Australia Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

Indian citizens need a visa to visit Australia. The usual choice for a holiday, family visit or short business trip is the Visitor visa (subclass 600), applied for online through an ImmiAccount. India is not eligible for the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor, so there is no quick online-only authorisation. This guide covers the fee after the 1 July 2026 increase, how to apply, biometrics in India, documents and common refusal reasons.

The Visitor visa (subclass 600)

The Tourist stream is for holidays, seeing family and friends, and short non-work visits. Stays are set in your visa grant notice and are commonly three months per visit, though longer periods of up to 12 months can be granted. You cannot work in Australia on this visa.

Fee from 1 July 2026

Australian visa application charges changed on 1 July 2026. For a Visitor visa (subclass 600) lodged from outside Australia, the Tourist stream charge rose from AUD 200 to AUD 250, according to Oravisa and This Is Australia. The same charge applied onshore is much higher, so apply before you travel. A visa application centre in India (VFS Global) charges a separate service fee for biometrics. Check the Department of Home Affairs fee page on the day you pay, because charges can be updated.

How to apply

• Create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website and start a Visitor visa (subclass 600) application.
• Complete the form, upload your documents and pay the application charge online.
• If asked, book a biometrics appointment at a VFS Global centre in India. You are told whether this is needed after you lodge the application.
• Wait for the decision, which arrives in your ImmiAccount.

Documents you will usually need

• A passport valid for the whole trip, with the details page scanned in colour.
• A recent passport-style photograph.
• Bank statements and income tax returns or payslips that show you can fund the trip.
• Proof of employment or business, and of other ties to India such as family or property.
• Your itinerary and accommodation. If a relative or friend is hosting you, evidence of their status and an invitation letter.
• Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly advised.

Health and character checks

Some applicants are asked for a health examination, depending on how long they plan to stay and their circumstances. All applicants must also meet the character requirement. The department tells you in your ImmiAccount if it needs any extra checks.

How long it takes

The Department of Home Affairs publishes global processing times for each visa, and they change often. Third-party sites quote very different numbers, so rely only on the department’s own tool on the day you apply, and apply well before you need to book flights.

Common reasons for refusal

• Not enough evidence that you can pay for the trip, or large unexplained deposits.
• Weak ties that suggest you may not return to India.
• A vague purpose of visit or itinerary.
• Missing documents, or information that differs between the form and the papers.
• Not declaring a previous visa refusal.

Last verified: 5 November 2026 against the sources linked below. Visa rules change often, so confirm the details on the official link before you book or apply.

Official sources

• Department of Home Affairs: Visitor visa (subclass 600)
• Department of Home Affairs: Visa pricing
• Department of Home Affairs: Global processing times

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