visit Visa?
No, you cannot work or study with a Visit Visa. In a rare situation, an exception can be made for short courses, but this is not guaranteed.
What happens if I overstay in Australia?
Avoid overstaying your visit in Australia, as there may be legal repercussions for doing so. This can even lead to future visa refusals, which can be a major disadvantage for you.
Are biometrics required for a Visit Visa?
Generally yes, biometrics are required for an Australian Visit Visa. Biometrics can typically be given online as well, but usually you are informed how to send the biometrics or if they are not needed.
Do I need to give in police clearance certificates for Visit Visas?
This depends, but you will be informed if this is necessary. A police certificate also requires biometrics, and you must reach the character requirement to be eligible for your visa.
How long does it take to get a visit visa to Australia from Sri Lanka?
It usually takes a few weeks, but the time varies depending on demand and whether your application is complete. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before you travel, and check current processing times on the Home Affairs website.
