What is the Australia Transit Visa (Subclass 771)?
The Australia Transit Visa (subclass 771) permits travelers who have applied for this visa to transit through Australia for up to 72 hours. This visa is suitable for individuals stopping in Australia temporarily before continuing their journey to a third country or joining a ship as maritime crew. It does not permit extended stays, work, or tourism.
Australia Transit Visa Requirements
Make sure you qualify and are ready with the necessary documents before applying.
Valid Indian Passport
The applicant’s passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned date of arrival.
Confirmed Onward Travel
The candidate needs to demonstrate a confirmed itinerary that shows that the candidate will leave Australia within 72 hours of arrival.
Visa for Final Destination
If your destination country requires a visa for Indian nationals, you must show evidence of a valid visa.
Health and Character Requirements
You may be required to undergo a medical examination or provide police clearance certificates based on your travel history and the countries you have visited.
Sufficient Funds
You must demonstrate that you have adequate financial support for the short duration of your stay in Australia.
Completed Visa Application Form (Form 876)
You must carefully complete this form and submit it online through your official ImmiAccount.
Eligibility Criteria
As an Indian citizen, you must satisfy the following criteria to qualify for an Australian Transit Visa:
As an Indian passport holder, the passenger must comply with the following conditions to apply for an Australian Transit Visa: The Indian passport must have 6 months of validity from the date of travel.
All applicants must submit proof of confirmed departure from Australia within 72 hours of arrival in Australia.
You must be traveling to a country or territory that is not your final destination in Australia.
A valid visa for your next destination is required, unless Indian nationals are exempt from needing one.
Applicants must meet health and character requirements as mentioned by the Department of Home Affairs.
You must not intend to stay in Australia for more than 72 hours, and you should not intend to work or come for long visits.
How to Apply for an Australia Transit Visa from India
Step 1 - Immi Account Creation: To begin with, log on to the Department of Home Affairs website and create an ImmiAccount for your application process.Â
Step 2 - Filling out the Application Form: Fill out Form 876 with your personal and travel information; make sure it matches what is in your passport and other documents.Â
Step 3 - Upload of Required Documents
Step 4 - Submit the Application: Review the form and documents before submission. The Transit Visa is typically free, but confirming current policies on the official website is advisable.
Step 5 - Wait for Processing: Once an application is approved, an email notification about its status is dispatched to you. The visa approved will be electronically linked to your passport.
The Australia Transit Visa (subclass 771) is free of cost, with no visa application fee required. It allows eligible travellers to transit through Australia for up to 72 hours.
Is a Transit Visa Always Required?
Due to any of the following being the case, an Australian transit visa may not be needed:Â
If the layover is under 8 hours and you are remaining in the international transit area.
No need to collect checked luggage or change terminals.
The entire transit is managed by the airline and does not require passing through immigration.
Special Considerations
While the Australia Transit Visa (subclass 771) generally applies to most Indian travelers transiting through Australia, there are some important exceptions and special cases to be aware of:
Transit Without a Visa (TWOV)
While the Australia Transit Visa (subclass 771) would normally apply to most Indian travelers transiting via Australia, there are some exceptions and special scenarios to note:
The layover is less than eight hours.
The traveler would remain in the airport's transit lounge.
However, this exemption depends on the airline arrangements and airport facilities. Always confirm with your airline whether a visa-free transit is possible.
Maritime Crew Members
As a maritime crew member traveling to Australia to join a vessel, you are required to submit the following documents:
A letter from your shipping company confirming your employment and ship details.
A valid passport and a seafarer’s ID.
Evidence that you will depart Australia within 5 days of arriving.
Travelling with Children
You should carry additional documents for children (a minor under 18) with you
Parental consent letters if only one parent is traveling.
The birth certificate of the child.
Proof of guardianship, if applicable.
Dual or Multiple Stops in Australia
If you have any stops in Australia during transit or if you plan to leave the airport for any reason, you may not qualify for the Transit Visa but will need a Visitor Visa (subclass 600).
Changes in Itinerary After Visa Approval
If your flight schedule changes after your visa is granted and your stay in Australia extends beyond 72 hours, you must inform the immigration authorities and consider applying for a different visa.
Australia Transit Visa Processing Time from India
This transit visa has an incredibly short processing timeframe in Australia.
The processing time for an Australian Transit Visa from India is typically 10 to 15 business days.
However, depending on the number of applications, the correctness of documents submitted, and the possibility of additional checks, this timeframe is subject to change.
To avoid delays:
Apply at least two to three weeks ahead of your travel date.
Submit all your documents with accuracy and don't miss out on any documents.
Act quickly on any requests from immigration for additional information.
