Why apply for an Australian Visit Visa?

For UAE residents planning trips to Australia for tourism, business, or family visits, the Australia Visit Visa offers a straightforward way to enter the country.

• Nearly 7.63 million people visited Australia between 2023-2024
• As of 2024, nearly 363,700 Australain visitor visas were approved 
• The number of visitor visa holders in Australia reached 629,075 by December 2024, a 4.7% increase from the year before.
• 75% of applications for tourist visas are processed within 20 calendar days.
• The average approval rate for Australian visitor visas is around 85.8%

What is an Australia Tourist Visa?

An Australian Visit Visa, often called a Tourist Visa, is for short trips to Australia for recreation, tourism, family visits, or some business reasons. Given under the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), this visa lets visitors stay in Australia for as long as three, six, or twelve months, depending on the approved visa conditions. The Australian Visit Visa is for short visits and does not allow work. This is suited for those wanting to see Australian places, visit family, or go to short events and meetings.

*Want to apply for Australia Tourist Visa? Let Y-Axis help you with the process.

Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) from UAE 

The Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) lets genuine visitors travel to Australia for tourism, family visits or short business activities, usually for 3, 6 or 12 months depending on the stream and your circumstances. Applications are lodged online via ImmiAccount and most UAE applicants will be asked to provide biometrics at Australian Biometrics Collection Centres (ABCCs) operated by VFS Global in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

Subclass 600 Visa Streams

Tourist Stream

This stream is for people travelling to Australia for holidays, leisure, or to visit family and friends. The visa is usually granted for stays of up to 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on individual circumstances.

Sponsored Family Stream

This stream allows applicants to visit their family in Australia with the support of an eligible sponsor who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident. In some cases, the sponsor may be required to provide a security bond.

Business Visitor Stream

This stream is intended for short visits to carry out business activities such as attending meetings, conferences, or contract negotiations. Paid work is not permitted under this stream.

Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream

This stream is specifically for citizens of the People’s Republic of China travelling to Australia as part of an organised tour group. Applications under this stream must be arranged through ADS-approved travel agents.

Frequent Traveller Stream

This stream is designed for frequent travellers from certain countries, including China, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste. It offers a visa with longer validity and multiple entries, making repeat travel to Australia more convenient.

Australia Visa for Immigrants

Australia provides diverse long-term immigration options such as PR and work visas but the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) functions exclusively for short-term travel without immigration purposes. The visa serves as the best option for tourists together with family visitors and business travelers who need to maintain temporary stays. Residents of the UAE, especially those applying for an Australia visa from Dubai, can submit their documents online through VFS Global. The visa enables short-term visits of up to 12 months but prohibits work activities and extended academic study.

*Looking for guidance to apply for Australia Tourist Visa from Dubai? Sign up with Y-Axis for comprehensive support with the process.
 

Benefits of an Australian Tourist Visa

The benefits of Australia Tourist Visa include:

• Your travel duration flexibility ranges between 3 and 12 months based on your trip requirements
• Frequent travelers can select multiple-entry options
• The subclass supports visits for tourism as well as business and family purposes
• UAE residents can complete the entire application process through the online portal
• Certain conditions allow candidates to request an extension from within Australia of their current status
   

Eligibility for an Australian Tourist Visa

The eligibility criteria for applicants from UAE include:

• Possess a valid passport from their home country.
• Plan to visit Australia for tourism, business, or to see family.
• Meet the requirements for a genuine temporary entrant.
• Have enough money to cover their expenses while in Australia.
• Prove they have strong ties to their home country, like a job, property, or family.
• Pass the required health and character assessments.
• Hold a valid UAE residency if applying from the UAE.
• Not owe any money to the Australian Government.
• Agree to follow the visa rules, which prohibit long-term work or study.
• Working Holiday Visa applicants must not bring dependent children. Prior visa history must meet subclass needs.

Documents Required for Australian Tourist Visa from UAE

The documents required for Australia Visit Visa from Dubai are given below.

• A passport valid for at least six months after your trip.
• A completed visa application, commonly Subclass 600.
• Recent photos meeting Australian standards.
• Proof of funds via bank statements.
• A travel plan with flights and activities.
• Hotel bookings or a host's invitation.
• UAE residency visa if applying from the UAE.
• Evidence of ties to your home country, like an employment letter.
• Health insurance for your stay.
• A police clearance certificate, if asked.
• A statement confirming your temporary visit intent.

How can you apply for an Australia Visit Visa? 

The step-by-step procedure to apply for an Australian Visit Visa is given below.

Step 1 — Select your stream
Choose the correct Subclass 600 stream: Tourist, Sponsored Family, Business Visitor, Approved Destination Status (ADS), or Frequent Traveller.

Step 2 — Prepare your documents
Gather passport and UAE residence proof, recent photos, completed online form details, travel itinerary and accommodation plans, evidence of funds, and ties to the UAE (e.g., employment/leave letter). Add any supporting invitations or family visit evidence.

Step 3 — Apply online via ImmiAccount
Create/log in, complete the Subclass 600 application, upload all evidence, and review answers carefully before submission.

Step 4 — Book biometrics (if instructed)
If you receive a biometrics letter, book and attend at the Australian Biometrics Collection Centre in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Bring your passport and the biometrics letter.

Step 5 — Pay fees
Pay the Visa Application Charge (VAC) in AUD online in ImmiAccount. Pay the biometrics service fee in AED at the centre (if applicable).

Step 6 — Track & receive outcome
Monitor your application in ImmiAccount, respond to any requests for more information, and await the decision. Check your visa grant notice for stay period, number of entries, and any conditions.

Australia Tourist Visa Processing Time

Detailed information about the processing time of Australia Visit Visas are given below:

Visa Stream	Average Processing Time
Tourist Visitor	20-45 working days
Business Visitor	10–15 working days
Sponsored Family Visitor	50–70 working days

Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Timelines

• Standard processing: Many Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) applications are decided within several weeks. Actual timelines vary by visa stream and individual circumstances, as published monthly by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Peak or complex cases: Processing may extend to longer periods during peak travel seasons (such as holidays) or when additional checks and verifications are required.
• Recommendation: Apply well before your intended travel date and avoid making non-refundable bookings until your visa has been granted.

Australia Tourist Visa Fee

The breakdown of Australia Tourist Visa price is given in the table below:

Visa Type	Fee (AUD)
Tourist Visitor	AUD 190
Business Visitor	AUD 190
Sponsored Family Visitor	AUD 190

Additional costs (if applicable):

• VFS Global service charges
• Medical tests reports
• Translated documents
• Travel insurance

Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Refusal Reasons & Remedies

Common Refusal Reasons:

• Not satisfying the “genuine visitor” requirement
• Incomplete or missing documentation
• Insufficient financial evidence to support the stay
• Unclear travel purpose or itinerary
• Weak ties to the UAE (employment, family, or residence status)
• Inconsistent travel history or financial documents

How to Remedy a Refusal:

• Re-apply with a complete and consistent application
• Provide a clear itinerary with confirmed travel and accommodation plans
• Submit stronger proof of financial capacity (bank statements, salary slips)
• Include employer leave letters or evidence of strong ties to the UAE
• Address any specific issues raised in the Department of Home Affairs’ refusal letter

Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) — Dubai & Abu Dhabi Biometrics and VAC Details

Category	Details
Application Method	All Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) applications must be submitted online via ImmiAccount. Paper applications are not accepted in the UAE.
Biometrics Requirement	Most applicants must provide fingerprints and a facial photograph after receiving a biometrics instruction letter.
Where to Give Biometrics	Biometrics are collected at Australian Biometric Collection Centres (ABCCs) operated by VFS Global in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
What to Bring	Passport, biometrics instruction letter, and appointment confirmation.
Payment	Biometrics service fees are paid in AED at the centre on the day of the appointment.
Validity	Biometrics remain valid for 15 months, but may be requested again for future applications.
Services Offered	Centres provide biometric collection only; they do not accept visa applications or supporting documents.

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis offers complete visa services for UAE residents, including those seeking an Australia visa from Dubai, with the following:

• A free service evaluates your eligibility for the visa
• Preparation of document checklists and verification process
• Assistance with online ImmiAccount registration and application submission
• Guidance for selecting appropriate flight and hotel options
• Scheduling of biometric appointments at VFS Global
• Ongoing monitoring of application progress with regular updates
• Travel advice and important departure information

The beginning of your Australian travel experience starts with certainty, rapid processing and strong assurance when you use Y-Axis.