Australia entry requirements for Pakistan passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
Visa 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
Pakistani passport holders need a visa to enter Australia. You must apply for and receive an approved visa before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival or eTA options for Pakistani citizens. Start your application well ahead of your planned departure date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa (Subclass 600 Visitor Visa)You cannot enter Australia without an approved visa. Apply before travel | Pakistani citizens must obtain a Visitor visa (Subclass 600) before travelling to Australia. Apply online via the Australian Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount. Processing times vary, so apply well in advance. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months | Your Pakistani passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of arrival in Australia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for border officials to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps and visa labels (if applicable). | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou need to show you will leave Australia after your visit. Proof of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket to leave Australia before your visa expires. Immigration may ask to see this at the border. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsImmigration may ask how you will support yourself during your visit. For your stay | You should be able to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Australia, such as bank statements or a sponsor's letter. The amount depends on your planned activities and length of stay. | Recommended |
| Health insuranceMedical costs in Australia can be very high without insurance. Recommended | While not mandatory for a short visitor visa, it is strongly recommended to have travel health insurance covering medical expenses in Australia, as healthcare is not free for visitors. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to submit anything before flying, but you'll fill out a form on the plane. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Australia. You will complete an Incoming Passenger Card (or digital declaration) on arrival. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — don't risk it
Pakistani passport holders cannot get an Australian visa at the airport. If you arrive without an approved visa, you'll be refused entry and sent back on the next flight at your own expense. Always apply well in advance.
Visa is electronically linked to your passport
You don't need a physical visa label. Your visa is linked to your passport number in the Australian immigration system. However, always carry a copy of your visa grant notification — it contains your visa conditions and grant number.
Visa is not extendable
The Visitor visa (subclass 600) cannot be extended while you're in Australia. If you want to stay longer, you must leave before your visa expires and apply for a new visa from outside Australia. Overstaying even a day can result in a ban.
What happens at the border
1
Determine your visa type
Visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website and identify the correct visa subclass. For tourism, it's the Visitor visa (subclass 600). For business, it's the Business Visitor visa (subclass 600) or a sponsored visa.
2
Create an ImmiAccount and apply online
Go to online.immi.gov.au, create an account, and complete the online application. You'll need to upload scanned copies of your passport bio page, photo, financial documents, and any other supporting evidence.
3
Pay the visa application fee
The fee for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) is AUD 190 as of 2026. Payment is made online via credit/debit card. The fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is refused.
4
Wait for processing
Processing times vary. For Pakistani applicants, expect 2–6 weeks for a straightforward tourist visa. You can check the status in your ImmiAccount. Some applications may be asked for additional documents or an interview.
5
Receive your visa grant notification
Once approved, you'll receive a visa grant notification by email. This includes your visa grant number, conditions, and validity dates. Keep a copy on your phone and a printed copy in your carry-on.
6
Arrive in Australia and go through immigration
At the airport, proceed to the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport, visa grant notification, and return ticket ready. You may be asked about your purpose of visit and accommodation. Biometric facial recognition is used at major airports like Sydney and Melbourne.
Download Australia Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visitor visa (subclass 600)
Max stay3 months
ValidityUp to 12 months
CostAUD 190
For short business activities; no work permitted.
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from first entry
CostAUD 650
Not available to Pakistani passport holders under current arrangements.
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
Max stay2 to 4 years
ValidityUp to 4 years
CostAUD 1,455
Requires employer sponsorship and skilled occupation.
Student visa (subclass 500)
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostAUD 710
Must be enrolled in a registered course.
student visa
Student visa (subclass 500)
Duration of course (up to 5 years)
AUD 620 (~USD 410)
For full-time study at a registered 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 840)
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, with pathway to permanent residency
AUD 4,875 (~USD 3,250)
For investors and business owners with significant assets. Requires state nomination and investment in Australia.
Apply retirement visa
Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405)
Up to 4 years, renewable
AUD 4,875 (~USD 3,250)
For retirees aged 55+ with substantial assets and income. Requires investment in designated state/territory bonds.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) application feeFor most applicants; additional charges may apply for biometrics and service fees. | AUD 190 |
| Biometric fee (if required)Per person, collected at a visa application centre. | AUD 85 |
| Visa application service chargePaid to the visa application centre; varies by location. | AUD 35 |
| Visa extension (onshore) application feeFor applying to extend a visitor visa while in Australia. | AUD 455 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
Incomplete application25%
No return ticket20%
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
Pakistani citizens transiting through Australia generally need a Transit visa (subclass 771) unless they hold a valid Australian visa or are eligible for a transit waiver under specific conditions.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Australian visa
- Holders of a valid New Zealand passport
- Diplomatic or official passport holders under certain agreements
Transit hubsSydney (SYD) · Melbourne (MEL) · Brisbane (BNE)
Health & vaccines for Australia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Ross River virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease found in rural and coastal areas; risk is low for most travelers.
Murray Valley encephalitisLow risk
Rare but serious mosquito-borne disease in northern regions.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause dehydration and 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 08:30–16:30
For visa extensions and inquiries; appointments recommended.
Melbourne
Department of Home Affairs – Melbourne Office
2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa applications and extensions.
Practical information for PK 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 = 1.45 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Australia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
For a Visitor visa (subclass 600), processing typically takes 2–6 weeks. However, it can take longer if your application is incomplete or if you're asked for additional documents. Apply at least 2 months before your planned travel.
No. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Pakistani citizens. You must have an approved visa before you board your flight. Airlines will not let you board without one.
The application fee for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) is AUD 190 (approximately PKR 35,000, depending on exchange rates). This fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is refused.
Typically, a Visitor visa (subclass 600) allows a stay of up to 3 months per visit. The exact duration is specified in your visa grant notification. It is not extendable while in Australia — you must leave before the expiry date.
Not at the application stage, but you will need to show a return or onward ticket when you arrive in Australia. Immigration officers may ask to see it. It's also a good idea to have it ready when applying, as it strengthens your application.
No. Visitor visas (subclass 600) do not allow you to work. If you want to work, you need a different visa, such as a Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) or a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) — though the latter is not available to Pakistani citizens. Working on a visitor visa is a serious breach and can lead to deportation.
Overstaying is a serious offence. You may be detained, deported, and banned from returning to Australia for up to 3 years. If you realise you're close to overstaying, contact the Department of Home Affairs immediately to discuss options.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.