Australia Transit Visa

What is the Australia transit visa?

Travelers transiting through Australia to another destination can apply for the Transit Visa (Subclass 771 Visa).

However, travelers with eligible citizenships can also apply for an Australia online visa/ eVisa/ eVisitor visa instead of a transit visa when transiting through Australia. The online visa validates for 12 months. 

How Long Can You Stay In Australia with A Transit Visa?

Travelers holding an Australia Transit Visa can stay in the country for up to 72 hours while in transit. To obtain visa approval, foreign passport holders must possess a confirmed booking and authorization to reach their next destination.

However, visitors can transit through Australia by aircraft without a visa if they:

• Stay in an Australian airport for a maximum of 8 hours
• Do not require immigration clearance
• IMPORTANT: Do not exit the airport transit area 
• Have a confirmed ticket and valid travel documents for the next destination.

Travelers who plan to stay longer or enter Australia multiple times are advised to consider applying for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or an eVisitor visa.

Can You Leave The Airport With A Transit Visa?

Holders of Australia Transit Visas are kept from leaving the airport and remain in Australia for up to 72 hours, after which they must depart for their next destination. Please note that some airports may lack baggage holding facilities for in-between flight transfers, so travelers must carry their baggage.

Transit Visa Or eVisa/ eVisitor Visa

The Australia Transit Visa allows for a single entry and a stay of up to 72 hours, requiring travelers to reapply for each entry into the country. This visa cannot be extended, and individuals desiring a more prolonged stay must apply for a different Australian visa.

In contrast, the ETA and eVisitor for Australia are multiple-entry electronic visas. Holders of these visas can:

• Enter Australia as often as they wish, including for transit until the visa or the corresponding passport expires.
• Many foreign citizens eligible for the Australia online visa (ETA or eVisitor) may find it a more convenient option than the transit visa, mainly if they are frequent travelers.

Frequently Ask Questions

1. Do I need a visa to transit through Australia?

   The need for a visa to transit through Australia depends on your nationality, the duration of your stay, and your travel plans within Australia. You will require a transit visa if you:

   • Plan to stay in Australia for more than 8 hours during your layover.
   • Are arriving in Australia by any means other than an aircraft
   • Insufficient documents to enter your next destination.
   • Need to clear immigration or exit the airport
   • Your citizenship is not eligible for a visa-free transit.
      

2. How long does it take to get a transit visa for Australia?

   The application for a transit visa can be completed online from anywhere in the world, which takes only a few minutes. However, the processing time for review and approval may extend to weeks or, in rare cases, months. 

   Travelers in a hurry may consider applying for other online visas such as the ETA and eVisitor, which allow for longer stays in Australia and are usually approved within two days, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

3. Do I need a transit visa if I am not leaving the airport?

   Even if you don't plan to leave the airport during your time in Australia, you may still require a transit visa if:

   • You intend to stay in the airport for more than 8 hours
   • You need to go through immigration checks at the airport
   • You hold a passport issued by a country that is not eligible for visa-free transit

   Please note that the transit visa allows for a maximum stay of 72 hours in Australia. If you plan to remain longer, either inside or outside the airport, you will need to apply for a different type of visa.