Learn how to apply for tourist visa Australia (Subclass 600) in 2026 — eligibility, ImmiAccount steps, current fees, GTE requirements, and how Australian Immigration Consultants can help you avoid a costly refusal.
If you're planning a holiday, a family visit, or a short business trip, the Australian tourist visa you're almost certainly after is the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), Tourist stream. It's Australia's main entry point for short-term visitors who don't qualify for the free eVisitor or the low-cost ETA. Getting the application right the first time matters — the fee is non-refundable even if you're refused.
This guide walks through exactly how to apply for a tourist visa Australia requires in 2026, current government fees, what evidence actually strengthens your case, and the mistakes that lead to refusal.
Before lodging a Subclass 600 application, check whether a cheaper option applies to your passport — it can save you both money and processing time.
If neither free option applies to your passport, the Subclass 600 Tourist stream is your route in.
Government charges for the Subclass 600 rose roughly 25% under the Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Regulations, effective 1 July 2026. As of now, the Tourist stream costs AUD $250 per applicant when applying from outside Australia, and AUD $630 per applicant if applying while already in Australia (onshore applications face higher scrutiny of your current visa status, hence the steeper charge). Each family member included on the same application pays the fee separately.
Planning a trip to Australia and want your application done right the first time? Speak with our team before you lodge — a quick review now can save you a non-refundable fee and weeks of delay later. Contact contact@australianimmigrationconsultants.com or +61 424 295 050.
Speak with Our Team →Speak directly with registered migration professionals to evaluate your visa pathways.
Every Subclass 600 application is judged against the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement — the department needs to be satisfied you intend to visit temporarily and return home. This isn't a box-ticking exercise; case officers weigh your immigration history, your circumstances at home (employment, family, assets), and how your stated visit fits your overall profile.
Strong applications typically include evidence of ties to your home country, a clear travel purpose and itinerary, and sufficient funds to cover the trip without needing to work — the Tourist stream strictly prohibits paid employment.
How long does a Subclass 600 Tourist visa application take to process? Most Tourist stream applications are decided within a few weeks, though timing varies by country of origin and completeness of documentation.
Can I work in Australia on a tourist visa? No. The Tourist stream strictly prohibits paid work, selling services, or any long-term study — short recreational courses of up to 3 months are the exception.
Is the visa fee refundable if my application is refused? No. The Visa Application Charge is non-refundable regardless of the outcome, which is why getting the application right matters.
A tourist visa application looks simple on paper, but refusals happen often — usually because the GTE assessment wasn't taken seriously or the evidence didn't match the story. Australian Immigration Consultants helps applicants choose the right visa category, prepare a complete and consistent evidence file, and avoid the common errors that trigger delays or refusal.
A well-prepared tourist visa application is the difference between a smooth trip and an unexpected refusal — get the details right from the start, and you can focus on planning your visit instead of second-guessing your paperwork.
Expert guidance tailored to your unique journey. Get a personalized roadmap from a Registered Migration Agent today.
