From application to arrival
Prepare your information, use the official application channel and check the issued document.
Prepare your application
Apply through ImmiAccount while outside Australia and remain offshore until a decision. Do not arrange travel until Home Affairs confirms the visa grant in writing.
Submit through the official channel
Use Visitor visa (subclass 600) Tourist stream. Check the current instructions and total government charges before paying.
Review the decision before departure
Check the passport details, dates and entry conditions on the permission you receive.
Check your trip dates
Count your travel days and compare your passport expiry with the entry rule.
What to prepare for your trip
Check each item as you prepare it. Labels show which documents are required, conditional, or recommended.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
Costs & timing
Government charges and decision times for this route. Check the official service for your final fee.
Government fees
- Subclass 600 Tourist stream starting charge
- AUD 250
The offshore Tourist stream starting application charge is AUD250 per applicant. Eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste passports receive a lower charge from 1 July 2026. Health checks, police certificates or biometrics may add costs. Confirm your exact fee in ImmiAccount or the official estimator. Read the official fee guidance.
Arrival paperwork is a separate step
Incoming Passenger Card (IPC)
Most arriving passengers must complete a passenger card with identity, contact, health/character and customs/quarantine information. The Australia Travel Declaration is a limited Qantas pilot for invited passengers on selected routes; if you are not invited, follow the paper IPC process.
Open Incoming Passenger Card (IPC)Details that can change your plans
Each traveler needs their own application
A child listed on a parent’s passport still needs a separate ETA or eVisitor application. Each family member also submits a separate subclass 600 application; the family may be able to lodge applications together in ImmiAccount.
Link a new passport before travel
Subclass 600 visas are electronically linked to the passport used in the application. Tell Home Affairs about a replacement passport before traveling so it can link the existing visa to the new document.
Official guidanceYour subclass 600 stay is decided on the individual grant
For the offshore Tourist stream, Home Affairs sets the permitted stay case by case. Three months is typical; some grants allow up to 12 months. The visa may permit one or multiple entries, so check the grant letter or VEVO for your exact stay dates, expiry and travel conditions. A visa validity period is not the same as time allowed in Australia.
Official guidancePractical tips for Australia
Small preparation steps to keep your travel information within reach.
Visitor permissions do not allow paid work
An Australian ETA, eVisitor or Tourist stream visitor visa is not a work visa. Limited business-visitor activities may be allowed, but paid work or providing services to an Australian business requires an appropriate work visa.
Declare food and biosecurity items
Food brought into Australia by air must be declared on your Incoming Passenger Card. Some items, including small quantities or ingredients, may be inspected. Check the ABF item guide before packing and declare items rather than guessing.
Australia at a glance
- Capital
- Canberra
- Currency
- AUD
- Calling code
- +61
Questions for this route
Do travelers with an ordinary passport from Benin need a visa for Australia?
For tourism in Australia, travelers using an ordinary passport from Benin should arrange an eVisa before travel. Apply through ImmiAccount while outside Australia and remain offshore until a decision. Do not arrange travel until Home Affairs confirms the visa grant in writing. The published short-visit limit is 12 months per visit; follow any shorter period on your granted permission.
How long can I stay in Australia?
The short-visit limit is 12 months per visit. Your actual permission can be shorter; check the dates and conditions you receive.
How much passport validity do I need?
Valid on arrival.
How much is the government fee?
Subclass 600 Tourist stream starting charge: AUD 250 per person. Check the official payment page for exemptions and any additional charges.
Do I need to complete Incoming Passenger Card (IPC)?
Required only when the stated conditions apply. Most arriving passengers must complete a passenger card with identity, contact, health/character and customs/quarantine information. The Australia Travel Declaration is a limited Qantas pilot for invited passengers on selected routes; if you are not invited, follow the paper IPC process. It does not replace a required visa or travel authorisation.
How long can I stay in Australia with a visitor visa?
For the offshore Tourist stream, Home Affairs sets the permitted stay case by case. Three months is typical; some grants allow up to 12 months. The visa may permit one or multiple entries, so check the grant letter or VEVO for your exact stay dates, expiry and travel conditions. A visa validity period is not the same as time allowed in Australia.
What fees apply for a Australia visitor visa?
The offshore Tourist stream starting application charge is AUD250 per applicant. Eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste passports receive a lower charge from 1 July 2026. Health checks, police certificates or biometrics may add costs. Confirm your exact fee in ImmiAccount or the official estimator.
What if I’m going to work, study or stay longer?
This guide is for a short tourist visit on an ordinary passport. It does not establish eligibility for employment, study or residence. Use the destination’s official guidance for your actual purpose.
Does my country of residence change the answer?
Passport nationality and legal residence are different. This page starts with your passport. Residence can change where you apply and which application channel is available; an existing visa or residence permit may also create an exception. Check the official eligibility guidance for your circumstances.
Official websites
Use these government websites to confirm requirements and complete any application.
Open Visitor visa (subclass 600) Tourist stream
Apply through ImmiAccount while outside Australia and remain offshore until a decision. Do not arrange travel until Home Affairs confirms the visa grant in writing.
Open Incoming Passenger Card (IPC)
Find Australia’s visitor visa options
Use the official visa finder for your nationality and travel purpose.
Check current subclass 600 processing times
Use Home Affairs' guide for the Visitor visa (subclass 600) Tourist stream. It estimates times from recently decided applications, is not specific to your case and is not a guarantee. Apply well before travel and wait for the grant before making plans.
About this guide
This guide covers short tourist visits on an ordinary passport. Your nationality, residence, travel document and purpose can affect the entry conditions. Check the linked official guidance before travel; the border authority decides admission and your permitted stay.
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