Are you an Indian citizen planning a vacation to Australia? For every Indian citizen visiting Australia, obtaining an Australian Visitor Visa is essential. Starting this step as soon as possible will allow you more time to plan and prepare for your trip.
In this blog article, we will present practical methods to help guide you through the application process and ensure the success of your application. Continue reading to learn more!
Requirements to get an Australia Tourist Visa
The Australian government now accepts online visa applications from Indian citizens with valid Indian passports. The Visa Lounge is a convenient and easy way to apply for Australian visas for tourism, family visits, and business trips. It is not possible to use Visa Lounge if you are looking for work in Australia. Tourists visiting Australia are not required to get travel insurance. Passengers may purchase optional travel insurance from Visa Lounge for an extra fee.
Document & Other Requirements for Australia Visitor Visa
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement: You must demonstrate that you intend to visit Australia for a temporary stay and have genuine intentions to return to your home country after your visit.
- Passport: You must have a valid passport from an eligible country. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Australia.
- Application Form: You need to complete and submit the appropriate visa application form, which can be done online through the Department of Home Affairs website or by submitting a paper application.
- Visa Fee: You must pay the required visa application fee, which can vary depending on the type of visa and your location.
- Financial Capacity: You should have enough funds to support yourself during your stay in Australia. This includes covering your accommodation, transportation, and other living expenses. You may be required to provide bank statements or other financial documents to demonstrate your financial capacity.
- Health and Character Requirements: You must meet certain health and character requirements. This may involve undergoing a medical examination and obtaining a police clearance certificate from your home country.
- Travel Insurance: It is recommended to have travel insurance to cover any medical expenses or unforeseen circumstances during your visit to Australia.
- Invitation Letter (if applicable): If someone in Australia is inviting you, they may need to provide an invitation letter stating the purpose of your visit and their relationship with you.
- Intended Activities: You should have a clear plan of what you intend to do during your stay in Australia, such as tourism, visiting family or friends, or attending conferences or events.
- Proof of Return or Onward Travel: You may be required to provide evidence of your return or onward travel, such as flight bookings or itinerary.
- Compliance History: If you have previously visited Australia or other countries, it is important to have a good compliance history with the visa conditions of those visits.
- Other Supporting Documents: You may be asked to provide additional documents depending on your individual circumstances, such as employment letter, proof of ties to your home country, or evidence of previous travel.
Australia Tourist Visa Cost For Indian Citizens
The cost of the Australian Tourist Visa for Indian citizens varies depending on the type of visa they apply for. The ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) is the most common tourist visa, which costs approximately AUD 20. This visa allows Indian citizens to visit Australia for up to 3 months and can be applied online. A longer-term visa, such as the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), is required for those looking to stay longer than three months. An Australian tourist visa costs AUD 150 (INR 8,672 approximately) and allows Indian citizens to stay in Australia for up to 12 months. It can also be extended if needed.
Indian citizens visit Australia for various purposes, including:
- Tourism: Australia is known for its diverse landscapes, stunning beaches, iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef, and unique wildlife. Many Indian tourists visit Australia to explore its natural beauty, experience its vibrant cities, and engage in adventure activities like scuba diving, hiking, and wildlife safaris.
- Visiting Family and Friends: Indian citizens who have family members or friends living in Australia may visit to spend time with their loved ones, attend special occasions, or simply strengthen personal relationships.
- Business Meetings and Conferences: Australia is a hub for various industries, and Indian professionals often travel to Australia for business meetings, conferences, seminars, or trade events. It provides opportunities for networking, collaborations, and expanding business connections.
- Education and Research: Australia is a popular destination for Indian students pursuing higher education. Many Indian students choose Australian universities and colleges for their academic programs, research opportunities, and the chance to experience a multicultural environment.
- Medical Treatment: Australia has a well-regarded healthcare system, and Indian citizens may travel to the country for medical treatment, especially for specialized procedures, consultations with renowned doctors, or access to advanced medical facilities.
- Sporting Events and Festivals: Australia hosts various international sporting events, such as the Australian Open (tennis), cricket matches, Formula One Grand Prix, and more. Indian sports enthusiasts and fans often travel to Australia to witness these events live. Additionally, Australian festivals like Vivid Sydney, Melbourne Comedy Festival, and multicultural celebrations attract Indian visitors.
- Exploring Business Opportunities: Some Indian citizens visit Australia to explore potential business opportunities, establish partnerships, attend trade shows or exhibitions, or learn about the Australian market.
- Cultural Exchange and Recreation: Australia\’s multicultural society and diverse cultural experiences attract Indian travelers who seek to immerse themselves in different cultures, try local cuisines, visit museums, art galleries, and explore the cultural heritage of the country.
