Planning a Trip to Australia? Here’s all Your Need to Know about Getting Your Visa

The land down under, land of the kangaroos, Australia has always been a source of wonder for people all around. So remote, yet so well-developed, the unique natural wonders and indigenous wildlife of this island nation have never failed to captivate visitors with their mystic charm. In fact, no matter your age, budget, or travel preferences, Australia tour packages have something to offer for everyone, offering unmatched travel experiences. True, the travel to Australia from India can be a long journey, but for a destination that has everything, from a rich cultural heritage to stunning beaches and buzzing metropolises, the journey is definitely worth it.

Before You Travel to Australia from India

Planning a trip, especially outside the country, involves a lot of research and planning, from finding the best place to stay during your trip and choosing the attractions you can realistically visit in the duration to budgeting for your trip and getting the right visa. While you may have your own checklist, here are some things you should keep in mind:

• You Need a Visa: Regardless of the duration of your planned stay, you need to apply for and get the right visa for Australia from India before you leave.
• The Visa May Take Time: On average, an Australia visitor visa from India can take anywhere from 2-40 days. The time taken will depend on a number of factors, like whether the application and documents are in order, your response time to a request for additional information, if it is peak travel season, etc., so it is always best to take a buffer period into account and apply for the visa well in time.
• When You Should Travel: Being located in the southern hemisphere, Australia has seasons opposite from those in the northern hemisphere. Also, the best time for your visit will depend on where you are headed. So, make sure you put in some research into the best times for booking your trip to Australia, based on the destination you are visiting.
• Budget Carefully: It is very easy to overspend while travelling, so ensure you consider all aspects of your travel plans when you budget the trip. Apart from the major costs, like accommodation, travel, shopping, etc., don’t forget the little expenses, like meals, in-city travel, snacks, entry fees for tourist attractions, tips, etc.
• Flight Tickets: You will need to book your return tickets before you have a visa. In fact, a copy of tickets to and from the country are also to be submitted with the other documents for an Australia tourist visa for Indian

These are some of the most important things to know before visiting Australia that you will do well to remember.

About Getting an Australia Visa for Indians

It should be pretty clear by now that the visa is a crucial part of planning a trip to Australia. With many types of visas available, each with their long list of eligibility criteria and requirements, it may all get a bit confusing. So, to help make sense of all the formalities and to illuminate your way ahead, here’s a brief guide with information about the process, documentation, fees, etc. for an Australia visa for Indian citizens.

The Type of Visa

Based on the purpose of the visit, there are several types of Australia visas for Indian citizens, the fees for which will also vary. However, if you are a tourist, you need a visitor visa, subclass 600 (tourist stream), which must be applied for from outside Australia. This visa is valid for up to a year, allows for multiple entries, and for a stay of up to 3 months at a time.

Application Process and Fees for an Australia Tourist Visa from India

In Indian rupees, the fees for an Australian tourist visa may vary significantly based on the type of visa you are applying for. Even for an Australia visitor visa from India, the fees may differ with different streams under which you are applying.

In general, the fee for the tourist visa (subclass 600) AUD 150, which is also subject to change by the Australian immigration authority. So, make sure you check the latest requirements at the official website of their Department of Home Affairs at the time of application. You can then calculate the Australian tourist visa fees in Indian rupees based on the Forex rates at the time and make your payment.

The application for the visa can be done online as well as offline. For the offline procedure, you will need to download and print the application form for the right visa category from the immigration website of Australia. Then:

• Carefully fill in your details in the form and sign it.
• Attach the required photographs and documents.
• Visit the Australian Embassy for submission.
• The fee must be paid at the embassy while submitting the form.
• Do the required biometrics verification.
• Arrange for a medical exam (if instructed by embassy).

While the ETA visa facility is not yet available for Indians, an Australia e-visa or e-visitor visa is a convenient way to apply online for an Australia visitor visa from India. You will be required to create an IMMI account, login on the Australia e-visa platform for Indian citizens, and find the right category visa application form:

• Fill the online form carefully.
• Upload necessary photographs and documents.
• Make an online payment for the required tourist visa fees for visiting Australia from India.
• Submit your application.
• You will still need to go through biometrics verification and to arrange a medical exam in case it is asked for.

Requirements Including the Documents for an Australia Tourist Visa for Indian Citizens

The documentation required is mainly for verifying the eligibility of an applicant for an Australian visa from India. The documents you should keep ready for your application include:

• Passport: Should be valid for at least 6 more months when applying. Coloured scanned copies of passport pages must be submitted (include old passport pages as well if available).
• Coloured Photograph: 35 mm X 45 mm, coloured, coloured photo where the head should cover at least 30 mm and well-centred. Picture should be no older than 6 months; white background; face neutral; no glasses or headgear (unless religious); clothing should not match the backdrop. You may also be asked to submit your biometrics information.
• Cover Letter: Detailed information about your plans and purpose of visit.
• Proof of Finances: 6 months’ bank statements of a savings account, salary slips, or equivalent forms to prove financial ability to support your stay in Australia.
• Proof of Return: This can include your return tickets, proof of owning major assets in India, letter from employer/school/university, and proof of having immediate family residing in India.
• Character Documents: A recent Police Character Certificate, issued from a relevant police station.
• ITR: Proofs of your submission of Income Tax Returns.
• National ID Card: PAN, Aadhaar, etc.
• Evidence of Stay: Either a letter from friends or family in Australia with whom you will be staying or booking receipts for accommodation throughout your stay.
• Itineraries: Detailed information about your travel plans, bookings, etc.
• Fee Payment: Receipt of payment of the fees for the relevant visa for Australia from India.

If you are visiting a friend or family, you will also be required to submit an invitation letter that specifies your relationship with them, why you are visiting, how long you plan to stay, and whether you will be staying with them.

Processing Your Application for a Visa for Australia from India

After submitting the application, you must wait for verification by Australia’s High Commission. For Indians, the Australia visa process includes verification of the details that have been submitted in the application form. This is why it is recommended that you maintain the required balance in the bank account you have entered and avoid using that account for any transactions while the visa application is being processed. The Australian High Commission also verifies bank details, to confirm the applicant’s financial stability, so they can be sure that the applicant will be able to support themselves when visiting Australia.

In case of any issues, like incorrectly filled details, or if the authorities require additional information, you will be contacted to furnish necessary details. This can delay the processing time of your application, so ensure you are extremely careful when filling out the forms for a tourist visa for Australia from India.

Application Outcome for an Australia Visitor Visa from India

After submitting the application, you will receive a written advice. If your application is approved, the advice will notify you of the same, and provide information about the visa grant number, date from which the visa will be valid, and visa conditions.

The advice may also have been sent to inform you that your application cannot be approved without further information, in which case you should furnish what is asked for at the earliest.

Armed with this information, you should have no trouble in applying for and getting a tourist visa for Australia from India. The price of the visa application is generally included in the cost of holiday packages, when you book a solo trip, honeymoon, family vacation, or even a group tour to Australia. If you are willing to do the work and get your own tourist visa for Australia from India, the price of the same can be deducted from the package you are booking as well.