How much is a 3 month visa for Australia?

How much is a 3 month visa for Australia: AUD 200 vs AUD 500

how much is a 3 month visa for australia determines the necessary budget for travelers planning a visit. Accurate preparation ensures a smoother entry process and helps avoid delays caused by insufficient funds or incorrect payment methods. Understanding these administrative fees protects your travel investment and secures your stay in the country effectively.

Understanding Australian Visa Costs for a 3-Month Stay

A 3-month visa for Australia typically costs between $0 and AUD 200 for the base application fee, depending on your passport and eligibility. The actual price you pay is tied to specific visa subclasses: the eVisitor (Subclass 651), the Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601), or the standard Visitor Visa (Subclass 600).

australia visitor visa fees subclass 601 vs 600 increased in 2026, with the standard Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) now costing AUD 200 for most applicants applying from outside Australia. Travelers using digital visa options such as the ETA or eVisitor generally pay much less. Beyond the base application fee, applicants should also budget for possible payment surcharges, biometrics appointments, or medical examination costs depending on their nationality and travel history.

The Three Main Visa Options: Which One Should You Choose?

For a 3-month stay, you generally choose between three main subclasses, each with its own pricing structure and eligibility rules. Most travelers from the US, UK, and Europe will find themselves using the cheaper, automated systems, while those from other regions or with complex travel histories must use the standard visitor route.

Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601)

The Electronic Travel Authority, or ETA, is the most common choice for US, Canadian, and Japanese citizens. While the visa itself has no official government charge, you must apply through the Australian ETA app, which incurs a non-refundable AUD 20 service fee. I remember my first time using the app - my hands were literally cramping as I tried to scan my passport chip five times before it finally registered. It is designed for speed, often granting approval within 24 hours, though sometimes it takes longer if manual review is flagged.

eVisitor (Subclass 651)

If you hold a passport from an EU country or the UK, you might be eligible for the eVisitor visa. This is the only truly free option, with no application charge or service fee. It allows you to stay for up to 3 months at a time within a 12-month period. It sounds too good to be true, but for eligible European citizens, it really is a $0 transaction. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.

Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

The subclass 600 visa price australia is the standard option for everyone else. As of May 2026, the base fee for the tourist stream applied for outside Australia is AUD 200. If you are already in Australia and need to extend your stay for another 3 months, that cost jumps significantly to AUD 500.^[2] This is the manual visa - you often have to provide bank statements, travel itineraries, and proof of employment. It is more expensive because it involves a higher level of human assessment from immigration officers.

The Hidden Costs: What the Base Price Does Not Tell You

Additional charges can increase the total cost of an Australian visa application. When paying online, applicants may see a small card processing surcharge, usually between 0.5% and 2% depending on the payment method used.^[3]

But surcharges are just the beginning. Depending on where you are applying from, you might be hit with biometrics collection fees. In many offshore locations, you must visit a service center to have your fingerprints and face scanned, which typically costs between AUD 20 and AUD 50. If you are over a certain age or from a high-risk region, you might also be asked for a health examination.

These medical checks usually cost around AUD 400 and must be performed by an approved panel physician. Suddenly, that cheap visa starts looking a bit more like a major investment. Dont be caught off guard.

Processing Times: Does Paying More Get You There Faster?

Processing times vary by visa type and application complexity. Many ETA applications are approved within minutes or hours, while Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) applications are commonly processed within 15 to 20 days, although some cases may take longer if additional checks are required.^[6]

Seldom does paying for a more expensive visa subclass result in faster service. In fact, the cheapest options (601 and 651) are almost always the fastest because they are processed by an algorithm. The more expensive Subclass 600 takes longer precisely because it is scrutinized by humans. If you have the luxury of choice, go for the app-based ETA. It saves you both time and money.

Instead of wondering how much is a 3 month visa for australia, ensure you are honest about your criminal record - even a minor offense from 10 years ago can trigger a manual review.

Choosing the Best Australia Visa for Your 3-Month Trip

The right visa depends on your nationality and where you currently are. Here is how the three most common options compare for travelers in 2026.

Subclass 651 (eVisitor)

Often instant or within 2-3 business days

$0 - Completely free for eligible European passport holders

Online via the Department of Home Affairs website

Subclass 601 (ETA) - Recommended for US/UK

Usually under 24 hours; often within minutes via the app

AUD 20 service fee - There is no additional government visa charge

Strictly via the Australian ETA mobile app

Subclass 600 (Visitor)

15 to 33 days - Higher scrutinization requires more time

AUD 200 (offshore) to AUD 500 (onshore) - Plus surcharges

Complex online form requiring extensive supporting documents

The Hidden Costs of a Last-Minute Trip to Sydney

Mark, a 34-year-old freelancer from New York, planned a 3-month escape to Sydney. He assumed the visa was a flat AUD 20 fee based on a blog he read. He started the ETA app application while waiting for coffee, but the scan failed twice, making him sweat in the crowded cafe.

First attempt: He pushed through the app but was hit with a 'Further Assessment' notification. He panicked, thinking he would lose his flight deposit. He didn't realize that his passport's faint photo was triggering a manual check.

He was then asked to provide biometrics in a city two hours away. Between the gas money and the AUD 35 biometrics fee he hadn't budgeted for, his cheap visa now cost more than double his initial estimate.

The breakthrough came when he uploaded a clearer scan through the official portal. His visa was granted 12 days later. Total cost: AUD 55 plus travel expenses, proving that 'cheap' visas can quickly become expensive without careful preparation.