Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) for US Travelers: When You Need It & How to Apply

Short answer: The Visitor visa (subclass 600) is Home Affairs’ DIY visa for many tourist, business visitor, and family trips when an ETA is not the right fit. Apply online through ImmiAccount while you are outside Australia. my-evisas.com does not file Visitor 600 applications — follow the Home Affairs tourist stream steps. If you are still ETA-eligible, see the Australia ETA guide or ETA help on my-evisas.com. Stand: 18 August 2026.

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What is the Visitor visa (subclass 600)?

The Visitor visa (subclass 600) covers many temporary visits to Australia — for tourists, business visitors, or to visit family — in streams that can allow stays of 3, 6 or 12 months depending on the stream and your grant.

For US travelers applying from overseas, the common holiday path is the Tourist stream (apply outside Australia) on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

When US travelers need a Visitor visa instead of an ETA

Many US passport holders use the Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) in the Australian ETA app for short holidays — see the Australia ETA guide.

Home Affairs points to a Visitor visa (subclass 600) when an ETA is not suitable, including when:

• you cannot use the Australian ETA app and need a full online visa application
• you have a criminal conviction in any country (Home Affairs asks for more information and a Visitor visa application with evidence)
• you need to stay longer than an ETA allows per visit (ETA stays are up to 3 months at a time — see the Australia ETA guide)
• your trip does not fit ETA rules (for example paid work — you must not work in Australia on a Visitor visa)

Home Affairs also notes you may be eligible for a Subclass 601 ETA or Subclass 651 eVisitor instead of a Visitor visa — US passports are on the ETA eligible list. Use Home Affairs’ Explore visa options tool if you are unsure.

Tourist stream — apply from overseas

The Tourist stream lets you visit Australia as a tourist, go on a cruise, or visit family and friends.

Overview stay is up to 12 months, but Home Affairs decides the exact period on your visa grant letter case by case and might not grant the length you ask for.

You must be a genuine visitor who intends to stay temporarily and obey visa conditions.

How to apply through ImmiAccount

Apply online while you are outside Australia:

1. Log in or create an ImmiAccount.
2. Attach documents required for your stream (see Home Affairs guidance on applying online).
3. Pay the application fee — Home Affairs will not process your application until you pay.

You must be outside Australia when you apply and when Home Affairs decides your visa. Do not arrange travel until you are notified in writing that the visa is granted.

Official apply entry for the tourist stream is linked from the Visitor 600 tourist stream page.

Visitor visa fees — what to expect

Home Affairs publishes the tourist stream fee as From a base price on the official page, with concessions in limited circumstances. The live amount appears when you pay in ImmiAccount — confirm it on the payment step before you submit.

This is separate from the AUD20 Australian ETA app service fee on the ETA fee page.

ETA vs Visitor visa — quick comparison

FAQ

Do US citizens need a Visitor visa for Australia?

Many US citizens travel on an ETA for short visits. You need a Visitor visa (subclass 600) when Home Affairs rules require it — for example if you cannot use the ETA app, have certain convictions, or need a stay or purpose an ETA does not cover.

Is an Australia tourist visa the same as an ETA?

“Tourist visa” is everyday language. For eligible US passports the electronic holiday product is usually the ETA (subclass 601). The Visitor visa (subclass 600) is a separate DIY application through ImmiAccount.

How much does a Visitor visa (subclass 600) cost?

Home Affairs shows From a base price on the official tourist stream page, with possible concessions. Confirm the fee when you pay in ImmiAccount.

How long can I stay on a Visitor visa?

The tourist stream overview is up to 12 months, but your visa grant letter sets the dates. Home Affairs decides length case by case.

Can my-evisas.com apply for a Visitor visa for me?

Apply through ImmiAccount and the official tourist stream page. For what my-evisas.com assists with, see How my-evisas.com can help.

What if I have a criminal conviction?

Home Affairs will need more information. You should apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) and provide evidence about your convictions.

How my-evisas.com can help

Provided

• Australia ETA (subclass 601) assisted filing through the official app if you remain eligible. Start ETA help.

Not provided

• Visitor visa (subclass 600) applications
• Embassy or consulate appointment booking for Visitor 600
• Work visas

Apply for a Visitor 600 through ImmiAccount and the official tourist stream page.

Sources

1. Department of Home Affairs — Visitor visa (subclass 600) (accessed 18 August 2026)
2. Department of Home Affairs — Visitor visa (subclass 600) Tourist stream (apply outside Australia) (accessed 18 August 2026; page last updated 1 July 2026)
3. Department of Home Affairs — Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) (accessed 18 August 2026)

Important Notice

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. my-evisas.com is a private service provider and not a government authority, embassy, or consulate.

Visa requirements and entry regulations can change at short notice. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided. Only the official regulations in force at the time of your application are authoritative.

As of: 18 August 2026

Binding and up-to-date information is provided exclusively by the relevant official authorities. Please verify the currently applicable requirements before your application or travel: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/visitor-600