Visitor (Subclass 600) — Tourist StreamVerified 2026-04-19Australia Tourist Visa (Subclass 600 — Tourist Stream)
The Visitor visa (subclass 600) Tourist stream is the primary route for Indian passport holders to visit Australia for tourism, holiday, cruise, or visiting friends and relatives. Applications are lodged online via ImmiAccount with the Department of Home Affairs — there is no paper form and no VFS lodgement in India. Australia grants digital visas (no sticker in passport).
Processing
Variable by visa subclass and individual case
Stay Duration
3, 6 or 12 months (as decided by the Department of Home Affairs)
Starting Fee
AUD 200
Apply At
11 VFS centres
Special Instructions — Read Before Applying
These requirements apply to ALL Australia visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.
- 1All Indian applicants MUST apply online via ImmiAccount — there is no paper form, no VFS lodgement. VFS Global is only the biometrics collection agent in India.
- 2Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay. Renew BEFORE applying if expiry is within 6 months.
- 3Australia does NOT place a visa sticker in your passport. Your visa is digitally linked to your passport — verify via VEVO after grant.
- 4You must be OUTSIDE Australia when you apply AND when the visa is decided (for most visitor and temporary visas).
- 5Be a 'genuine visitor' — you must intend to return to your home country. Australia's Department of Home Affairs scrutinises this closely for Indian applicants.
- 6Health requirement: you may need a medical examination (chest X-ray, general health check) at a Bupa Medical Visa Services panel physician. Bupa is the only authorised provider in India.
- 7Character requirement: police clearance certificate (PCC) from the passport office may be required if you've spent 12+ months in any country in the last 10 years.
- 8'No Further Stay' condition 8503 is commonly attached to visitor visas — if attached, you cannot apply for another visa while in Australia. Check your grant letter carefully.
- 9Visitor visa holders: be aware of recent laws restricting 'visa hopping' to the Student visa program — you generally cannot switch to Student visa while in Australia on a Visitor visa.
Who Can Apply
- Indian citizens travelling to Australia for holiday, tourism, or sightseeing
- Indian citizens visiting friends or relatives already in Australia (without formal sponsorship)
- Cruise passengers starting or ending their cruise in Australia
- Travellers with confirmed flights, accommodation, sufficient funds and strong ties to India
Not eligible under this visa:
- Anyone intending to work or study formally in Australia (Tourist stream prohibits employment; short courses up to 3 months may be allowed case-by-case)
- Stays longer than 12 months — different visa categories apply
- Applicants needing family sponsorship — use the Sponsored Family stream instead
- Business travellers — use the Business Visitor stream
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Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) — base charge | AUD 200 |
| Additional applicant 18+ | AUD 100 |
| Additional applicant under 18 | AUD 50 |
| Biometrics (per applicant) | ₹1,850 |
All Visa Application Charges (VAC) are set in Australian Dollars by the Department of Home Affairs and paid online via ImmiAccount using international credit card. The INR amount depends on the credit card's conversion rate on payment day — not controlled by the Australian government. Additional costs include: health check (~₹4,500–6,000), police clearance certificate from PSK (~₹500), biometrics (₹1,850), and any translation costs for non-English documents. Fees are non-refundable regardless of visa outcome. Use the Visa Pricing Estimator on homeaffairs.gov.au for current rates.
Documents Required
Core Documents
- !Valid passport
Valid for the entire period of intended stay. Passport bio page uploaded to ImmiAccount.
- !One recent passport-style photograph
Digital copy uploaded via ImmiAccount. 45 × 35 mm, plain background, taken within 6 months.
- ○Form 1419 (Application for a Visitor visa — Tourist stream)
Form is completed online via ImmiAccount — the PDF is an information guide only for reference.
- !Cover letter
Detailing purpose of visit, duration, cities to visit, and confirmation you will leave Australia before visa expires ('genuine visitor' requirement).
Travel & Accommodation
- !Round-trip flight itinerary
Booking/reservation — do NOT buy tickets until visa is granted.
- !Hotel bookings / accommodation details
All cities you will visit. If staying with friends/family, provide their address and a simple invitation letter.
- ○Detailed day-by-day travel plan
Strongly recommended — shows genuine tourist intent.
- ○Travel insurance
Strongly recommended. Medicare doesn't cover tourists.
Proof of Occupation & Ties to India
- ○Employed: salary slips (last 3 months) + employment letter with approved leave
Must confirm position, joining date, salary, and return-to-work date after Australia visit.
- ○Self-employed: GST certificate / company registration / Udhyog Aadhar
- ○Retired: pension statements
- ○Student: college/university enrollment letter + leave approval
- ○Proof of property / assets in India
Helps demonstrate strong ties and genuine return intent.
Proof of Sufficient Funds
- !Bank statements (last 6 months)
Stamped and signed. Should show consistent balance sufficient to cover entire Australia trip.
- !Income Tax Returns (last 2–3 years)
Acknowledged ITRs with Form 16 if employed.
- ○If sponsored by a relative abroad
Sponsor's bank statements, employment letter, and invitation letter — the Australian Department of Home Affairs may consider sponsor's finances.
For Minor Travellers
- ○Form 1229 — Consent to grant an Australian visa to a child under 18
Required if the minor is travelling without both parents. Signed by non-travelling parent(s).
- ○Birth certificate
Required when a child is named on the application.
- ○Parent passport copies + NOC
Health & Character
- ○Health examination (if requested)
Done at Bupa Medical Visa Services panel physicians in India. Chest X-ray for stays over 6 months or if requested by the Department.
- ○Police clearance certificate
From PSK or Regional Passport Office — if requested by the Department (usually for applicants with 12+ months residence in another country).
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Create an ImmiAccount
Visit online.immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and create a personal ImmiAccount — this is Australia's only official application portal.
Select Visitor (subclass 600) — Tourist stream
From the New Application menu, select 'Visitor — Tourist stream'. The online form dynamically asks ~100 questions; save progress as you go.
Upload supporting documents
Upload passport bio page, photo, cover letter, flight/hotel reservations, bank statements, ITRs, employment letter. Clear colour scans, ideally PDF.
Pay the Visa Application Charge (VAC) online
Pay AUD 200 (base) by international credit/debit card. The amount charged in INR depends on your card's exchange rate.
Book biometrics appointment at VFS Global India
After submission, the Department instructs you to give biometrics (fingerprints + facial photo) at your nearest VFS Global biometrics centre — Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Jalandhar.
(If requested) Complete health examination at Bupa
Bupa Medical Visa Services is the sole authorised provider for Australian visa medicals in India. Only complete this if the Department requests it or if your stay exceeds 6 months.
Wait for decision
Decision typically takes 20–60 days. You receive an email grant notification from the Department. Your visa is digital — verify via VEVO using your passport number and grant letter reference.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
ImmiAccount — Online Application Portal
Australia's official online visa application portal. ALL Australian visas for Indian applicants must be lodged here — no paper forms, no VFS lodgement. Create your ImmiAccount, select the visa subclass, pay online, and upload documents.
Department of Home Affairs — Official Website
Authoritative source for all Australian visa information. Includes Visa Finder tool, Visa Pricing Estimator, Visa Processing Time Guide, and health requirement details.
Visa Finder Tool
If you're unsure which visa is right for you — answer a few questions and the tool recommends matching visa subclasses.
VEVO — Visa Entitlement Verification Online
After visa grant, use VEVO to check your visa conditions, stay period, and entry rights. Australia grants digital visas only — no sticker in passport.
VFS Application Centres
Visa Eligibility Check
Answer 10 questions to see your likelihood of approval. Embassies look for the same core factors across visa types — financial strength, clear purpose, genuine intent to return.
How clear is your purpose of visit?
How long is your planned stay?
Travel history to developed countries?
Any previous visa refusals?
Employment / income source?
3-month average bank balance?
Income Tax Returns history?
Travel bookings status?
Ties to India (reasons you'll return)?
Travelling with?
Indicative only — final decision is always with the Embassy.
💡 Pro Tips
- Apply at least 4–8 weeks before your intended travel date. Don't make non-refundable travel arrangements until your visa is granted.
- ImmiAccount is the ONLY way to apply — you'll create an account, complete the 101-part online form, upload documents, and pay by international credit/debit card (AUD).
- Documents to upload: passport bio-page, photo, ITR (2-3 years), bank statements (6 months), employment letter with leave approval, travel itinerary, hotel bookings, invitation letter (if applicable), previous visa/travel history.
- The Department can make decisions WITHOUT requesting further information — submit the most complete application first time. Use Form 956/956A if someone else is helping you apply.
- English translations are mandatory for all non-English documents (bank statements, ITRs, etc.). Use NAATI-certified translators for best acceptance.
- Health insurance: 'adequate health insurance' is strongly recommended — Medicare doesn't cover most tourists. Get travel insurance from an Indian or Australian insurer before travel.
- The Australian Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) must be filled out on every arrival — declare all food, plants, animal products strictly. Biosecurity breaches attract heavy fines.
Common Rejection Reasons
- 1.Failing the 'genuine visitor' test — weak ties to India, suspicious travel pattern, or doubts about intent to return
- 2.Insufficient funds — bank statement balance inadequate for declared Australia trip
- 3.Incomplete or inconsistent travel itinerary
- 4.Previous visa refusals (any country) not disclosed — Australia requires full visa history
- 5.Health requirement not met (uncommon but possible for applicants with significant health conditions)
- 6.Adverse character information (criminal history not disclosed)
- 7.Gaps or inconsistencies in employment or income documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in Australia on a tourist visa?+
Do I get a visa sticker in my passport?+
What is 'condition 8503 — No Further Stay'?+
Can I extend my tourist visa while in Australia?+
Do I need to apply through VFS Global?+
How much money should I show in my bank statements?+
What if my visa is refused?+
Let us prepare your Australia Tourist Visa — (Subclass 600 — Tourist Stream) application
Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.
Other Australia Visa Types
Australia Business Visa (Subclass 600 — Business Visitor Stream)
Australian business visitor visa for Indian professionals attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, or exploratory business visits. Paid employment is NOT permitted.
Australia Sponsored Family Visa (Subclass 600 — Sponsored Family Stream)
Australian visitor visa for Indian citizens visiting close relatives who are Australian citizens/PR holders and who sponsor the application. An Assurance of Support may be required.
Australia Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) — Informational
The ETA (subclass 601) is Australia's quick online visa for tourism/business visits, but it is NOT available to Indian passport holders. Indian citizens must apply for the Visitor visa (subclass 600) instead.
Australia eVisitor (Subclass 651) — Informational
eVisitor (subclass 651) is a free online visa for short visits to Australia, but it is exclusively for European passport holders. Indian citizens are NOT eligible — apply for subclass 600 instead.
Australia Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) — Informational
Informational guide. The Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) allows young Indians aged 18–30 to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months, but India has a ballot-based quota. SureshotVisa does not process work visas.
Australia Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) — Informational
Informational guide. The Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) is NOT available to Indian passport holders. Indian citizens should refer to the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) via the annual ballot.
Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)
The Student visa (subclass 500) allows Indian students to live in Australia and undertake a full-time eligible course of study — school, VET, undergraduate, postgraduate, or research — for up to 6 years.
Australia Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)
The Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) allows an Indian parent, custodian, or close relative aged 21+ to come to Australia to provide care and support for a student visa holder under 18 (or in exceptional cases, 18+).
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global Australia website and Embassy of Australia. Last verified 2026-04-19. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.