Australia has consistently ranked among the top destinations for global travelers, drawing over 9.5 million international visitors annually before the pandemic. For Indian travelers especially, Australia is a favorite for family vacations, student visits, and tourism — but before booking flights, the first hurdle is securing a tourist visa.

The average processing time for the Australian tourist visa (Subclass 600) for Indian applicants takes 15 to 45 working days to be processed. However, this isn’t a fixed timeline — it can vary based on the visa stream chosen (Tourist, Business Visitor, or Sponsored Family), the completeness of your application, and seasonal demand.

Types of Australian Tourist Visa

  1. Tourist Stream (Subclass 600) – This is the most popular visa for leisure travelers. It allows you to visit Australia for sightseeing, holidays, or to meet friends and family. It can be granted for single or multiple entries, usually lasting between 3 to 12 months.

  2. Business Visitor Stream (Subclass 600) – Designed for professionals who need to attend meetings, conferences, or short business events. It does not permit working in Australia, but is ideal for quick business trips or networking opportunities.

  3. Sponsored Family Stream (Subclass 600) – If you have family living in Australia who is willing to sponsor your trip, this stream is suitable. It often comes with stricter conditions, such as restrictions on re-entry, but is a good option for family reunions.

Each stream has the same basic processing structure, although requirements may vary slightly depending on the sponsor or the nature of the travel.

Tourist Visa Australia Requirements

To avoid delays, make sure all documents are ready before applying. Here’s a clear breakdown:

Requirement

Details

Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry

Photographs

Recent passport-size, meeting ICAO guidelines

Financial Proof

Bank statements, salary slips, and ITR showing ability to fund trip

Travel Itinerary

Flight bookings, hotel reservations, or sponsor invitations

Proof of Ties

Employment letter, family documents, or property papers to show return intent

Health Insurance

Strongly recommended, though not always mandatory

Police/Character Certificate

May be required in some cases for background verification

Submitting all of these ensures your Australia tourist visa processing time stays within the average range and avoids costly delays.

Australia Tourist Visa Processing Time

The Australian Department of Home Affairs processes visitor visas individually, but the average timeframes are as follows:

Visa Type

Standard Processing Time

Priority/Expedited Processing

Delayed Cases

Tourist Visa (Subclass 600 – Tourist Stream)

15–45 working days

10–20 working days

Up to 60 working days

Business Visitor Stream

10–30 working days

7–15 working days

Up to 45 working days

Sponsored Family Stream

20–50 working days

Not applicable

Up to 2 months

Key Insight: Missing documents, security checks, or peak travel season can all extend your Australia tourist visa processing time, so applying early is strongly recommended.

Tourist Visa Australia Cost

The tourist visa for Australia (Subclass 600 – Tourist Stream) cost begins at AUD 190 (₹10,500–₹11,000). Additional charges may apply for biometrics, health checks, or consultancy services.

  • Biometrics: ₹1,200–₹2,000

  • Medical exam: ₹4,000–₹6,000

  • Consultant/agent fees: Varies

On average, Indians should expect 3–6 weeks for approval, though delays are common during peak travel months. Knowing the right tourist visa requirements for Australia, including costs and application steps, ensures a smoother journey.

Apply early, prepare documents carefully, and Australia’s beaches, cities, and adventures will be ready to welcome you without visa stress.