Australia Visa Requirements 2026 — ETA, eVisitor & Visitor Visa Checklist
| Australia Visa Requirements — Key Facts 2026 | |
|---|---|
| ETA (Subclass 601) | AUD 20 — eligible passport holders, 3 months/visit |
| eVisitor (Subclass 651) | Free — EU and select European nationals |
| Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) | AUD 145 — general applicants, up to 12 months |
| Passport Validity | Valid for full duration of stay |
| Photo Requirement | 35x45mm, white background, neutral expression |
| Health Insurance | Recommended; OVHC for long-stay visitors |
| Character Requirements | No serious criminal convictions; health checks may apply |
Overview of Australia Entry Requirements 2026
Australia requires almost all visitors (except New Zealand citizens) to hold a valid visa before arrival. Three main options exist for short-term tourists: the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) available to passport holders from the USA, UK, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and others; the eVisitor (subclass 651) for EU and select European passport holders; and the Visitor Visa (subclass 600) for all other nationalities.
The ETA and eVisitor allow multiple visits of up to 3 months within a 12-month period. The Visitor Visa (subclass 600) can allow stays of up to 12 months for certain circumstances. All visa applications are managed through ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Documents Checklist for Australia Visitor Visa 2026
- Valid passport — sufficient validity for the duration of stay
- Passport photo — 35x45mm, white background, neutral expression
- Completed online application via ImmiAccount (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)
- Financial evidence — bank statements, payslips, investment statements
- Employment letter or evidence of self-employment/business
- Travel itinerary — flights and accommodation
- Health insurance or Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for longer stays
Eligibility Criteria
Australia assesses visa applicants on health, character, and genuine visitor intent. Medical examinations may be required for stays over 3 months or for applicants from certain countries. A National Police Certificate may be requested. The visa officer assesses whether you will genuinely visit temporarily and comply with visa conditions. Financial self-sufficiency is an important criterion.
How to Apply for an Australian Visitor Visa
Create an ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and apply for the appropriate visa subclass (ETA via Australian ETA app, eVisitor online, or subclass 600 through ImmiAccount). Upload required documents and pay the applicable fee. ETA processing is typically instant; eVisitor takes 1–3 days; subclass 600 can take 1–14 days or longer depending on complexity.