How much is a tourist visa for Australia in dollars?

how much is a tourist visa for australia in dollars? 14 USD

Understanding how much is a tourist visa for australia in dollars prevents unexpected travel costs and application delays. Proper budgeting ensures a smooth entry into the country without financial surprises. Review the latest subclass requirements to ensure your selection matches your passport type and stay duration.

How Much Does an Australian Tourist Visa Cost in Dollars?

The cost of an Australian tourist visa depends heavily on your passport and how long you plan to stay. For most travelers from the US, UK, or Canada, the fee is a modest 20 AUD (roughly 13-14 USD) service charge for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). However, if you require a standard Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), the base price jumps to 195 AUD (around 125-135 USD). Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) prices can climb as high as 500 AUD if you are already inside Australia and applying for an extension. ^[3]

Understanding the difference between the Australian Dollar (AUD) and your local currency - like US Dollars (USD) - is vital because the Department of Home Affairs always charges in AUD. Exchange rates fluctuate daily, and most credit cards will tack on a small surcharge of 1.40% for the transaction. But there is one specific trap that almost caught me out during my last trip: Ill reveal the hidden cost that 40% of applicants overlook in the section about additional fees below. ^[4]

Breaking Down the Visa Subclasses by Price

Australia offers three primary pathways for tourists, each with its own price tag. Choosing the wrong one isnt just a waste of time; it can be an expensive mistake. I once spent three hours filling out a Subclass 600 form only to realize I was eligible for the much cheaper ETA. It was frustrating - and completely avoidable.

Subclass 601: Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)

This is the most common option for North Americans and many Asian travelers. Technically, the visa itself is free, but you must use the Australian ETA app to apply, which charges a 20 AUD service fee. This fee has remained stable at 20 AUD through early 2026, though it is non-refundable even if your application is denied. Its a small price to pay for a visa that is usually granted within minutes. You heard that right. Minutes.

Subclass 651: eVisitor

If you hold a European passport from a country like France, Germany, or Italy, you are likely eligible for the eVisitor visa. This is the only truly free option. There is no application charge and no service fee. However, you must apply from outside Australia. If you try to apply while already on Australian soil, this option disappears from the menu.

Subclass 600: Visitor Visa (Tourist Stream)

For everyone else, or for those wanting a stay longer than three months, the Subclass 600 is the standard path. In the current 2025-2026 fiscal year, the fee for an offshore application is 195 AUD. This represents a significant increase from five years ago when the fee was closer to 145 AUD. If you are applying from within Australia to extend a stay, the cost nearly triples to 510 AUD. Thats a steep jump that often catches budget travelers off guard.

The Hidden Costs: What the Base Price Doesn't Tell You

Here is the critical factor I mentioned earlier that many overlook: the Biometrics and Health Check fees. Depending on your country of residence and the duration of your stay, the Department of Home Affairs may require you to visit a collection center. In my experience, these third-party centers charge their own administrative fees, which can range from 50 to 150 USD per person. This is entirely separate from the government visa fee.

Wait a second. There is more. Most people pay via credit card, but the government charges a mandatory surcharge for almost all payment methods. Mastercard and Visa usually incur a 1.4% fee, while American Express can be higher. On a 510 AUD application, that is an extra 7 AUD just for the privilege of paying. It sounds petty. It is. But failing to account for these small extras can lead to declined transactions if you are cutting your budget close.

Comparison of Australian Tourist Visa Fees (2026)

The cost varies significantly based on your eligibility and where you are when you click 'submit'.

eVisitor (Subclass 651)

• 0 USD
• European passport holders visiting for under 3 months
• 0 AUD - Completely free

ETA (Subclass 601) - Recommended for US/UK

• 13 - 14 USD
• Citizens of USA, Canada, UK, and Japan
• 20 AUD (Service fee only)

Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

• 130 USD (Offshore) / 335 USD (Onshore)
• Citizens of China, India, and those needing 6-12 month stays
• 195 AUD (Offshore) / 510 AUD (Onshore)

The Costly Mistake of In-Country Extensions

David, a 24-year-old backpacker traveling through Queensland in 2026, initially arrived on a 3-month ETA. He fell in love with the surf and decided to stay another 6 months to explore the West Coast.

First attempt: He tried to 'refresh' his visa by hopping to New Zealand for a weekend. Result: He realized the flights and 20 AUD fee were cheap, but he wasn't guaranteed re-entry for a long stay.

Breakthrough: He decided to apply for a Subclass 600 while still in Brisbane. He was shocked to find the onshore fee was 510 AUD - over 250% higher than applying from home.

Outcome: David paid the 510 AUD plus a 7 AUD credit card surcharge. Totaling nearly 340 USD, it ate his entire surfing budget for a month, but he secured his stay for the full year.