How much money is required for an Australia tourist visa?

How Much for Australia Tourist Visa: 20 AUD Fee

Understanding how much money is required for an Australia tourist visa is crucial to avoid application delays or rejections. The financial requirements vary based on your nationality and travel plans, so knowing the correct amount ensures smooth visa processing. Learn the specific costs to prepare adequately for your Australian holiday.

How Much Money Is Required for an Australia Tourist Visa?

For a standard Visitor visa (subclass 600), the base application fee is 200 AUD for applicants outside Australia.^[1] However, the how much money is required for an Australia tourist visa is twofold: you must pay the non-refundable government processing fee and demonstrate that you have sufficient funds - typically ranging from 1,000 AUD to 1,500 AUD per month of stay - to support yourself during your holiday.

Budgeting for an Australian visa involves more than just the sticker price on the government website. While the official fee covers the processing, your bank statement is what actually opens the door. Most successful applicants show a balance that covers their return flights, accommodation, and daily expenses with a comfortable buffer. But there is one counterintuitive factor that many travelers overlook - I will reveal why having too much money in your account can actually lead to a rejection in the section on financial evidence below.

Government Visa Application Charges for 2026

As of early 2026, the cost of Australian ETA for US citizens depends heavily on your passport and the length of your stay. For those eligible for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA subclass 601), the service fee is a modest 20 AUD.^[3] This is primarily for citizens from countries like the United States, Canada, and several European nations. If you are not eligible for an ETA, you will likely apply for the Visitor visa (subclass 600) under the Tourist stream.

The Australia visitor visa subclass 600 fee has seen steady adjustments to match inflation and processing costs. Currently, the base charge for a standard offshore application is 200 AUD.

This fee increases significantly if you apply while already inside Australia, where the base rate jumps to 500 AUD.^[2] It is also important to note that these fees are non-refundable. Even if your visa is denied, the Department of Home Affairs keeps the charge to cover the administrative labor of the assessment. I found this out the hard way when I helped a friend apply with incomplete documents - 195 AUD gone in an instant.

Defining Sufficient Funds: How Much Should Be in Your Bank?

The most common question is: What is the minimum bank balance for Australia tourist visa? Officially, the Australian government does not set a hard number. They use the term sufficient funds, which is intentionally vague to allow for individual circumstances. However, industry benchmarks and successful application patterns suggest a baseline of 5,000 AUD for a 30-day visit. This covers a modest lifestyle and ensures you are not a risk for illegal work.

Your financial profile is assessed against your intended itinerary. If you plan to stay in 5-star hotels in Sydney, a balance of 5,000 AUD will look suspicious. Conversely, if you are staying with family, you can often get away with less, provided you have an invitation letter. In my experience, the magic number is usually your total estimated trip cost plus a 30% safety margin. If your flights and hotels cost 4,000 AUD, aim to show at least 5,200 AUD in liquid assets. Wait for it - the source of that money matters more than the amount.

The "Lump Sum" Trap in Financial Evidence

Here is the critical factor I mentioned earlier: the Department of Home Affairs looks for Australia visa financial requirements proof, not just a high balance. Many people borrow money from relatives to pad their accounts right before applying. This is a massive red flag. Case officers look at three to six months of transaction history. A sudden 10,000 AUD deposit without a clear source suggests the money is not truly yours to spend. It looks like funds for show.

I remember staring at a rejection letter for a client who had 20,000 AUD in his account. He was devastated. The reason? He had deposited the entire amount two days before the application. The officers assumed he would return the money immediately after getting the visa. To avoid this, ensure your funds have been sitting in your account for at least three months, or provide clear evidence of where a large deposit came from, such as a property sale or a year-end bonus.

Hidden Costs: Biometrics, Health Checks, and Extras

The visa fee is rarely the final expense. Depending on your country of residence and the length of your stay, you might be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) at an Australian Visa Application Centre. This service fee usually adds another 30 AUD to 60 AUD to your total. Furthermore, if you are over 75 or plan to stay for more than six months, a medical examination is almost always mandatory. These exams must be done by approved panel physicians and can cost between 150 AUD and 300 AUD.

Dont forget the credit card surcharge. The ImmiAccount system charges a small percentage for payments - ranging from 0.9% to 1.4% for standard cards. It sounds like a tiny detail, but when you are paying for a family of four, these small fees add up. Simply put, budget an extra 100 AUD per person for these incidental processing costs to avoid any last-minute stress.

Cost Comparison by Visa Type

ETA (Subclass 601) ⭐

• 20 AUD (Service charge only)
• 3 months per visit within a 12-month period
• Limited to specific low-risk passports (USA, UK, etc.)
• Minutes to 24 hours in most cases

Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

• 195 AUD (Offshore base rate)
• Up to 12 months (standard is 3 or 6 months)
• Available to all nationalities
• 2 to 4 weeks depending on volume

Hùng's Struggle with 'Sufficient Funds' in TP.HCM

Hùng, a 29-year-old graphic designer in Ho Chi Minh City, wanted to visit Melbourne for two weeks. He had 80 million VND (around 5,000 AUD) in his savings, which he thought was plenty for a short trip. He applied confidently in late 2025.

His first attempt was rejected. The reason? While the balance was high, his bank statement showed he had only 5 million VND in the account until a week before applying, when his father transferred the rest as a gift. The officer cited lack of 'genuine funds'.

Hùng realized he couldn't just show a high number; he had to prove the money was his. He waited four months, letting his salary accumulate and keeping the gift money in the account to show stability. He also included his employment contract to show he had a reason to return.

In early 2026, he reapplied with the same 80 million VND balance, but this time with a 6-month history of steady growth. His visa was approved within 12 days, teaching him that financial 'character' beats a big lump sum every time.