Australia Tourist Visa Cost: Updated 2026

The tourist visa Australia cost depends on the traveller’s passport, location and visa subclass. From 1 July 2026, a standard Visitor visa subclass 600 Tourist stream costs AUD 250 when applying outside Australia and AUD 630 when applying in Australia. Eligible passport holders may instead use an ETA 601 for an AUD 20 app service charge or a free eVisitor 651. See VEM’s Visitor visa Australia guide for eligibility and evidence.

Australia tourist visa fees at a glance

Amounts are in Australian dollars and are normally charged per applicant. Government fees can change, usually at the start of a financial year. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator on the day of lodgement.

Visitor visa Australia cost: subclass 600 explained

For most applicants who are not eligible for an ETA or eVisitor, the relevant Australian tourist visa fee is the offshore Tourist stream charge of AUD 250. The fee is for assessment of the application, not for a particular stay length, number of entries or guaranteed approval. Home Affairs decides whether the grant permits three, six or 12 months and whether it is single or multiple entry.

The Sponsored Family stream also costs AUD 250, but Home Affairs can ask the sponsor for a security bond, commonly several thousand dollars. A bond is not the visa application fee and may be returned after the visitor complies with the visa and departs, subject to the Department’s requirements.

ETA visa Australia cost vs eVisitor price

The ETA visa Australia cost is an AUD 20 service charge for using the official Australian ETA app; Home Affairs states there is no other ETA charge. The eVisitor 651 has no government application charge. Both are limited to eligible passport holders and generally allow multiple visits of up to three months at a time during a 12-month validity period.

A cheap product is not valid simply because the traveller prefers it. Applying under the wrong passport category can waste money and delay travel. VEM’s ETA 601 guide explains the application and conditions.

Extra costs beyond the tourist visa application fee

The advertised visitor visa fee is not always the final cost of visiting Australia. Budget for expenses triggered by the applicant’s age, health, history, documents and location.

• Card or PayPal surcharge: the payment method can add a percentage to the government charge.
• Health examinations: clinic fees vary by country, examination type and applicant age.
• Biometrics: a collection-centre service fee may apply where requested.
• Police certificates: issuing authorities may charge for records, fingerprints and postage.
• Translation and certification: non-English evidence may need an accepted English translation.
• Travel insurance: premiums depend on age, duration, medical history and level of cover.
• Professional assistance: migration adviser fees are separate from Home Affairs charges.
• Security bond: potentially required in the Sponsored Family stream and separate from the application charge.

Flights and accommodation are trip costs rather than visa charges. Avoid non-refundable bookings until the visa is granted unless you accept the financial risk. Travel dates do not guarantee faster processing.

How much is a visitor visa to Australia for a family?

Visitor visa applications are generally made and charged per person, including children. Unlike some family migration applications, a family does not normally pay one subclass 600 fee covering everyone.

These examples exclude payment surcharges and individual health, biometrics or document expenses. They also assume the standard AUD 250 charge applies to every applicant.

How and when to pay the Australian visitor visa fee

For a subclass 600 application, the payment step normally occurs in ImmiAccount before the application is validly submitted. Accepted methods and surcharges are displayed at checkout. The amount is charged in Australian dollars, so an overseas bank may also add currency conversion or international transaction fees.

1. Select the correct subclass, stream and applicant location.
2. Enter each applicant accurately; do not assume children are free.
3. Review the Pricing Estimator for base and possible subsequent charges.
4. Check the payment surcharge before confirming.
5. Keep the receipt and application reference number.

Be cautious with websites that look official. Home Affairs web addresses end in immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. A third party may add a service charge even where the government product—such as eVisitor—is free.

Are Australian tourist visa charges refundable?

Usually, the Visa Application Charge is not refunded merely because an application is refused, withdrawn, delayed or no longer needed. The charge pays for processing rather than approval. Refunds are available only in limited circumstances recognised by law or Department policy.

How to avoid unnecessary visitor visa costs

• Check passport eligibility first: use ETA 601 or eVisitor 651 only when the passport qualifies.
• Apply from the correct location: the onshore Visitor 600 fee is substantially higher than the offshore fee.
• Use official channels: avoid undisclosed third-party mark-ups for free or low-cost electronic visas.
• Submit a decision-ready file: a cheap but unsupported application can lead to refusal and a second fee.
• Do not buy a longer stay: paying the subclass 600 charge does not guarantee six or 12 months.
• Budget for insurance: saving the premium can create much larger uninsured healthcare expenses.

Is a work and travel visa part of the tourist visa price?

No. “Working tourist visa” usually refers to a Working Holiday subclass 417 or Work and Holiday subclass 462, not a visitor visa. These visas allow specified work and have separate age, passport and other criteria. From 1 July 2026, the first Working Holiday 417 government charge is AUD 840. A Visitor visa, ETA or eVisitor does not permit general work.

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