The Visitor visa (subclass 600) lets you come to Australia for tourism, to visit family and friends, for a cruise or for business visitor activities. You can't work on it. Many passport holders can use the cheaper ETA (601) or eVisitor (651) instead. The 600 is for everyone else, and for longer or more complex visits.
The Visitor visa charge is A$250 for the Tourist stream when you apply from outside Australia (from 1 July 2026).
Streams
| Stream | For | Visa charge |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist (apply outside Australia) | Holidays, visiting family and friends, cruises | A$250 |
| Tourist (apply in Australia) | Extending a visit while already here | A$630 |
| Business Visitor | Meetings, conferences, negotiations (not work) | A$250 |
| Sponsored Family | Visitors sponsored by an Australian family member | A$250 |
| Approved Destination Status | Tour groups from the People's Republic of China | A$250 |
| Frequent Traveller | Long-validity visa for some passport holders | Different charge |
Who Can Get a Visitor Visa
For the Tourist stream applied for outside Australia, you must:
- intend to visit only
- have enough money for your stay
- not work in Australia
- be outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is decided
- meet health and character requirements
Each person applies separately, including children listed on a parent's passport.
How Long You Can Stay
Home Affairs decides the stay period case by case. Generally it grants 3 months, and up to 12 months in some circumstances. The visa can be single or multiple entry. You can study or train for up to 3 months.
Parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents may be granted longer-validity visitor visas.
The "No Further Stay" Condition
Many visitor visas carry condition 8503 – No Further Stay. It stops you applying for most other visas while you are in Australia, including an onshore partner visa or a Student visa. Home Affairs can waive it only in limited circumstances. Check your conditions in VEVO before making plans that depend on staying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Australian visitor visa cost?
A$250 for the Tourist stream when you apply outside Australia, and A$630 if you apply while in Australia (from 1 July 2026).
Can I work on a visitor visa?
No. If you want to work, look at a Working Holiday visa or a sponsored work visa such as the 482.
How long can I stay on a visitor visa?
Usually 3 months per visit, sometimes up to 12 months. The stay period is shown on your grant letter.
Can I apply for another visa while I'm visiting?
Only if your visa has no "No Further Stay" condition. Many visitor visas do. Note that from 2 October 2026, visitor visa holders can't apply for a Student visa in Australia.
Get Help
If you were refused a visitor visa, or want to stay longer or switch visas, a registered migration agent can look at your options. Tell us your situation and we'll introduce you to registered migration agents near you. It's free to ask.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. Source: Visitor visa (subclass 600), Department of Home Affairs.