Australia Visa for Indian Citizens: ETA and Subclass 600 Guide
Australia is one of the most sought-after travel destinations for Indian citizens, whether for tourism, business, or visiting family. From the iconic Sydney Opera House to the vast Outback, Australia offers experiences that attract hundreds of thousands of Indian visitors every year. However, Australia operates a universal visa regime -- every non-citizen must hold a valid visa before boarding a flight. This comprehensive guide walks Indian passport holders through the two most relevant visa options: the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) and the Visitor visa (subclass 600).
Whether you are planning a short holiday, attending a business meeting, or visiting relatives in Melbourne, understanding which visa applies to you -- and how to apply correctly -- can save you weeks of frustration. With Viza, you can instantly check your visa requirements and begin your application online.
Important: ETA (subclass 601) eligibility for Indian passport holders may be limited. Most Indian citizens apply through the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa. Always check the latest eligibility on the Viza visa checker or the official Australian immigration website before applying.
- Indian citizens cannot enter Australia visa-free. A visa must be obtained before travel.
- The ETA (subclass 601) allows stays of up to 90 days per visit and is valid for 12 months. It costs approximately AUD 20 and is applied for via the Australian ETA app.
- The Visitor visa (subclass 600) is for longer or more complex stays (3, 6, or 12 months). Fees start at AUD 190 and the application is submitted online through ImmiAccount.
- Both visas allow multiple entries for tourism and business visitor purposes.
- Processing times range from a few minutes (ETA) to several weeks (subclass 600).
- Check your specific requirements on Viza to see which visa applies to your situation.
Overview: ETA vs. Subclass 600 at a Glance
| Feature | ETA (Subclass 601) | Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Select passport holders (including India, subject to confirmation) | All nationalities |
| Maximum stay | Up to 90 days per visit | 3, 6, or 12 months (case-dependent) |
| Validity | 12 months or until passport expiry | Up to 12 months+ (case-dependent) |
| Entry type | Multiple entry | Single or multiple entry |
| Fee | ~AUD 20 (service charge) | From AUD 190 |
| Application method | Australian ETA app | Online via ImmiAccount |
| Processing time | Minutes to 24 hours (typical) | 1 to 4+ weeks |
| Permitted activities | Tourism, business visitor | Tourism, business, visiting family, medical |
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) -- Subclass 601
The ETA is the fastest and simplest route to Australia for eligible travellers. It is an electronically linked authority -- no visa label or stamp is placed in your passport. Instead, your visa status is linked to your passport number in Australia's immigration system.
Who Is Eligible for the ETA?
The ETA is available to passport holders from a defined list of countries and territories. Australia periodically updates this list, so Indian citizens should always verify current eligibility on the official Department of Home Affairs website or through the Australian ETA app before applying. As of early 2026, the ETA is available to nationals of approximately 30 countries.
Important: Not sure if you qualify for an ETA? Use the Viza visa checker for India to Australia to instantly confirm which visa pathway applies to your passport.
ETA Key Details
- Stay: Up to 90 days per visit within a 12-month validity window.
- Multiple entries: You can enter and exit Australia multiple times while the ETA remains valid.
- Validity: 12 months from the date of grant, or until your passport expires -- whichever comes first.
- Permitted activities: Tourism (sightseeing, visiting friends and family, recreational activities) and business visitor purposes (attending meetings, conferences, negotiations -- but not working for an Australian employer).
- Fee: AUD 20 service charge, payable through the ETA app.
How to Apply for the ETA (Step by Step)
- Download the Australian ETA app -- Available on iOS and Android. This is the official application channel.
- Create an account -- Register with your email address and set up your profile.
- Scan your passport -- Use your phone's NFC capability to scan the chip in your Indian passport. The app reads your biometric data directly.
- Take a selfie -- The app captures a live photo to match against your passport image.
- Answer eligibility questions -- Declare any criminal history, health conditions, or previous visa refusals.
- Pay the service charge -- AUD 20, payable by credit or debit card within the app.
- Submit and wait -- Most ETAs are processed within minutes to 24 hours. You will receive a notification in the app.
- Travel -- Your ETA is electronically linked to your passport. Airlines can verify your visa status at check-in.
Pro tip: Start your Australia visa journey with Viza to get a personalised document checklist before you begin the ETA application.
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
If you are not eligible for the ETA -- or if you need to stay in Australia longer than 90 days -- the Visitor visa (subclass 600) is your primary option. This is the most commonly granted visa for Indian tourists, family visitors, and business travellers who need an extended stay.
Subclass 600 Streams
The Visitor visa has several streams, but the most relevant for Indian citizens are:
- Tourist stream: For holidays, visiting family or friends, or other recreational activities. Stays of 3, 6, or 12 months.
- Business Visitor stream: For attending conferences, making business enquiries, or negotiating contracts. You cannot work for an Australian organisation.
- Sponsored Family stream: For visiting family members who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. Requires a sponsor and a bond.
Required Documents for Subclass 600
The Visitor visa requires a more comprehensive application than the ETA. As of March 2026, Indian citizens should prepare the following:
- Valid Indian passport -- With at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay and at least two blank pages.
- Completed online application -- Submitted through ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Recent passport-sized photograph -- Meeting Australian specifications (45mm x 35mm, white background).
- Proof of financial capacity -- Bank statements (last 3-6 months), pay slips, tax returns, or sponsorship declaration from an Australian host.
- Travel itinerary -- Flight bookings, accommodation reservations, and a day-by-day plan.
- Proof of ties to India -- Employment letter, property documents, family obligations, or business registration to demonstrate you will return home.
- Health insurance -- Recommended (and sometimes required) for the duration of your stay.
- Character documents -- Police clearance certificate if requested.
- Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends) -- From your Australian host, including their contact details and visa/citizenship status.
How to Apply for Subclass 600 (Step by Step)
- Check your requirements -- Visit Viza's India to Australia page to confirm exactly which documents you need based on your profile.
- Create an ImmiAccount -- Go to the Department of Home Affairs website and register.
- Complete the application form -- Fill in Form 1419 (Application for a Visitor visa) online.
- Upload supporting documents -- Attach scans of your passport, financial evidence, itinerary, and all other required documents.
- Pay the visa fee -- AUD 190 for the base application (Tourist stream). Additional charges may apply for the Sponsored Family stream.
- Provide biometrics -- You may be asked to attend an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) in India to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
- Wait for a decision -- Processing times vary from 1 to 4 weeks for straightforward cases. Complex applications may take longer.
- Receive your visa grant -- If approved, you will receive a visa grant notification by email. Your visa is linked electronically to your passport.
Fees Comparison
| Visa Type | Fee (AUD) | Fee (approx. INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETA (Subclass 601) | AUD 20 | ~INR 1,100 | Service charge only; no government visa fee |
| Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) -- Tourist | AUD 190 | ~INR 10,500 | Base fee; biometrics may add AUD 42 |
| Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) -- Sponsored Family | AUD 190 | ~INR 10,500 | Plus security bond (AUD 5,000-15,000) |
| Transit Visa (Subclass 771) | Free | Free | For airside transit up to 72 hours |
| Viza Service Fee | $5 |
Exchange rates are approximate as of March 2026 and may vary.
Tips for a Successful Australia Visa Application
- Apply early: Submit your application at least 4 to 6 weeks before your planned travel date, especially for subclass 600. Processing times can be unpredictable during peak seasons (December-January and June-July).
- Demonstrate strong ties to India: This is the single most important factor. Show stable employment, property ownership, family commitments, or ongoing business activity that proves you intend to return.
- Maintain consistent financial records: Avoid making large, unexplained deposits right before applying. Immigration officers look for steady income over several months.
- Be thorough with documents: Incomplete applications are the most common reason for delays. Use Viza to get a personalised checklist so you do not miss anything.
- Do not overstay: Australia takes visa compliance seriously. Overstaying -- even by a single day -- can result in a 3-year exclusion period and affect future visa applications worldwide.
- Consider health insurance: While not always mandatory, having travel health insurance strengthens your application and protects you financially during your trip.
- Keep copies of everything: Save digital and physical copies of all submitted documents, your visa grant notification, and travel bookings.
Official source: Australia Immigration
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit Australia?
Yes. Australia requires all non-citizens to hold a valid visa before arrival. Indian passport holders must apply for either an ETA (subclass 601) or a Visitor visa (subclass 600) depending on their eligibility and travel purpose.
What is the difference between ETA and Subclass 600?
The ETA (subclass 601) is a quick, low-cost electronic authority for short visits of up to 90 days, applied through the Australian ETA app for AUD 20. The Visitor visa (subclass 600) covers longer stays of up to 3, 6, or 12 months, requires a more detailed application through ImmiAccount, and costs AUD 190. The ETA is ideal for short trips, while subclass 600 suits extended holidays or family visits.
How long does it take to get an Australian visa for Indian citizens?
ETA applications are typically processed within minutes to 24 hours. Visitor visa (subclass 600) applications usually take 1 to 4 weeks for straightforward cases, though complex applications may take longer. Always apply well in advance of your travel date.
Can I work in Australia on a tourist visa?
No. Neither the ETA nor the Visitor visa (subclass 600) permits you to work for an Australian employer. Business visitor activities like attending meetings and conferences are allowed, but paid employment is not. If you need to work, you must apply for a separate work visa.
Can I enter Australia multiple times on a single visa?
Yes. Both the ETA and many Visitor visas are granted with multiple-entry permission. This means you can leave and re-enter Australia multiple times during the visa's validity period, as long as each stay does not exceed the permitted duration.
Can I apply for an Australian visa entirely online?
Yes. Australia no longer issues visa labels or stamps in passports. Both the ETA and the Visitor visa (subclass 600) are applied for and granted electronically. You may need to visit a visa application centre for biometrics, but the core application is fully online.
Ready to Apply for Your Australia Visa?
Navigating Australian visa requirements does not have to be complicated. Whether you need an ETA for a quick business trip or a Visitor visa for an extended family visit, having the right information upfront makes all the difference.
Start your Australia visa application with Viza -- check your eligibility, get a personalised document checklist, and apply with confidence. Viza guides you through every step so nothing gets missed.
