Visitor visa (subclass 600)
Australia's main short-stay visa for tourism, visiting family, or short business activities - by far the most-applied-for Australian visa.
Official Australia pageWho this route is for
People who want to come to Australia temporarily as a tourist, to visit family or friends, or for short business visitor activities (meetings, conferences, negotiations - not paid work).
Eligibility requirements
- Apply under the relevant stream: Tourist, Business Visitor, Sponsored Family, or Frequent Traveller.
- Show genuine intention to stay temporarily and to leave before the visa expires (a genuine visitor).
- Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your stay and adequate ties to your home country.
- Meet health and character requirements; some applicants must do a health examination.
- Business Visitor stream: activities must be business visitor activities only (no employment or selling goods/services to the public).
- Many passport holders can instead use the cheaper ETA (subclass 601) or eVisitor (subclass 651) - the 600 is the general route for those who cannot.
Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
The most common entry visa to Australia. Many travellers use the ETA (601) or eVisitor (651) instead where eligible. Processing is usually fast (around 50% in ~6 days, 90% in ~18 days as at late 2025) but can vary widely by country and stream.
Other Australia routes
Working Holiday Maker visas (subclass 417 and 462)
TemporaryUp to three years of travel-and-work in Australia for young people from eligible countries.
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) - Points-tested stream
PermanentThe flagship 'no sponsor needed' permanent visa: score enough points, get invited, then live and work anywhere in Australia.
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
PermanentPoints-tested permanent residence with a state/territory nomination that adds 5 points and can rescue a borderline score.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
ProvisionalA 5-year regional provisional visa worth a big +15 points, designed as a stepping stone to PR via subclass 191.