Country hub

Australia visas

Every non-citizen needs a visa to enter Australia, arranged before travel. Australiaโ€™s visas are run by the Department of Home Affairs. For short visits, holders of eligible passports can use the Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) or the eVisitor (subclass 651), while the Visitor visa (subclass 600) is open to any passport holder; study and work have their own subclasses. This hub explains the main visitor routes in plain language and links to the official sources so you can confirm exactly what applies to you before you travel or apply.

  • Official informationFrom government sources
  • Clear guidanceStep-by-step explanations
  • Regularly reviewedKept up to date

Important information

Your exact requirements depend on the passport you hold and the purpose of your visit. Some passports qualify for the ETA or eVisitor; others use the Visitor visa (subclass 600); study and work have separate subclasses. Always confirm what you need on the official Department of Home Affairs visa listing before you travel or apply.

Find the right Australia visa for you

Choose the category that matches your plans. Each route explains who it is for, what it covers and how to apply.

Australia visa overview

Entry documentVisa requiredEvery non-citizen needs a visa arranged before travel
AuthorityDepartment of Home AffairsAustralian Government
Short visitsETA / eVisitorElectronic visas for eligible passports (subclass 601 / 651)
General visitor visaSubclass 600Visitor visa open to any passport holder

How to apply โ€“ in 3 simple steps

Apply for a Australia visa

Start an application online and follow the guided steps.

Explore Australia visa types

Every Australia route we cover, with a short summary of who it is for.

Popular Australia guides

People also asked

Do I need a visa to visit Australia?

Yes โ€” every non-citizen needs a visa to enter Australia, arranged before travel. For short visits, holders of eligible passports can use the ETA or eVisitor; otherwise the Visitor visa (subclass 600) is open to any passport holder. Check the official visa listing for your passport.

What is the difference between the ETA and the eVisitor?

Both are electronic visas for short visits, applied for online, but they are available to different lists of eligible passports. Which one applies to you depends on the passport you hold โ€” check the official visa listing to see which is open to you.

Where do I apply for an Australia visa?

Australian visas are applied for online through the Department of Home Affairs, with the ETA applied for through its official channel. Use only the official service โ€” look-alike third-party sites are not the government service.

Published9 Aug 2026
Last reviewed9 Aug 2026
Last verified9 Aug 2026