Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) for US Travelers: When You Need It & How to Apply
Short answer: A US traveler whose visit fits the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) may be able to use that route. If an ETA does not fit your circumstances, check the Visitor visa (subclass 600) with Australia’s Department of Home Affairs. A criminal conviction is one reason Home Affairs specifically directs travelers to a Visitor visa application. Apply for the overseas Tourist stream through ImmiAccount while outside Australia, and wait for a written grant before arranging travel. As of 23 September 2026.
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What is the Visitor visa (subclass 600)?
The Visitor visa (subclass 600) is an Australian visa for tourism, business visits or visiting family. It has different streams, so the purpose of your trip determines which stream to examine. A Visitor visa is distinct from the ETA: Home Affairs may identify an ETA as another possible route, but eligibility for one does not follow automatically from wanting to visit Australia.
For a holiday or family visit, start with the Tourist stream that matches where you will apply. A Visitor visa does not give you permission to work in Australia.
When US travelers need a Visitor visa instead of an ETA
If your planned stay or circumstances do not fit the ETA, check the Visitor visa rules before applying. The overseas Tourist stream can allow a stay of up to 12 months, but Home Affairs decides the length of each grant. That makes the grant letter, rather than the maximum shown on the visa page, the basis for your travel plans.
A criminal conviction changes the route more directly. Home Affairs says applicants with a conviction in any country should apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) and provide evidence about their convictions. This is a direction about which application to make, not a prediction of the decision. For an ETA-suitable short visit, see the ETA eligibility and application guide.
Tourist stream — apply from overseas
The overseas Tourist stream covers tourism, cruises and visits to family or friends. You must be outside Australia both when you apply and when Home Affairs decides the application. If you are already in Australia, the overseas stream is therefore not the matching application path.
Home Affairs lists a possible stay of up to 12 months for this stream. Your actual permitted period or dates appear on the visa grant letter, and Home Affairs may grant less time than requested. Check that letter before settling the length of your visit.
How to apply through ImmiAccount
Use the official overseas Tourist stream page to reach the application instructions. Create or log in to ImmiAccount, attach the documents requested for your application, then submit and pay the application fee as directed. Home Affairs will not process the application until the fee is paid.
For an overseas application, you must be outside Australia both when you apply and when Home Affairs decides. If you hope to travel soon after submitting, the Home Affairs processing time guide is not a date to book around: it reflects recently decided applications and cannot predict yours. Wait for written notice that your visa has been granted before arranging travel to Australia.
Visitor visa cost — where to check
Check the current Visitor visa information on the Home Affairs Tourist stream page, then confirm the amount payable in ImmiAccount when you apply. The official page presents a starting price and notes that concessions apply in limited circumstances. The amount shown for your application at payment is the practical figure to use.
ETA vs Visitor visa — quick comparison
| Question | ETA (subclass 601) | Visitor visa (subclass 600), overseas Tourist stream |
|---|---|---|
| Which trip? | Check eligibility for an ETA-suitable short visit. | Check this route when the ETA does not fit the trip or personal circumstances. |
| Stay | Check the conditions of your ETA. | Up to 12 months may be possible; the individual grant letter sets the permitted stay. |
| Application path | Follow the ETA guide. | Apply through Home Affairs ImmiAccount while outside Australia. |
The choice turns on eligibility and the stay you need. If a conviction is involved, follow Home Affairs’ direction to apply for Visitor 600 with supporting evidence. Otherwise, check the ETA route first if your visit appears to fit it, then use the official Visitor stream page if it does not.
FAQ
Do US citizens need a Visitor visa for Australia?
Some US travelers may be eligible for an ETA; check the ETA guide against your trip before choosing Visitor 600.
Is an Australia tourist visa the same as an ETA?
No. An ETA is subclass 601; Visitor 600 is a separate visa with several streams, including the overseas Tourist stream.
Where do I check the current Visitor visa (subclass 600) cost?
Use the Home Affairs Tourist stream page and confirm the payable amount in ImmiAccount before payment.
How long can I stay on a Visitor visa?
The overseas Tourist stream lists up to 12 months, but Home Affairs decides each granted stay case by case. If the period or dates on your grant letter are shorter than you requested, plan your visit around the grant letter.
Can my-evisas.com apply for a Visitor visa for me?
Apply for Visitor 600 through Home Affairs ImmiAccount. my-evisas.com offers optional ETA application assistance if the ETA route fits your circumstances.
What if I have a criminal conviction?
Home Affairs directs applicants with a conviction in any country to apply for Visitor 600 and provide evidence about the conviction. That tells you which application path to take; Home Affairs still decides the application. Follow the official Visitor visa instructions.
How my-evisas.com can help
If your visit fits the ETA route and you want help with that application, my-evisas.com can provide optional private assistance. If you have a criminal conviction, Home Affairs directs you to Visitor 600 with supporting evidence: apply through Home Affairs and ImmiAccount. The same official path applies when Visitor 600 otherwise fits your trip. Home Affairs decides the application and the conditions of any grant.
Sources
- Australian Government, Department of Home Affairs — Visitor visa (subclass 600) (accessed 18 August 2026).
- Australian Government, Department of Home Affairs — Tourist stream (apply outside Australia) (accessed 18 August 2026).
- Australian Government, 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: 23 September 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: Australian Department of Home Affairs.