Australia entry requirements for Vietnam 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
Vietnamese passport holders need a visa to enter Australia. You must apply for and receive approval before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option. Start your application well ahead of your planned departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa for AustraliaYou cannot board a flight to Australia without an approved visa. Visitor visa (subclass 600) or eVisitor | Vietnamese passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to Australia. Apply online for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) or eVisitor (if eligible). Processing times vary, so apply well in advance. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's too close, renew it before applying for a visa. At least 6 months beyond stay | Your Vietnamese passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Australia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesCount the blank visa pages — a full page is needed for the border officer's stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp upon arrival in Australia. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight booking ready — you may need to show it at check-in or border control. Proof of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket to leave Australia before your visa expires. Immigration may ask to see it. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry recent bank statements or a credit card — border officers may ask how you'll support yourself. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Australia, such as bank statements or credit cards. The amount depends on your length of stay and accommodation. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceMedical care in Australia can be expensive — insurance protects you from unexpected costs. Recommended for visitors | While not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and trip cancellation is strongly recommended for your stay in Australia. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any online form before flying — just the paper card on the plane. Not required for Vietnam passport holders | No separate arrival declaration is required for Vietnamese citizens entering Australia. You will complete the standard Incoming Passenger Card on arrival. | Not required |
No visa-on-arrival — don't risk it
Australian immigration is strict. Arriving without a valid visa means you'll be refused entry and sent back on the next flight at your own expense. Always get your visa approved before booking flights.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for your visa — otherwise your visa may be granted for a shorter period or refused.
What happens at the border
1
Determine your visa type
Visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website (homeaffairs.gov.au) and use the Visa Finder tool to identify the correct visa for your purpose — tourist (subclass 600), business visitor, or other. This is the first and most important step.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), recent passport photo, financial evidence, travel itinerary, and any other documents specified for your visa type. Scan them as PDFs or images for upload.
3
Apply online
Create an ImmiAccount on the Home Affairs website, fill out the application form, upload your documents, and pay the visa application fee (currently AUD 190 for most visitor visas). Processing times vary — check the current estimates on the website.
4
Wait for the decision
Processing can take from a few days to several weeks. You'll receive an email notification. Check your ImmiAccount for updates. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have your visa.
5
Arrive in Australia
On arrival, go through immigration at the airport (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane). Have your passport and visa approval notice ready. You'll likely use the SmartGate kiosk if eligible, or see an officer. They may ask about your stay and funds.
Download Australia Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam 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 – Business stream)
Max stay3 months per visit
ValidityUp to 12 months
CostAUD 475
For business meetings, conferences, or negotiations. No work permitted.
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from first entry
CostAUD 635
For Vietnamese citizens aged 18–30; limited places per year; requires education and English requirements.
Student visa (subclass 500)
Max stayDuration of course (up to 5 years)
ValidityCourse duration plus up to 2 months
CostAUD 710
For full-time study at a registered Australian institution; work rights up to 48 hours per fortnight.
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
Max stayUp to 4 years (depending on occupation)
ValidityUp to 4 years
CostAUD 1,455
Requires employer sponsorship and relevant skills; pathway to permanent residency possible.
student visa
Student visa (subclass 500)
Up to 5 years (course duration)
AUD 620 (~USD 410)
For full-time study at a registered Australian institution. Requires enrollment, sufficient funds, and health insurance.
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, renewable
AUD 4,045 (~USD 2,700)
For investors and business owners with significant assets. Requires a business or investment history and a state nomination.
Apply retirement visa
Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405)
Up to 4 years, renewable
AUD 3,235 (~USD 2,150)
For retirees aged 55+ with substantial assets and income. Requires a designated investment and health insurance.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) application feeFor most applicants; additional service fees may apply. | AUD 475 |
| Visa application service charge (VFS Global)Approximate; payable when lodging via VFS Global in Vietnam. | AUD 20 |
| Biometric enrolment feeIncluded in visa application fee; biometrics required at VAC. | AUD 0 |
| Visa extension (onshore)For Visitor visa (subclass 600) extension application; subject to eligibility. | AUD 370 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
No transit visa needed
Vietnamese citizens transiting through Australia (e.g., at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, or Darwin) generally do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country within 8 hours. However, if you need to pass through immigration (e.g., to change airports or stay overnight), you must apply for a Transit visa (subclass 771) or a Visitor visa (subclass 600) before travel.
Airside transitAllowed up to 8h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you have a visa for Australia (including eVisitor or Visitor) you can transit without a separate transit visa.
- If you are a permanent resident of Australia or hold a valid Australian visa, you do not need a transit visa.
- If you are travelling on a diplomatic or official passport, you may be exempt – check with the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Transit hubsSydney (SYD) · Melbourne (MEL) · Brisbane (BNE)
Health & vaccines for Australia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Ross River virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne virus present 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 heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid peak sun.
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 inquiries and extensions; 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 VN 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
Getting to Australia
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Australia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing times vary. For a tourist visa (subclass 600), it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Check the current processing times on the Home Affairs website. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel to be safe.
No. Australia does not offer visa-on-arrival for Vietnamese citizens. You must have an approved visa before you board your flight.
The application fee for a visitor visa (subclass 600) is AUD 190 (about 3.2 million VND). This is non-refundable, even if your visa is refused.
Typically, a visitor visa allows a stay of up to 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on the conditions granted. The exact duration is stated in your visa grant letter. Most Vietnamese applicants receive 3 months.
In some cases, you can apply for a new visa while in Australia, but visitor visas are generally not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before your current one expires.
Usually not for short stays (under 6 months). However, if you plan to work, study, or stay longer, a medical examination may be required. The Home Affairs website will tell you if you need one based on your answers.
You'll receive a letter explaining the reasons. You can apply again, but you'll need to address the issues. The application fee is not refunded. Consider seeking advice from a migration agent if you're unsure.
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.