Subclass 600
Tourist stream
For a holiday, cruise, or visit to family and friends. Different requirements apply depending on whether you apply inside or outside Australia.
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Visit Australia
Plan your visit with a clearer understanding of your visa options.
Explore visitor pathways for holidays, family visits and permitted business activities—and understand what matters before you apply.
Start with your purpose
A visitor visa is not one-size-fits-all.
The right pathway depends on why you want to visit, the passport you hold, where you are when you apply, how long you intend to stay and whether another person will formally sponsor your visit.
A strong application does more than list a travel date. It presents a consistent temporary purpose, accurate personal history and evidence that supports the plans described in the application.
Common visitor pathways
Which option might be relevant?
These are general pathway descriptions. Eligibility and conditions must be checked for the individual applicant.
Subclass 600
Sponsored Family stream
For eligible people visiting family in Australia with an approved family sponsor. A security bond may be requested in some cases.
Subclass 600
Business Visitor stream
For permitted business visitor activities such as conferences, negotiations or general business enquiries—not employment in Australia.
Subclasses 601 and 651
ETA or eVisitor
Short-visit options available only to eligible passport holders. The correct option depends on the passport you use and your circumstances.
What visitors can do
Visit for a genuine temporary purpose.
- ✓Take a holiday, cruise, or visit family and friends.
- ✓Undertake permitted business visitor activities when the relevant pathway allows them.
- ✓Study or train for a limited period when allowed by the visa conditions.
What visitors cannot do
Do not treat a visitor visa as a work visa.
- ×Work for or provide services to an Australian business or organisation.
- ×Use a visitor pathway when the main purpose is long-term study.
- ×Remain after the permitted stay or disregard conditions in the visa grant notice.
Preparing your evidence
Help the application tell one clear, consistent story.
The documents needed vary. Evidence should be relevant, truthful and consistent with the purpose, duration and funding of the proposed visit.
- 01 A valid passport and accurate identity information
- 02 A clear explanation of your visit and intended travel dates
- 03 Evidence that you can fund your visit, where required
- 04 Evidence of reasons to return home, such as work, study, family or other commitments
- 05 Invitations, accommodation or itinerary details relevant to your purpose
- 06 Health, character or other documents requested for your circumstances
Application journey
From travel plans to a decision.
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01
Clarify your purpose
Identify why you are visiting, how long you plan to stay and which passport you will use.
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02
Check the pathway
Confirm the relevant visa, stream, location rules, eligibility and conditions.
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03
Prepare and apply
Complete the correct application and provide accurate, supporting information.
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04
Wait for the outcome
Respond to requests promptly and avoid relying on travel plans until a visa is granted.
Costs and timing
Check current information before you act.
Government charges and processing times can change. Costs also depend on the pathway and applicant circumstances. The Home Affairs processing-times guide reports recently decided applications and does not guarantee when an individual application will be finalised.
Common complications
Small inconsistencies can create large questions.
- • Choosing a pathway that does not match the real purpose of travel
- • Providing vague plans or evidence that conflicts with the application
- • Omitting previous refusals, travel history, convictions or other relevant information
- • Assuming an invitation or sponsorship guarantees a visa
- • Booking non-refundable travel before receiving a decision
Visitor visa FAQs
Questions people often ask before applying.
Can I work in Australia on a visitor visa? +
Visitor visas do not permit work in Australia. Limited business visitor activities may be allowed, but they are different from working for or providing services to an Australian business.
How long can I stay in Australia? +
The permitted stay depends on the visa and the conditions stated in the grant notice. A visa may allow one or multiple entries, and its overall validity is not necessarily the same as the permitted stay on each visit.
Should I book flights before my visa is granted? +
The Department of Home Affairs recommends that applicants do not make travel arrangements until the visa has been granted.
Can my family apply together with me? +
Each family member generally needs a separate visitor visa application, including children. The evidence and outcome are considered for each applicant.
Authoritative sources
Check the official rules.
The following Department of Home Affairs pages were used to prepare this guide.
Sources last checked: 24 July 2026.
Your next step
Would you like clarity before you apply?
Tell us about your circumstances. We can help you identify the questions and evidence that deserve attention.
General information only: This page does not provide personal migration advice or guarantee eligibility, processing time or an outcome. Requirements and government information can change. Check current official information and consider professional advice for your circumstances.