Australia entry requirements for India passport holders
Verified May 11, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Indian passport holders need a visitor visa (subclass 600) to enter Australia. Apply online via the Department of Home Affairs. The visa allows stays up to 3 months and cannot be extended.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa applicationETA (Australia): Electronic Travel Authority — a digital visa linked to your passport. Required for all eligible passport holders. Apply via the Australian ETA app ($20 AUD fee) before travel. ETA (subclass 601) | Apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) via the official Australian ETA app — not the website, as third-party sites charge extra fees. The app is free to download, and the visa costs $20 AUD. Approval usually comes within seconds, but apply at least 48 hours before departure.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Indian passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Australia. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Australian immigration, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Australia | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. If you're continuing to another country, show that ticket instead. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter from your host. Immigration may ask where you're staying on arrival, especially if you're a first-time visitor. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Have bank statements from the last 3 months or a credit card with sufficient limit. Immigration rarely checks this for short stays, but it's better to have evidence of at least AUD 1,000 per week of your trip. | Recommended |
Never buy non-refundable flights or accommodation before your visa is granted
Visa refusal rates for Indian applicants are around 10–15%. If refused, you'll lose all that money. Use flexible bookings or travel agent holds until you get the approval.
Biometrics not always required
You'll only be asked to provide fingerprints and a photo if the system decides your application needs it. Follow instructions in your ImmiAccount – if no biometrics request appears, you don't need to visit an AVAC.
Limited visa-free transit for short layovers
If you're just transiting through Australia for less than 8 hours and staying airside, you may not need a visa. Check the Australian government's transit facility rules – for most Indian passport holders, a transit visa is required unless you meet specific conditions.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (scan all pages with stamps), bank statements (last 3 months), employment letter or enrollment proof, travel itinerary, and any other supporting documents. Convert everything to PDF or JPEG.
2
Create an ImmiAccount and apply online
Go to homeaffairs.gov.au, create an ImmiAccount. Select 'Visitor visa (subclass 600)'. Fill in the online form and upload your documents. Double-check all details – mistakes cause delays.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is about AUD 190 (approx ₹10,500 as of 2024). Pay online by credit or debit card. Keep the receipt.
4
Wait for processing
Processing times vary: from 2 weeks to 2 months. You can check your application status in ImmiAccount. Don't book non-refundable flights until approved.
5
Provide biometrics if requested
If your application asks for biometrics, schedule an appointment at the nearest AVAC (e.g., New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin). Bring your passport and appointment letter.
6
Receive your visa grant
You'll get an email with a visa grant letter. Print it and carry it with your passport. The visa is electronically linked to your passport – no sticker.
7
Arrive in Australia
At the airport, go to the ePassport gate (if eligible) or see a Border Force officer. They may ask about your stay, return ticket, and funds. Answer honestly.
Download Australia Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (subclass 600) – single entry
Max stay3 months
Validity3 months from issue
CostAUD 150 (approx. USD 100)
Standard option for short visits.
Tourist visa (subclass 600) – multiple entry
Max stay3 months per visit
Validity12 months from issue
CostAUD 150 (approx. USD 100)
Ideal for frequent travelers.
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from first entry
CostAUD 510 (approx. USD 340)
For young adults (18-30) to work and travel.
Student visa (subclass 500)
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostAUD 710 (approx. USD 475)
Requires enrollment in a registered course.
student visa
Student visa (subclass 500)
Duration of course (up to 5 years)
AUD 620 (~USD 415) application fee
For full-time study at an Australian institution. Requires enrollment, health insurance, and sufficient funds.
Apply work visa
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
Up to 4 years
AUD 1,265 (~USD 845) application fee
For skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer. Requires relevant qualifications and work experience.
Apply investor visa
Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188)
Up to 5 years, leading to permanent residency
AUD 6,270 (~USD 4,190) application fee
For investors and business owners. Requires significant assets and investment in Australia.
Apply retirement visa
Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405)
Up to 4 years, renewable
AUD 1,265 (~USD 845) application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with substantial assets and income. Requires investment in designated Australian assets.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) – single entryStandard tourist visa for short stays. | AUD 150 (approx. USD 100) |
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) – multiple entryAllows multiple entries within validity. | AUD 150 (approx. USD 100) |
| eVisa application feeMandatory for Indian passport holders. | AUD 150 (approx. USD 100) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | AUD 100 (approx. USD 67) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum cumulative fine for overstay. | AUD 3,000 (approx. USD 2,000) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Australia
Transit visa required
Indian passport holders require a Transit visa (subclass 771) to transit through Australia, even if staying airside. Apply before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Australian visa or permanent residence may transit without a transit visa.
- Holders of a valid New Zealand visa or residence may transit without a transit visa.
Transit hubsSydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) · Melbourne Airport (MEL) · Brisbane Airport (BNE)
Health & vaccines for Australia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Ross River virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk in rural and coastal areas.
Murray Valley encephalitisLow risk
Rare but serious mosquito-borne disease in northern regions.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Sydney
Department of Home Affairs – Sydney Office
26 Lee Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
For visa inquiries and extensions, book an appointment online.
Melbourne
Department of Home Affairs – Melbourne Office
2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles visa applications and extensions.
Practical information for IN travellers
Country basics
CapitalCanberra
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 3 months. IDP recommended.
Money
CurrencyAustralian Dollar (AUD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.38 AUD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+10
vs New York+15h to +16h depending on state
vs Los Angeles+18h to +19h depending on state
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
IType I — unique Australian plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink everywhere in Australia.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Australia
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Australia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing generally takes between 14 days and 2 months. In busy periods (around December–January) it can be longer. You can track your application in ImmiAccount. There's no way to expedite, so apply well in advance.
The standard Visitor visa (subclass 600) fee is AUD 190 (roughly ₹10,500 as of 2024). This is non-refundable, even if the visa is refused. You might also pay a biometrics fee of about ₹800 if requested.
No. The visitor visa prohibits all work (paid or unpaid) and study longer than 3 months. You cannot apply for a work visa while onshore either – you'd need to leave Australia to do that.
You need to show a confirmed flight booking out of Australia – but it doesn't have to be a paid ticket. A travel agent's itinerary or a refundable ticket is fine. Do not buy a non-refundable ticket until your visa is granted.
No. The Visitor visa (subclass 600) for Indian nationals cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa before your current one expires – but that's rare. Plan your trip within the visa's validity.
You'll receive a letter explaining the reasons. You can apply again, but you need to address the issues (e.g., provide stronger financial evidence). There's no appeal for visitor visa refusals, so make sure your initial application is complete and honest.
Australian Visa Application Centres (AVAC) are located in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Cochin. You must book an appointment online. Bring your passport, appointment letter, and the biometric fee (approx ₹800).
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.