The short version
Almost every visitor to Australia needs some form of visa before they travel — there's no true "visa-free" entry, even for short tourist stays. The good news is that for most passports, the process is quick, online, and doesn't require you to visit an embassy.
⚠️ Always check the official source before booking
Visa rules, eligible passport lists, and fees change without much notice. This page explains how the system works in general terms — for the current, authoritative requirements for your specific passport, always check the Australian Government's own Visa Finder tool directly before you book flights.
The three visa types most visitors use
- ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) — a phone-app-based visa for eligible passport holders (largely from the US, Canada, Japan, and a number of other countries). No physical documents needed; approval is usually near-instant.
- eVisitor — a free, online-only visa for eligible European passport holders, applied for on the Australian Government website. Also usually fast to process.
- Visitor visa (subclass 600) — the standard tourist visa for passport holders not covered by the ETA or eVisitor schemes. Requires an online application with supporting documents and can take longer to process, so it's worth applying well ahead of your trip.
What you'll typically need to apply
- A passport valid for the length of your intended stay (many visas also want extra validity beyond your travel dates — check the specific requirement for yours).
- Basic personal and travel details, and sometimes evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds.
- A valid credit or debit card for the application fee, where one applies.
Common questions
Can I apply on arrival? No — every visa above needs to be approved before you board your flight. Airlines will typically check for an approved visa at check-in.
How long can I stay? Most tourist visas grant stays of up to three months per visit, though this varies by visa type and can sometimes be longer — check your specific grant conditions.
Do children need their own visa? Yes, every traveller needs their own visa regardless of age, including infants.
Where to actually apply
All of the visa types above are applied for directly through the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs — avoid third-party sites that charge extra "service fees" for something you can do yourself for the official price.
