Australia visas
Every non-citizen needs a visa to enter Australia, arranged before travel. Australia'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, work, family and skilled routes have their own subclasses. This hub explains the main routes in plain language and links to the official Home Affairs sources so you can confirm exactly what applies to you.
Important information
Australian visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor visas & ETAShort stays in Australia — tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips and transit, plus any visa-free or electronic-authorisation options.3 visas
- Work & skilled visasComing to Australia to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.7 visas
- Student visasStudying in Australia — student visas and permits for accepted students, and what they let you do.2 visas
- Family & partner visasJoining or sponsoring a family member in Australia — spouse, partner, child and other relative routes.4 visas
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Australia as a highly skilled or exceptional individual.1 visa
- Permanent residence & citizenshipLiving in Australia long term — permanent residence and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Australian visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Australia — key facts
- Entry document
- Visa required
- Every non-citizen needs a visa arranged before travel
- Authority
- Department of Home Affairs
- Australian Government
- Short visits
- ETA / eVisitor
- Electronic visas for eligible passports (subclass 601 / 651)
- General visitor visa
- Subclass 600
- Visitor visa open to any passport holder
Australian visas — people also ask
Yes — 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.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-09. Information only — not legal advice.