Australia Visit Visa Duration: How Long Can You Stay?

Planning your trip to Australia—whether for business engagements, family reunions or leisure breaks—demands a clear grasp of how long each visitor visa allows you to stay. Australia’s three primary visit visas offer distinct options:

• Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601): valid for 12 months, up to 3 months per visit
• eVisitor (subclass 651): no application fee, valid for 12 months, up to 3 months per visit
• Visitor Visa (subclass 600): multiple streams (tourist, business, sponsored family, frequent-traveller) with stays ranging from 3 to 12 months, plus specialised long-stay options

This guide walks you through visa validity periods, maximum stay entitlements, extension possibilities and essential compliance requirements—everything you need to plan your journey with confidence. For a broader overview of Australia’s visa categories, refer to Tourism Australia’s visa and entry requirements FAQ.

What is an Australian Visit Visa?

A visit visa is a type of temporary Australian visa that lets you enter and stay in the country for a specific period, unlike permanent visas which grant the right to live, work or study indefinitely. Visit visas are designed for short-term purposes—be it exploring Australia’s landscapes, reuniting with family, attending business events, or enrolling in brief study programs (up to three months).

All non-Australian citizens (except New Zealand passport holders) must hold a valid visa before boarding a flight to Australia. Whether you’re planning a beach holiday, catching up with relatives, or negotiating a contract, the right visit visa ensures you comply with immigration rules. You can assess which option matches your needs by using the Department of Home Affairs’ Visa Finder tool.

The three main visit-visa subclasses are:

• Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601): For passport holders from eligible countries; valid for 12 months, with up to 3 months per entry.
• eVisitor (subclass 651): A fee-free visa for designated European nationals; also valid for 12 months, with 3-month stays each visit.
• Visitor Visa (subclass 600): Open to all nationalities, offering multiple streams—tourist, business visitor, sponsored family and frequent traveller—with stay periods ranging from 3 to 12 months, depending on the stream.

Each subclass has its own eligibility criteria—such as genuine visitor intent, sufficient funds, health requirements and character checks. In the sections that follow, we’ll dive into the validity periods, maximum stay entitlements and application steps for every visit-visa option, so you can plan your Australian journey with confidence.

Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601): Duration and Stay Entitlements

The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is an ideal option for travellers from eligible countries who need a quick and convenient way to visit Australia for tourism or business. Once granted, the ETA is electronically linked to your passport—no physical label required—and you can enter and leave Australia as many times as you like within its validity period.

The key features of the ETA are:

• Validity period: 12 months from the date of grant.
• Maximum stay: Up to 3 months per entry.
• Entries: Multiple entries allowed within the 12-month window.

Whether you’re heading Down Under for a beach holiday, family catch-up or a short business engagement, the ETA offers flexibility without the complexity of longer-stay visas. Below, we break down who qualifies, how to apply and a real-world scenario to illustrate its use.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an ETA, you must:

• Hold a passport from one of the ETA-eligible countries.
• Be a genuine visitor planning to stay no more than three months at a time.
• Have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
• Meet health and character requirements (no serious criminal convictions; good health).

These basic checks ensure that the ETA remains a streamlined option for low-risk travellers.

Application Process via the ETA App

Applying for an ETA is straightforward:

1. Download the official Australian ETA app on your smartphone.
2. Complete the online form with your personal details and passport information.
3. Pay the application service fee (varies by country).
4. Submit your request—most applications are approved within minutes.
5. Receive confirmation via email; your ETA is now linked to your passport.

Once approved, you can track your ETA status in the app. Remember to apply well before your departure date to allow for any unexpected delays.

Practical Example

Imagine you’re invited to a two-week conference in Sydney. You apply for an ETA a month before travel, receive approval instantly, then fly in for your sessions. After the conference, you return home to attend to business, only to fly back to Australia a few months later for a holiday—still within your 12-month validity. Each time, you enjoy up to three months in the country without reapplying.

For full details on eligibility, fees and application steps, visit the Department of Home Affairs’ page on Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601).

eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651): Duration and Stay Entitlements

The eVisitor visa (Subclass 651) is a cost-free option designed specifically for passport holders from designated European countries who wish to visit Australia for tourism or business. Like the ETA, it’s electronically linked to your passport, but it comes with the perk of no service fee and a straightforward online application process.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for an eVisitor visa, you must:

• Hold a passport from an eligible European country (see the Home Affairs list for details).
• Reside outside Australia when you apply and when the visa decision is made.
• Plan to stay in Australia for no more than three months on each visit.
• Be a genuine visitor with sufficient funds to cover your trip.
• Meet standard health and character requirements (no serious criminal convictions; adequate health).

These checks are designed to keep the process simple for low-risk travellers.

Validity Period and Stay Entitlements

Once granted, the eVisitor visa is valid for 12 months from the date of grant. During this period, you can:

• Enter Australia as many times as you like.
• Stay up to 3 months on each visit.

For example, you could attend a two-week conference in Sydney in March, head home in April, then return in September for a family holiday—without needing to reapply.

How It Compares to the ETA

While both the ETA and eVisitor visas offer similar stay entitlements, there are key differences:

• Cost: The eVisitor visa is free; the ETA charges a service fee.
• Eligible nationalities: eVisitor is restricted to certain European passport holders; ETA covers a broader range of countries.
• Application channels: You apply for an eVisitor visa online via ImmiAccount on the Department’s website, whereas the ETA uses a dedicated smartphone app.

Choosing between the two depends on your nationality, budget and preferred application method.

For complete details on eligibility, entitlements and how to apply, visit the Department of Home Affairs’ page on eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651).

Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): Overview of Streams and Durations

The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) caters to travellers from all nationalities and offers several streams designed around different purposes—tourism, business, family visits and frequent travel. Under the standard provisions, holders may stay for up to three months per visit, though certain streams allow stays of up to twelve months or longer validity. All applicants must demonstrate they are genuine visitors, have sufficient funds, and meet health and character requirements. To explore official eligibility criteria and fees, refer to the Department of Home Affairs’ page on Visitor Visa (Subclass 600).

Tourist Stream (Apply Outside Australia)

This stream is ideal if you plan a holiday, cruise or family reunion and are currently overseas. You can request a stay of 3, 6 or 12 months, with the visa fee starting from AUD 195. You must be outside Australia both when you apply and when a decision is made. Typical supporting documents include a travel itinerary, proof of funds and a genuine temporary entrant statement.
Processing times vary—use the Home Affairs visa processing time tool for recent benchmarks.

Tourist Stream (Apply in Australia)

If you’re already in Australia on a valid visa and wish to extend your stay, this onshore stream lets you stay up to 12 months. The application fee starts at AUD 490, and you must maintain any existing visa conditions throughout the lodgement and decision period. This option suits travellers whose current visa is expiring but who want to continue their visit—just remember to include proof of health insurance and any updated biometric data required.

Business Visitor Stream

For short-term business activities—like meetings, negotiations or conferences—the Business Visitor stream grants stays of up to three months per entry. The fee is AUD 195, and you cannot engage in work, sell goods or services. You must apply and be outside Australia when a decision is made. Common uses include supplier visits, industry seminars or brief research trips.

Sponsored Family Stream

When a close family member who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident sponsors you, this stream allows a stay of up to 12 months. The base fee is AUD 195, but your sponsor may be asked to lodge a security bond. Key documents include proof of your relationship, the sponsor’s status and evidence of the bond payment. As with other streams, you must be outside Australia at both application and decision.

Approved Destination Status Stream

Exclusively for eligible mainland Chinese citizens travelling with an approved tour operator, this stream authorises stays for the period specified in your grant letter. The fee is AUD 195. You must remain with the organised tour group throughout your visit. This stream streamlines group travel arrangements but does not permit independent exploration outside the tour.

Frequent Traveller Stream

Designed for passport holders from specific countries—including China, the Philippines, Malaysia and others—this stream offers a visa validity of up to 10 years. Each visit allows a stay of up to three months, and the fee is AUD 1,435. You must be outside Australia when applying and at decision time. The long validity and multiple-entry option make it perfect for frequent business travellers or tourists.

Long Stay Visitor Visa (Special Subclass 600 Options)

In certain cases, immigration officers may grant a Subclass 600 visa for up to three years. Holders can stay a maximum of 12 months in any 18-month period. To qualify, you’ll need robust evidence of financial capacity (bank statements, salary slips), property or family ties overseas, and a strong genuine temporary entrant statement outlining your intent to return home. While not guaranteed, this long-stay option is invaluable for those with close family in Australia or extended travel plans.

Visa Validity versus Maximum Stay: Key Differences Explained

When you look at an Australian visit visa, you’ll often see two different timeframes: the visa validity period (how long your visa lasts) and the maximum stay per entry (how long you can remain in Australia on each trip). There can also be an overall limit on your total stay, which varies by visa subclass or stream. Knowing the distinction between these three terms helps you avoid breaching conditions and plan a smooth itinerary.

• Visa validity period: The span of calendar time—from the grant date to the expiry date—during which you are permitted to use your visa to enter Australia.
• Maximum stay per entry: The maximum number of days you can remain in Australia on each individual arrival.
• Total stay entitlement: The cumulative time you’re allowed to spend in Australia during the validity period (for some visas, this may match the validity; for others it’s a shorter window within a longer validity period).

Here’s how those limits work for common visitor visas:

• ETA (Subclass 601): 12-month validity, up to 3 months’ stay per entry, unlimited entries
• eVisitor (Subclass 651): 12-month validity, up to 3 months’ stay per entry, unlimited entries
• Frequent Traveller stream (Subclass 600): Up to 10-year validity, up to 3 months’ stay per entry, unlimited entries
• Tourist Stream (Subclass 600 – Overseas): 1-year validity, up to 12 months’ stay in one trip (grant may be 3, 6 or 12 months), single or multiple entries

Understanding these distinctions is the first step; the next is weaving your travel plans around them.

Planning Around Your Visa Limits

• Log your entry and exit dates. Use a calendar or app to track each arrival and departure, ensuring you don’t exceed the per-entry limit.
• Factor in “rest” periods for long-stay visas. If you hold a long-stay Subclass 600 visa (up to 3 years grant), remember the rule: 12 months’ stay in any 18-month period.
• Keep copies of your visa grant letter and VEVO details handy. These documents spell out your exact entitlements and validity dates.
• When in doubt, apply early. If you risk overstaying, explore extension options or bridging visas before your current permission expires.
• Plan departures strategically. If you need a fresh per-entry allowance, leave Australia briefly (e.g., weekend in a neighbouring country) and re-enter under the same visa.

By keeping these timelines front of mind, you’ll stay on the right side of your visa conditions and focus on what really matters: enjoying your time in Australia.

Visa Conditions and Limitations: No Further Stay (Condition 8503) and Waiver Process

Holding a visit visa comes with certain conditions. One of the most restrictive is Condition 8503, commonly known as the “No Further Stay” rule. It prevents you from applying for another substantive visa while in Australia—effectively closing the door to onshore extensions, except in limited scenarios like protection visa applications.

Definition and Implications of Condition 8503

Condition 8503 is stamped onto your visa grant and spelled out in your visa grant letter. If you see a line that reads “No Further Stay” or “8503 (Visitor)”, it means you cannot apply for most new visas from within Australia. The only exception is a Protection visa, designed for those seeking asylum. Breaking this condition can lead to visa cancellation and removal. Always check the “Conditions” section of your grant letter or log into VEVO to confirm whether 8503 applies.

Circumstances for Requesting a Waiver

Life doesn’t always go to plan. If a genuine emergency arises after your visa has been granted, you may qualify to have Condition 8503 waived. Typical grounds include:

• A serious medical condition or injury that requires treatment in Australia.
• The death or critical illness of a close family member living here.
• A natural disaster or civil unrest in your home country that makes departure unsafe.

To support your request, you’ll need solid evidence such as medical reports from treating practitioners, death certificates, or official disaster declarations. Without this documentation, immigration is unlikely to consider your case.

Procedure and Implications of Waiver Decision

If you believe you meet the criteria for a waiver, you must:

1. Complete Form 1447 – Application for removal of a No Further Stay condition.
2. Draft a clear covering letter explaining why the unforeseen event prevents you from leaving or reapplying offshore.
3. Attach certified copies of all supporting evidence.

Submit these documents online via your ImmiAccount or follow the instructions on the waiver application form. Processing times can vary, so lodge your request as soon as possible.

If the Department of Home Affairs approves the waiver, Condition 8503 is removed and you’re free to apply for another visa onshore. A refusal, however, means you must depart Australia before your current visa expires; staying on could lead to unlawful status and future travel bans. For a step-by-step walkthrough, consult the IARC’s guide to Condition 8503, which offers deeper insights and sample letters.

How to Check Your Visa Duration and Stay Limits

Before you book your next flight, it’s crucial to know exactly how long your visa remains valid and how much time you can spend in Australia. There are two main ways to verify your visa details: using Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) and reviewing your visa grant letter or ImmiAccount records. Both methods ensure you stay on the right side of your visa conditions and avoid unintentionally overstaying.

Using VEVO

VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) gives you real-time information about your visa without needing to contact the Department of Home Affairs. Here’s how to access your details:

1. Go to the VEVO portal: Check your visa details and conditions.
2. Select “Visa holder” unless you have an organisation key.
3. Enter your passport number, date of birth, and visa grant number (found in your visa grant letter).
4. Confirm your identity by answering a security question or supplying an ImmiAccount password.

Once logged in, VEVO displays:

• Your visa subclass and grant date.
• The visa validity period (start and end dates).
• Maximum stay per entry and any special conditions (e.g., 8503 – No Further Stay).
• Number of days remaining on your current stay entitlement.

VEVO is handy when you’re already in Australia and need a quick check on your phone or computer. Bookmark the link for easy access whenever you need to confirm your status.

Checking Grant Letter and ImmiAccount

Your visa grant letter—emailed to you when your visa is approved—contains the official terms of your stay. Keeping a copy in your inbox or downloading a PDF makes it simple to refer back. Here’s what to look for:

• Visa grant number: Essential for VEVO and any future correspondence.
• Validity dates: The exact period during which you can use the visa to enter Australia.
• Stay entitlements: Maximum days per visit and total stay limits.
• Conditions: Any attached requirements or restrictions, like 8503 or health conditions.

To manage all your visa applications in one place, use ImmiAccount:

1. Log in to your ImmiAccount dashboard.
2. Select “View applications” or “My applications”.
3. Click on your current visa application or grant notification.
4. Download your visa grant letter and review the visa summary.

ImmiAccount also lets you track pending applications, update contact details, and receive notifications about any required documents. Saving digital copies of your grant letter and VEVO screenshots ensures you can prove your visa status even without internet access.

By regularly checking both VEVO and your ImmiAccount, you’ll stay informed about your visa duration and avoid any surprise expiry or overstaying. A little diligence now saves a lot of hassle later.

Calculating Your Stay: Multiple Entries and Timeframes

Managing your time in Australia gets a lot simpler once you understand how multiple-entry visas count each arrival and departure. Whether you hold an ETA, eVisitor, or any stream of Subclass 600, you’ll need to track each entry’s allowable stay and pay attention to any rest periods required before returning. Below, we explain how entries are counted and outline common re-entry rules that impact your travel planning.

How Multiple Entries Work

Most Australian visit visas are issued as multiple-entry unless otherwise specified. In practice, that means:

• Each time you enter Australia, a new “stay window” begins—usually up to 3 months for ETA/eVisitor or as granted for Subclass 600.
• Your visa’s validity period remains fixed (e.g., 12 months for ETA/eVisitor, up to 10 years for Frequent Traveller), but the maximum stay per arrival resets when you depart.
• Check the “Entries” field in your grant letter or via VEVO: it will show M for multiple, or 1 for single entry.

For example, if you hold an ETA valid until 30 June 2025, you could:

1. Arrive on 1 January 2025 and stay until 31 March 2025 (90 days).
2. Depart Australia for a week, then re-enter on 7 April 2025—another 90-day stay begins.
3. Continue this pattern of exit and re-entry until 30 June 2025, provided each visit does not exceed 90 days.

Re-entry Requirements and Time Outside Australia

Certain streams—particularly the Long-Stay Visitor Visa under Subclass 600—carry a rule of “12 months’ stay in any 18-month period.” In these cases:

• You can accumulate up to 12 months onshore, but once you hit that cap you must remain outside Australia for the remainder of the 18-month cycle before returning.
• The 18-month clock starts on the grant date of your visa.

Here’s a sample timeline for a long-stay Subclass 600 visa granted for three years (1 Jan 2025–31 Dec 2027):

• Period 1 (1 Jan 2025 – 30 Jun 2026): You may spend a total of 12 months in Australia.
• Mandatory break (1 Jul 2026 – 31 Dec 2026): Must remain overseas to satisfy the 18-month window.
• Period 2 (1 Jan 2027 – 31 Dec 2027): You regain up to another 12 months onshore within this 18-month block.

For ETA and eVisitor holders, there’s no cumulative-stay cap—only the per-entry limit. A quick weekend trip to a neighbouring country resets your 3-month allowance so long as your visa remains valid.

Practical planning tips:

• Mark entry and exit dates on a calendar or digital tracker.
• For long-stay visas, calculate 18-month blocks from your grant date to know when break periods begin and end.
• If you need more time but are close to your maximum, consider a Bridging Visa or offshore reapplication well before your current permission expires.

By staying mindful of both your per-entry allowances and any prescribed rest periods, you’ll avoid overstays and make the most of your visa’s validity. Happy travels!

Breaching Visa Conditions and Overstaying: Risks and Consequences

Breaching your visa conditions—such as staying beyond your permitted dates or working without authorisation—can have serious repercussions. Overstaying occurs the moment your visa expires and you remain in Australia, even if it’s just a day late. Similarly, engaging in work when your visa prohibits it, or failing to meet health or character requirements, constitutes a breach. Immigration officers take these infractions seriously, and the consequences can affect not only your current stay, but future applications as well.

Consequences of breaching visa conditions include:

• Visa cancellation or refusal of future applications. The Department of Home Affairs can cancel your current visa and decline any new visas, making it difficult to return to Australia.
• Detention and removal. Overstayers may be detained in immigration facilities and forcibly removed from Australia, often at their own expense.
• Re-entry bans. Depending on the length and severity of your overstay, you could face a re-entry ban of 1–3 years, or even longer in serious cases.
• Long-term impact on migration history. A record of non-compliance can be a red flag for visa officers assessing future applications, potentially leading to stricter scrutiny or outright refusal.

Facing any of these punitive measures can be stressful and costly. If you realise your visa is about to expire and you still need time in Australia, timely action is crucial to avoid falling into unlawful status.

Bridging Visas and Options After Expiry

If your visa is nearing expiry and you’ve lodged another visa application, you may be granted a Bridging Visa to lawfully stay while your new application is processed. The most common options are:

• Bridging Visa A (BVA): Automatically granted when you apply onshore for another substantive visa before your current visa expires. It allows you to remain in Australia until a decision is made, though it generally does not include travel rights.
• Bridging Visa B (BVB): For those who hold a BVA and need to travel overseas temporarily. It restores travel privileges for a specified period so you can re-enter Australia.
• Bridging Visa E (BVE): Available to individuals who have no visa in effect (for example, if they have already overstayed) and need to make arrangements to depart or apply for a new visa. Conditions and work rights vary.

To secure a bridging visa:

1. Lodge your substantive visa application or a bridging visa application before your current visa expires.
2. Monitor your ImmiAccount for any requests for additional documents or fees.
3. Once granted, review the bridging visa grant letter and your VEVO record to understand your specific entitlements and any work or study conditions.

If you’ve already overstayed and have not applied for another visa, you may only be eligible for a Bridging Visa E, which comes with tighter conditions and may not permit work. In such situations, seek advice from a registered migration agent or legal professional promptly. Acting swiftly ensures you maintain lawful status, safeguards your ability to return to Australia in the future, and helps you avoid the harsh penalties associated with visa breaches.

Arrival Requirements and Compliance

When you touch down in Australia, you step into one of the world’s most biosecure environments. The government takes the protection of its unique flora, fauna and agricultural industry very seriously—so much so that every arriving passenger must complete specific entry procedures. Familiarising yourself with these requirements not only speeds up your passage through customs, it also keeps you in good standing with immigration authorities.

Incoming Passenger Card and Declaration

Before disembarking, you’ll receive an Incoming Passenger Card (IPC). This short form asks whether you’re carrying:

• Food items (like meat, eggs, dairy or honey)
• Plant materials (seeds, fruit, flowers)
• Animal products (leather goods, wooden souvenirs)
• Soil, sand or any item that’s been in contact with soil
• Outdoor equipment and footwear used overseas

Honesty is key here. If you’re unsure whether something must be declared, tick “Yes” on the card and let the officer decide. Failure to declare can lead to significant fines—up to AUD 1,000 for a false declaration—so it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

Inspection Procedures and Biosecurity

Once you’ve handed in your IPC, you’ll move through the biosecurity screening area. Officers may:

• Visually inspect your luggage
• X-ray bags or food containers
• Use detector dogs trained to sniff out hidden items

Depending on what they find, your items may be:

• Allowed entry without treatment
• Treated at your expense (for example, fumigation)
• Destroyed or disposed of
• Re-exported if they pose a high risk

To reduce surprises, give outdoor gear, camping equipment and hiking boots a good clean before you travel. For a deeper dive into what you can and can’t bring, consult the Department of Agriculture’s biosecurity guidelines.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Skipping the declaration or attempting to smuggle prohibited goods can have serious consequences:

• Fines ranging from AUD 444 to AUD 4,444 per offence
• Possible visa cancellation if the breach is severe
• Delays and detention at the airport
• A blacklist record that complicates future travel

Always declare any items you’re unsure about. A quick question to a biosecurity officer is far better than a hefty fine or jeopardising your visa status. By following these arrival requirements and compliance steps, you’ll clear customs smoothly and start your Australian visit on the right foot.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Navigating the ins and outs of Australia visit visa duration—from ETA and eVisitor to the various Subclass 600 streams—can feel overwhelming. The key takeaways are clear: each visa type has its own validity period, per-entry stay limits and cumulative stay rules. Whether you hold a 12-month ETA with three-month visits or a ten-year frequent-traveller visa, keeping a close eye on your visa grant letter, VEVO record and ImmiAccount will help you avoid unexpected overstays or compliance issues.

Planning ahead is your best strategy. Map out arrival and departure dates against your visa’s validity, factor in any 18-month break requirements for long-stay visas, and always allow extra time if you need to apply for extensions or waivers (especially under Condition 8503). Bookmark the Department of Home Affairs’ resources—like the Visa Finder tool and VEVO portal—so you can verify your entitlements on the go.

Every traveller’s situation is unique. If you’re unsure which visa stream fits your itinerary or if you need help meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant criteria, our team at Simon Mander Consulting P/L is ready to guide you. With over two decades of experience and thousands of successful outcomes, we’ll craft a personalised plan and streamline your application process. Reach out today to start your journey with confidence.

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