How much does an Australia tourist visa cost in 2026?

The Subclass 600 Tourist stream fee for applicants outside Australia is AUD 250 from 1 July 2026. Onshore applications cost more. Always confirm the current charge on the Department of Home Affairs website before paying.

How long does the Australia tourist visa take to process?

Processing times are published by the Department of Home Affairs and change regularly. Recent snapshots show most Tourist stream applications decided within a few weeks, but complex or incomplete files take longer.

How long can I stay in Australia on a Subclass 600 visa?

Grants are usually for 3, 6 or 12 months, decided by the Department. Paid work is not permitted.

Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit Australia?

Yes. Indian passport holders are not eligible for the eVisitor or ETA options and must apply for a Visitor visa (Subclass 600) through ImmiAccount.

What is the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement?

Applicants must show they intend to visit temporarily and leave Australia, using evidence of financial capacity, employment or business, family ties and a clear travel plan.

Can I extend a tourist visa from inside Australia?

You can apply onshore before your current visa expires, but a No Further Stay condition can block this. Visa hopping is restricted, so plan your full stay before you travel.

Australia Tourist Visa 2026: Subclass 600 Fees, Documents & Process

Written by Riddhi Mevada, Volumaax Visa Consultants · Last updated 28 September 2026

Quick answer: Indian travellers visit Australia on the Visitor visa (Subclass 600), Tourist stream. The government fee is AUD 250 (from 1 July 2026), the visa is normally granted for 3, 6 or 12 months, and the decision rests on proving you are a genuine temporary visitor with enough funds and strong ties to India.

What Is the Australia Tourist Visa (Subclass 600)?

The Subclass 600 is Australia's general visitor visa. It covers holidays, sightseeing, cruises and visiting family or friends. It does not allow paid work, and long-term study is not permitted. Indian passport holders cannot use the free eVisitor (651) or ETA (601) options, so Subclass 600 is the route to apply for.

Which Subclass 600 Stream Should You Apply Under?

Stream	Best For	Key Note
Tourist (offshore)	Holidays, family visits, cruises	Most common for applicants in India
Sponsored Family	Visiting relatives who sponsor you	Sponsor is assessed too; a security bond may be requested
Business Visitor	Meetings, conferences	No work permitted
Frequent Traveller	Repeat long-validity travel	Invitation only
Tourist (onshore)	Extending a stay from inside Australia	Higher fee; check for a No Further Stay condition

How Much Does the Australia Tourist Visa Cost in 2026?

From 1 July 2026 the offshore Tourist stream fee is AUD 250 (up from AUD 200), and onshore applications are AUD 630. Fees are reviewed regularly, so confirm the amount on the official Department of Home Affairs website before paying. Consultancy and translation charges are separate.

Who Is Eligible for the Australia Tourist Visa?

A valid passport with sufficient validity for your stay
Enough funds to cover flights, accommodation and daily costs
Genuine intention to visit temporarily and return to India
Meeting health and character requirements
No unpaid debts to the Australian Government

What Documents Are Required for an Australia Tourist Visa?

Passport bio page and previous visas
Passport-size photograph and completed online form
Bank statements (last 6 months) and ITR or Form 16
Employment letter with leave approval, or business registration
Day-by-day itinerary and accommodation plan
Invitation letter and sponsor proof, if visiting family
Proof of ties to India: property papers, family details, employment

How to Apply for the Australia Tourist Visa Step by Step

Create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Select Visitor visa (Subclass 600) and the Tourist stream.
Complete the online form and upload clear documents.
Pay the visa application charge.
Attend biometrics if requested.
Track the application and respond quickly to any request for information.

How Long Does the Australia Tourist Visa Take?

The Department publishes processing times that change with demand and season. Recent snapshots place most complete Tourist stream applications at a few weeks, with faster and slower outliers. Peak travel periods and incomplete files add delay. Apply well ahead of booking non-refundable travel.

What Is the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Test?

Officers assess whether you will genuinely visit and then leave. Strong files show stable employment or business, steady savings, family ties, and a realistic itinerary. Weak or inconsistent evidence is the most common cause of refusal.

Common Reasons for Australia Tourist Visa Refusal

Unexplained large deposits or thin financial history
Unclear purpose or an itinerary that does not match funds
Weak ties to India
Incomplete or inconsistent documents
Previous visa breaches

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in Australia on a tourist visa?

No. The Subclass 600 does not permit paid work.

How long can I stay?

Usually 3, 6 or 12 months as decided by the Department, and generally no more than 12 months in any 18-month period.

Can I extend my stay?

You may apply onshore before expiry unless a No Further Stay condition applies. Australia restricts visa hopping, so plan your full trip in advance.

Do Indian citizens need a visa?

Yes, a Visitor visa (Subclass 600) is required.

Planning a Trip to Australia?

Volumaax reviews your documents, builds a strong GTE file and guides you from application to approval.

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Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Visa rules, fees and processing times change; verify all details on the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website (homeaffairs.gov.au) before applying. Volumaax is not a government body.