The visitor visa 600 is one of the most common visas for travellers who want to visit Australia temporarily. Officially known as the Visitor Visa Subclass 600, it allows eligible visitors to travel to Australia for tourism, family visits, or certain short-term business activities.
People researching this visa often want to understand the eligibility rules, expected processing times, application costs, and whether health insurance for the Visitor Visa 600 is necessary. Knowing how the visa works can help travellers prepare their documents and avoid delays during the application process.
What is the Visitor Visa Subclass 600 in Australia?
The Visitor Visa Subclass 600 is an Australian temporary visa designed for travellers who plan to stay in the country for a limited period. It is issued by the Department of Home Affairs, the government body responsible for immigration policy and the regulation of visa and migration services in Australia.
This visa allows visitors to remain in Australia for a short stay, typically three, six, or twelve months, depending on the visa stream and the individual circumstances of the applicant. The approved period of stay is confirmed in the official visa grant letter.
What does this visa allows visitors to do?
The Subclass 600 visa allows travellers to enter Australia primarily for tourism or personal visits. Visitors commonly use it to explore the country, spend time with relatives, or attend short business meetings.
While this visa supports travel and family visits, it does not permit employment in Australia. Visa holders must also demonstrate they are genuine visitors who intend to leave Australia before their authorised stay ends.
Streams available under the Visitor Visa
Australia offers several streams under the Visitor Visa Subclass 600. Each stream reflects a different reason for travelling to the country.
Tourist stream
The tourist stream is the most widely used pathway for travellers planning holidays or visiting friends and family in Australia. It is typically chosen by people travelling for leisure, sightseeing, or personal visits.
Applicants can submit an application either from outside Australia before travelling or from within Australia if they already hold another valid visa.
Sponsored family stream
The sponsored family stream is intended for travellers invited by relatives living in Australia. In these cases, an Australian citizen or permanent resident acts as the sponsor for the visitor.
In some situations, immigration authorities may request a security bond to ensure the visitor complies with visa conditions and departs Australia before the visa expires. This requirement is not automatic and is determined by Home Affairs on a case-by-case basis.
Business visitor stream
Another option within the Subclass 600 category is the business visitor stream. This stream allows travellers to visit Australia for limited business purposes such as attending conferences, negotiating agreements, or participating in professional meetings.
Although business activities are permitted, the visa does not allow visitors to take up paid employment within Australia.
Other short-stay visitor options (ETA 601 and eVisitor 651)
Australia also offers other short-stay visitor visas that may be suitable for certain passport holders. These alternatives can be faster or cheaper in some cases, particularly for travellers from eligible countries.
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA – Subclass 601)
The Electronic Travel Authority is a temporary visa for eligible passport holders who want to visit Australia for short-term tourism or business visitor activities. It is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport and typically allows multiple entries to Australia over 12 months, with a maximum stay of up to three months on each visit. The ETA is only available to citizens of certain countries and is usually requested through an airline, travel agent, or an approved online or app-based channel.
eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651)
The eVisitor visa is a free visitor visa option for holders of eligible passports, mainly from the European Union and several other European countries. Like the ETA, it allows multiple entries to Australia over a 12 month period, with up to three months stay each time for tourism or business visitor purposes. Applications for an eVisitor visa are made online from outside Australia, and the visa is electronically linked to the applicant’s passport.
When a Visitor Visa 600 may still be preferred
Even if a traveller’s passport would allow them to apply for an ETA or eVisitor, some people choose the Visitor Visa 600 because it can offer longer stay periods and more flexibility in certain situations. The Subclass 600 may also be the main option for applicants from countries that are not eligible for the ETA or eVisitor programs.
Eligibility requirements for the Visitor Visa
To qualify for a Visitor Visa Subclass 600, applicants must meet several immigration requirements. These requirements help the Australian government confirm that the traveller intends to stay temporarily and comply with visa conditions.
Applicants are usually expected to hold a valid passport, demonstrate financial capacity, and meet health and character requirements. Immigration officers also assess whether the applicant is a genuine visitor who plans to leave Australia before the visa expires.
Financial capacity and genuine visitor requirement
Applicants are often required to show they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. This helps immigration authorities ensure visitors will not rely on public support while in Australia.
Financial evidence may include bank statements, proof of employment, or documents showing financial support from family members. A letter of invitation may also be submitted when visiting relatives.
Visitor Visa 600 processing time
Processing time for the Subclass 600 visitor visa varies depending on the visa stream, where the application is lodged, and how complete the documents are.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs shares processing times as general ranges based on how many applications are finalised over time (for example, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 90%). Many tourist stream applications lodged outside Australia are processed within a few weeks, but timeframes can change. Applications lodged within Australia may sometimes be processed faster, depending on individual circumstances.
Factors that influence processing times
Each visa application is assessed individually, which means processing times can differ between applicants. Missing documents or additional checks can extend the assessment period.
In some cases, immigration authorities may request further documents, background verification, or medical examinations before making a final decision.
Visitor Visa fees and application costs
The cost of applying for a Visitor Visa Subclass 600 can vary depending on the visa stream and where the application is lodged. The Australian government sets the base visa application charge, but additional costs may arise depending on the applicant’s situation and the documents required during the visa process.
For many travellers applying under the tourist stream, the base government application charge is from around AUD $190 to AUD $200 when applying from outside Australia, depending on the exact stream and any pricing updates from the Department of Home Affairs. Applicants should always check the latest fees on the official Home Affairs website before lodging their application.
Typical Visitor Visa 600 application costs
* All figures are estimates. Fees are subject to change — please verify current amounts before applying.
Health insurance for Visitor Visa 600
Many travellers ask whether health insurance is required when applying for this visa. While not every application requires insurance before approval, some visas include condition 8501, which requires visitors to maintain adequate health cover while in Australia.
Australia’s healthcare system is designed primarily for residents, meaning visitors without insurance may face high medical costs.
Understanding Visa condition 8501
Visa condition 8501 requires travellers to maintain appropriate health insurance for the duration of their stay. This ensures visitors can access medical treatment without relying on public healthcare services.
Even basic medical treatment can be expensive without coverage. A consultation with a general practitioner can cost more than AUD $80, and hospital treatment can exceed AUD $1,500 per day, depending on the situation.
How to apply for a Visitor Visa to Australia
Applying for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is usually done online through the Australian immigration portal.
Applicants must create an account, complete the visa application form, upload supporting documents, and pay the government application charge. After submission, the Department of Home Affairs reviews the application and may request additional information if necessary.
Receiving the visa grant notice
If the visa application is approved, the traveller receives a visa grant letter confirming the visa conditions, validity period, and allowed stay duration.
Visitors must carefully review these conditions and ensure they comply with them during their stay in Australia.
How long can visitors stay in Australia?
The length of stay granted under this visa varies depending on the traveller’s circumstances and the assessment of immigration authorities.
Many visitor visas allow travellers to remain in Australia for three months, six months, or up to twelve months. The exact duration is determined during the application assessment and stated in the visa grant letter.
In certain situations, travellers already in Australia may apply for another visitor visa before their current one expires. However, this depends on the conditions attached to their existing visa.
Improving the chances of visa approval
Immigration officers evaluate every application carefully to determine whether the applicant meets the genuine visitor requirement. Providing clear documentation and evidence of travel plans can help support the application.
Applicants should demonstrate strong ties to their home country, such as employment, financial commitments, or family responsibilities. These factors help reassure immigration authorities that the traveller intends to return home after visiting Australia.
Providing a clear travel plan, accommodation details, and evidence of return travel arrangements can also strengthen an application.
Planning your visit to Australia with the Visitor Visa 600
The Visitor Visa Subclass 600 provides a pathway for travellers who want to visit Australia temporarily for tourism, family visits, or certain short-term business activities. Understanding the eligibility requirements, expected processing times, and potential health insurance considerations can help applicants prepare a clearer, more complete visa application.
At Di cư Hays, we regularly share information about Australian visa categories and the immigration process to help people better understand their travel or migration options. Resources from migration professionals and official government sources can support applicants in learning how different visas work and what may be required when planning a visit to Australia.
Frequently asked questions
