🇦🇺 Australia tourist visa for Indians 2026
Tourism, visiting family and friends, conferences and business trips. Facts verified against Australia's official pages; see the source at the end.
Yes. Indians need a visa before a short visit to Australia. Indian passport holders are not eligible for Australia's ETA or eVisitor, so every short trip - a holiday, visiting family, a conference or business meetings - needs the Visitor visa (subclass 600).
Quick facts
- Visa
- Visitor visa (subclass 600)
- Maximum stay
- up to 3, 6 or 12 months
- Government fee
- about $176
- Processing time
- 3–6 weeks
- Paid work
- Not allowed
- Business or conference
- Covered
Where Indians apply
Tourists use the Tourist stream and people attending conferences, negotiations or site visits use the Business Visitor stream; both are lodged online through ImmiAccount from outside Australia and cost the same AUD 250 visa application charge (up from AUD 200 on 1 July 2026).
Fee and processing time
Home Affairs' latest published figures for the Tourist stream show half of applications decided within about 3 weeks and 90 per cent within about 5 weeks, with Business Visitor applications usually faster; lodge at least 6-8 weeks before travel and never book non-refundable flights before the grant.
That is about $176 in US dollars at the time of verification; the official fee is set in local currency.
Travelling for business or a conference?
Business Visitor stream needs a host or organiser letter with dates and purpose.
Documents and steps
- Check your passport is valid for the whole tripPassport must cover the whole stay; a new passport after grant must be linked in ImmiAccount.
- Gather proof of funds and ties to India3 months of bank statements plus ITR/Form 16 and an employer leave letter.
- Prepare a passport-style photo and itinerary45 x 35 mm photo and a dated itinerary with refundable hotel reservations.
- If travelling for business or a conference: get an invitation letterBusiness Visitor stream needs a host or organiser letter with dates and purpose.
- Lodge the application in ImmiAccount and pay AUD 250Online in ImmiAccount; AUD 250 (about USD 176) per applicant.
- Give biometrics at a VFS collection centre within 14 daysFingerprints and photo at a VFS ABCC within 14 days of the request letter.
- Complete any health examination if requestedHealth exam only on request (stays over 6 months, hospital or classroom visits, age 75+).
- Wait for the grant and check your visa conditionsGrant comes by email; verify stay period and entry type in VEVO before you fly.
- Complete the Incoming Passenger Card and respect the stay limitDeclare all food and plant items; overstaying or working breaches visa condition 8101.
The full checklist with timing, dependencies and personalised due dates is part of the paid plan. Start with the free quiz and pick “Visit” as your purpose.
Planning a trip to Australia?
Answer 6 questions, choose “Visit”, and get a dated checklist for your travel dates — free.
Plan my visitFrequently asked questions
- Do Indians need a visa for Australia?
- Yes. Indians need a visa before a short visit to Australia. Indian passport holders are not eligible for Australia's ETA or eVisitor, so every short trip - a holiday, visiting family, a conference or business meetings - needs the Visitor visa (subclass 600).
- How long can Indians stay in Australia as a visitor?
- Up to 3, 6 or 12 months under the Visitor visa (subclass 600). Paid work is not allowed on a visitor stay.
- How much does the Australia Visitor visa (subclass 600) cost for Indians?
- Tourists use the Tourist stream and people attending conferences, negotiations or site visits use the Business Visitor stream; both are lodged online through ImmiAccount from outside Australia and cost the same AUD 250 visa application charge (up from AUD 200 on 1 July 2026).
- How long does the Australia Visitor visa (subclass 600) take for Indians?
- Home Affairs' latest published figures for the Tourist stream show half of applications decided within about 3 weeks and 90 per cent within about 5 weeks, with Business Visitor applications usually faster; lodge at least 6-8 weeks before travel and never book non-refundable flights before the grant.
- Can Indians attend a conference or business meeting in Australia on this visa?
- Business Visitor stream needs a host or organiser letter with dates and purpose.
- Can Indians work in Australia on a visitor stay?
- No. Visitor entry covers tourism, family visits, business meetings and conferences only. To take a job, study or settle, Indians need one of the longer-stay routes compared in our Australia visa guide for Indians.
Thinking of staying longer?
A visitor stay never allows paid work. Indians who want to work, study or settle in Australia have 2 main routes, compared in the Australia visa guide for Indians.
Australia for Indians, in depth
Visiting other countries as Indians
Visiting Australia from elsewhere
Always confirm entry rules with the official government source. Fees and stay limits change; this guide is general information, not legal advice.