Australia Visa for India Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to Australia as an Indian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa: required documents, current fee of AUD 190, processing times of 2 to 5 weeks, and strategies to improve your approval chances. With stricter processing in 2026, thorough preparation is essential.

Visa Application process

Indian citizens must apply for the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) online through the Australian Government’s ImmiAccount portal.1 Unlike citizens of some countries, Indians are not eligible for the simplified ETA or eVisitor visas.

Create an ImmiAccount

Register at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au to create your account. You will use this account to submit your application, upload documents, and track your application status.1

Complete the Application

Select the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Tourist Stream and fill out all sections. You will need to provide:2 • Personal details and passport information • Travel plans and intended dates • Employment and financial information • Details of any previous visa applications or refusals • Health and character declarations

Upload Supporting Documents

Attach all required documents as clear digital scans or photographs. Documents should be in PDF, JPEG, or PNG format. Non-English documents must include certified translations.4

Pay the Fee

The application fee of AUD 190 is payable online via credit card, debit card, or PayPal.1 The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.

Wait for Processing

You will receive an acknowledgment with a Transaction Reference Number (TRN). Use this to track your application status in ImmiAccount. Processing typically takes 2 to 5 weeks.3

Receive Decision

Once decided, you will receive notification via email and in your ImmiAccount. If approved, your visa is linked electronically to your passport. There is no physical visa sticker.

Visa Application Steps

1. Create an ImmiAccount
2. Complete the Application
3. Upload Supporting Documents
4. Pay the Fee
5. Wait for Processing
6. Receive Decision

Visa Fees breakdown

Service: Cost	Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): AUD 190	Biometric collection (if required): Included	Health examination (if required): Varies by provider	The AUD 190 fee applies to stays of 3, 6, or 12 months. There is no separate fee for longer validity.1 Payment is non-refundable even if refused or withdrawn.

What you need to prove

Australia uses the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. Case officers must be satisfied that you:

Have a genuine purpose: Your reasons for visiting are legitimate tourism, family visit, or business
Will leave Australia: You have strong reasons to return to India and will not overstay
Have adequate funds: You can support yourself without working
Meet character requirements: You have no serious criminal history
Meet health requirements: You do not pose a health risk to Australia

Required documents

Valid Passport
Online Application via ImmiAccount
Passport-Sized Photograph
Bank Statements
Employment Evidence
Travel Plans
Ties to Home Country

Valid Passport

Your current passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay in Australia • At least 6 months validity recommended; • At least two blank pages; • Must not be damaged or altered] (Tip: Include copies of old passports showing previous travel historyPrevious Australian or Schengen visas strengthen your application)

Online Application via ImmiAccount

Complete the visa application online through the Australian Government's ImmiAccount portal • Create an ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au; • Select Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Tourist Stream; • Complete all sections accurately; • Upload supporting documents; • Pay the application fee online] (Tip: Save your application and complete it in multiple sessions if neededUse a personal email address you check regularly)

Passport-Sized Photograph

Recent passport-sized photograph meeting Australian specifications • Size: 45mm x 35mm; • Taken within the last 6 months; • White background; • Face clearly visible without shadows] (Tip: Digital photo upload is required for online applications)

Bank Statements

Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your entire stay in Australia without working • Last 6 months of bank statements; • Must show regular income and stable balance; • Account holder name must match passport; • Include savings accounts and fixed deposits] (Tip: Avoid large unexplained deposits close to application dateAUD 5,000 to 10,000 per month of stay is a reasonable guidelineInclude credit card statements showing available credit)

Employment Evidence

Documentation proving your employment status, income, and approved leave • Letter from employer on company letterhead; • Include position, salary, and length of employment; • Confirm approved leave dates for your trip; • Company registration details and contact information] (Tip: Self-employed applicants should provide business registration and recent ITRsStudents should get a letter from their institution confirming enrollment)

Travel Plans

Details of your planned activities, accommodation, and travel within Australia • Day-by-day itinerary of planned activities; • Accommodation bookings or arrangements; • Internal flight or travel plans within Australia; • Purpose of each destination visit] (Tip: Do not book non-refundable flights until visa is approvedHotel reservations with free cancellation are sufficientBe realistic about travel distances in Australia)

Ties to Home Country

Evidence demonstrating strong reasons to return to India after your visit • Property ownership documents; • Family certificates showing dependents; • Ongoing business or employment commitments; • Educational enrollment if applicable; • Recurring financial obligations in India] (Tip: This is critical for Indian applicantsStronger ties significantly reduce refusal riskInclude evidence of family members staying in India)

Optional documents

Cover Letter | Travel Insurance | Invitation Letter | Health Declaration | Police Clearance Certificate

Cover Letter

A personal statement explaining your visit purpose, itinerary, and ties to India • State the purpose of your visit clearly; • Outline your travel itinerary; • Explain your ties to India; • Mention who is funding your trip] (Tip: Keep it concise: 1 page maximumAddress any potential concerns proactively)

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies during your stay • Minimum coverage of AUD 50,000 recommended; • Must cover medical emergencies and repatriation; • Valid for entire duration of stay] (Tip: While not mandatory, it strengthens your applicationAustralia has expensive healthcare for visitors)

Invitation Letter

Letter from your host in Australia inviting you to stay with them • Host's full name and address in Australia; • Their relationship to you; • Their Australian visa status or citizenship; • Details of accommodation being provided] (Tip: Include a copy of the host's Australian visa or passportInvitation should specify the duration of your stay)

Health Declaration

Health examination or declaration may be required in certain circumstances • Applicants with certain health conditions may need examination; • Required if staying longer than 3 months in some cases; • Must use approved panel physicians] (Tip: ImmiAccount will notify you if health examination is requiredComplete within 28 days if requested)

Police Clearance Certificate

Character certificate showing no serious criminal history • PCC from any country you have lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years; • Must be issued within the last 12 months] (Tip: Not typically required for standard tourist applicationsImmiAccount will request if needed)

Comparison

Service	Cost
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)	AUD 190
Biometric collection (if required)	Included
Health examination (if required)	Varies by provider

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
32%	Insufficient Funds
28%	Weak Ties to India
18%	Genuine Temporary Entrant Concerns
12%	Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation
7%	Previous Immigration Issues
3%	Unverifiable Information

32% - Insufficient Funds

How to avoid: Show 6 months of consistent bank statements with regular income. Avoid large unexplained deposits. A balance of AUD 5,000 to 10,000 per month of intended stay is recommended.

28% - Weak Ties to India

How to avoid: Provide evidence of stable employment (1+ years), property ownership, family dependents, ongoing business commitments, or educational enrollment in India.

18% - Genuine Temporary Entrant Concerns

How to avoid: Be consistent across all documents. Your stated purpose, itinerary, and financial capacity should align logically. Previous positive travel history helps significantly.

12% - Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation

How to avoid: Double-check all dates and details match. Provide explanation letters for any gaps. Ensure salary in employment letter matches bank statement credits.

7% - Previous Immigration Issues

How to avoid: Be honest about previous issues. Provide evidence of changed circumstances. Wait at least 6 months before reapplying if previously refused.

3% - Unverifiable Information

How to avoid: Only submit genuine documents. Australian immigration has sophisticated verification systems and shares data with other countries.

Frequently asked questions

Can Indian citizens get an ETA or eVisitor for Australia?

No. Indian passport holders are not eligible for the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa. You must apply for the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), which requires a full application with supporting documents.

How long can I stay in Australia on a tourist visa?

The Subclass 600 visa can be granted for stays of 3, 6, or 12 months. The duration is determined by the case officer based on your application. Most first-time applicants receive 3 or 6 month visas.

How much money do I need in my bank account?

There is no official minimum, but you should demonstrate sufficient funds to cover accommodation, travel, food, and activities for your entire stay. A guideline is AUD 5,000 to 10,000 per month of intended stay, plus return flights.

Can I work on an Australian tourist visa?

No. The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) strictly prohibits any work, including remote work for Indian employers. If caught working, your visa will be cancelled and you may face a ban on future applications.

How long does the Australia visa take from India?

Most applications are processed within 2 to 5 weeks. According to official statistics, 75% of Tourist Stream applications are decided within 16 days, and 90% within 36 days.

Do I need to provide flight bookings with my application?

No, you do not need confirmed flight bookings. A travel itinerary showing intended dates and destinations is sufficient. The Australian government advises against booking non-refundable travel until your visa is granted.

What is the Australia tourist visa fee for Indians in 2026?

The application fee for the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa is AUD 190 (approximately INR 10,500). This fee is non-refundable even if your application is refused.

Can I extend my Australian tourist visa?

You can apply for a new Visitor Visa while in Australia, but you must apply before your current visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and you must continue to meet all visa requirements.

What if my Australia visa is refused?

If refused, you will receive a decision letter explaining the reasons. You can reapply with stronger documentation addressing the concerns raised. There is no appeal right for Visitor Visa refusals made outside Australia.

Do I need travel insurance for Australia?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for the Subclass 600 visa, but it is strongly recommended. Australia has expensive healthcare, and visitors are not covered by Medicare. Insurance can also strengthen your application.

Can I study on an Australian tourist visa?

You can undertake short-term study of up to 3 months on a Visitor Visa. For longer courses, you need a Student Visa (Subclass 500).

What happens at the Australian border?

At the border, you may be asked to show return flight bookings, proof of accommodation, evidence of funds, and details of your travel plans. Immigration officers can refuse entry even with a valid visa if they have concerns about your intentions.

Apply for Australia tourist visa online

Sources

Australian Government - Visitor Visa

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/visitor-600

Australian Government - Tourist Stream

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/visitor-600/tourist-stream

Australian Government - Visa Processing Times

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times

Australian Government - Supporting Documents Checklist

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/check-twice-submit-once/visitor-visa

Australia.com - Visa and Entry Requirements for India

https://www.australia.com/en-in/facts-and-planning/visa-and-customs/australia-entry-requirements.html

At a glance