How To Apply For Australian Tourist Visa: Tips, Fees And Common Mistakes To Avoid

Australia has long been a favourite among Indian travellers, thanks to its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cities, rich cultural diversity, and endless opportunities for holidays. From the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef and the vast Outback to cosmopolitan hubs like Sydney and Melbourne, the country offers something for everyone, whether beaches, wildlife, food, or art. Its reputation as a safe, clean, and traveller-friendly destination makes it a top choice for Indians planning an overseas holiday, family visit, or cruise vacation.

If you are planning to travel to Australia, you will need a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600). Below is a detailed guide to help Indian travellers understand the process, requirements, and tips to make the application smooth.

Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Tourist Stream

This visa stream allows you to visit Australia as a tourist, go on a cruise, or spend time with family and friends. You must intend to visit only for tourism or family purposes, have enough funds to cover your stay, not work in Australia, and be outside Australia when you apply and when your visa is decided.

• Stay: Up to 12 months
• Cost: From AUD 200.00 (approx. Rs 11,741)

With this visa, you can:

• Visit family or friends
• Travel for tourism, a cruise, or purposes other than business or medical treatment

Eligibility Criteria For Australia Tourist Visa

To ensure approval, applicants must meet specific requirements. These include:

• Health Requirement: You must meet Australia's health standards, as the country maintains some of the world's strictest visitor health requirements.
• Character Requirement: Entry may be denied if you have criminal convictions or charges, in Australia or elsewhere.
• Paying Debts: If you owe money to the Australian government, you must repay or arrange repayment before applying.
• Financial Capacity: You must have sufficient funds or access to money to support yourself during your visit.
• Genuine Visitor: You must intend to stay temporarily and comply with all visa conditions.
• Best Interests of a Child: Visas may be refused if granting one is not in the best interests of an applicant under 18.

Visa Conditions You Must Follow

Once granted, certain rules apply to ensure compliance with Australian visa laws:

• No Work: You cannot undertake paid work in Australia.
• Maximum Three Months Study: You cannot study or train for more than three months.
• Health Insurance: Maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay.
• No Further Stay: You cannot apply for most other visas while in Australia.
• Leave Before Visa Expiry: You must leave Australia before your visa expires.
• Non-Resident Rule: You cannot stay for more than 12 months within an 18-month period.

Australia Tourist Visa Fees In Indian Rupees

Visa fees are always a crucial detail for applicants. For Indian travellers, the base application fee is AUD 200. However, charges can vary depending on the method of payment, service charges, or additional document requirements.

Note: INR conversion depends on exchange rates at the time of payment.

Applicants should also account for expenses related to travel insurance, courier fees for documents, or costs for official translations.

Processing Time For Australia Tourist Visa From India

Processing times vary depending on the volume of applications, the season, and the accuracy of documents submitted. On average:

• 75 per cent of applications are processed within 3-4 weeks.
• 90 per cent of applications are processed within 6-8 weeks.

Delays often occur if documents are incomplete, health examinations are pending, or additional information is requested. To ensure faster processing, applicants should submit a complete, decision-ready application.

Step-By-Step Australia Tourist Visa Application Process

The process is structured to ensure smooth applications for Indian travellers.

1. Before You Apply

Check that your passport is valid.

• Organise any required health examinations.
• Decide if you need help from a registered migration agent or legal practitioner.

2. Gather Your Documents

• Include all supporting documents, with English translations if needed.
• Applications may be decided without requesting further information, so ensure everything is complete.

3. Apply For The Visa

• Provide accurate information.
• Apply online through ImmiAccount.

4. After You Apply

• You will receive confirmation when your application and documents are received.
• Follow any instructions and provide additional information if requested.

5. Visa Outcome

You will be informed in writing about the decision, your visa grant number, start date, and conditions.

If refused, you will receive the reasons and details about review options.

Biometric And Health Check Requirements For Indians

Most Indian applicants need to provide biometrics at a Visa Application Centre after applying. This includes fingerprints and a digital photograph. Health checks may also be required depending on the length of stay, age, and medical history.

• Biometrics: Usually taken at VFS Global centres across major Indian cities.
• Health Checks: May involve a medical examination, chest X-ray, or blood tests at approved panel clinics.
• Cost: Both biometrics and medical tests are at the applicant's expense.

Providing these promptly helps avoid processing delays.

Tips For A Faster, Decision-Ready Application

To avoid delays, make sure your application is complete and accurate. Some key tips include:

• Submit a clear copy of the personal details page of your passport.
• Double-check your name matches your passport exactly, avoiding autocorrect errors.
• Provide all current and previous names used.
• Include your travel reason and plans, ideally with an itinerary.
• Submit evidence for urgent or compassionate travel if applicable.
• Outline your previous travel history.
• Prove ties to your home country, such as payslips, employer leave letters, educational enrolment certificates, or children's birth certificates.
• Include an invitation letter from family or friends in Australia, or proof if visiting for support.
• Provide financial proof, such as recent bank statements.
• Submit all requested documents, even if you have held this visa before.
• If using a migration agent or legal practitioner, submit Form 956.
• To authorise someone to receive documents, submit Form 956A.
• Provide English translations with translator details.
• Opt for electronic communication through ImmiAccount to get updates faster.

Common Reasons Why Australian Tourist Visa Gets Rejected

Visa rejections can be stressful, but knowing the common pitfalls helps applicants prepare better. Some frequent reasons include:

• Incomplete or incorrect documentation.
• Insufficient financial proof to support the stay.
• Lack of clarity on travel purpose or itinerary.
• Failure to provide ties to India, such as employment, education, or family documents.
• Medical or character concerns flagged during checks.
• Outstanding debts to the Australian government.

Avoiding these mistakes greatly increases the chances of a positive outcome.

Additional Requirements For Applicants Under 18

Applicants under 18 years of age must provide further documentation:

• Birth certificate showing both parents' names.
• Copies of parents' or guardians' passports.
• Proof of guardianship if not the biological parents.
• Parental consent via form 1229 or a statutory declaration.
• If staying with someone other than a relative or legal guardian, submit Form 1257, completed by the nominated person.

Australia remains one of the most popular destinations for Indian travellers, offering a mix of city skylines, beaches, and wildlife adventures. By following these steps carefully, your tourist visa application will be complete and decision-ready, allowing you to focus on planning your Australian holiday with confidence.