Transit Visa Australia - Everything You Need To Know - (Indian Passport Holders)

Summary -

Visa types for Indians: visit, business, transit and visit.
Step-by-step Australia visa application process.
Information on Australia visa fees and processing time.
Essential travel tips and entry requirements for Indians.

If you are planning to visit Australia then there are some rules, regulations and Australia Transit visa requirements for Indians. If you get the proper guidance then it will become easy for you to apply for a Australia Transit visa.

Using a Transit Visa for Australia (Subclass 771) is a straightforward and cost-effective option for travelers needing to stop briefly in the country. The visa allows up to 72 hours in Australia while waiting for a connecting flight, making it a practical solution for travelers with long layovers.

The Transit Visa is especially useful when transiting through airports with limited facilities, where passengers may need to pass through immigration to change terminals or collect checked baggage. Without this visa, travelers could face disruptions if they’re required to clear immigration for transit but lack proper documentation.

Additionally, the Transit Visa can help those traveling on routes with complex flight connections. For instance, Australia remains a popular transit point for flights between Europe, Asia, and Oceania. The ease of this visa option aligns well with Australia’s role as a significant regional hub, particularly as travel has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, supporting global mobility more effectively.

Sometimes there might be specific requirements for a person depending on his travel history etc. If you cannot fulfill the specific requirement then there are high chances that your visa might get rejected.

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Click here to check - How does visa rejection affect your future travels?

So it is highly recommended that you check your specific requirements by contacting the Embassies and consulates or, alternatively, (very simple) just contact our visa expert, who can tell you your specific requirements within 5 minutes.

What is Australia Transit Visa?

Australia Transit Visa

If you are travelling to Australia only as a transit stop, you will require a transit visa, also known as the Subclass 771. However, citizens from a lot of countries do not require a permit to enter the country on transit. However, for Indian citizens, it is mandatory to get one, unless they hold an official passport. The transit permit is valid for up to a duration of 72 hours. The permit can also be used by a maritime crew who are travelling to Australia by air to board a non-military ship.

How to get transit visa for Australia from India?

Thanks to the Australian Government, the application for transit visa for Australia Subclass 771 is done online and is a simple and straightforward process. Before applying for the process, make sure that you have all the documents necessary and that you have the scanned copies of these. After this, you can start the application as follows -

Create an account on ImmiAccount to make your application
Log into your account and fill in the required details.
Upload the documents asked.
Submit the application and pay the visa fees.

Please note that you may require to submit a biometric in certain specific cases. However, you will be notified if the visa authority requires you to submit it.

Also, ensure that you provide accurate information and submit genuine documents. Any false information or fake documents can get your visa application rejected. The Australian government takes visa rejection seriously. You may even be ineligible for the future application regardless of the type of permit.

Eligibility for Transit Visa Australia

To be able to apply for an Australia transit visa from India, you have to meet the following criteria -

You must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
You can only apply for the permit from outside Australia.
You will need to prove that you meet the health and character requirements as per requirements.
You will have to show proof that you have an onward journey from Australia.
You should have health insurance.
If you are going as a maritime crew, ensure that you possess a maritime crew visa as well.

When you have this visa

While you are on this permit, you must keep the following points in mind -

Ensure that you carry all your travel documents.
Keep track of your visa validity. Staying back after the period of 72 hrs is considered as an offence.
While on the Australian transit visa 771, you are permitted to visit your family, friends etc, as well as take part in tourism.
You cannot do work or take part in any related activities.
You must respect the Australian way of living, and obey the laws.

Documents required for Australian transit visa

The Australia transit visa checklist of documents are as follows -

A valid Indian passport
1 valid passport

Travel itinerary for the trip
Confirmed onward journey flight tickets and proof of accommodation
Statement from the shipping agent stating the details of the vessel, as well as other relevant information, if applicable
Documents proving that you are joining a non-military ship, as well as other related documents, if applicable
Proof that you have a valid permit to enter the country you are visiting from Australia
Health certificate, if asked
Character certificate, if asked

Photo specifications

Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
Colour: Coloured in white, or grey background
Head must occupy the central position
Must be recent
80% face coverage with a neutral expression
Eyes must be directed towards the camera and wide open
Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons

Australia Transit Visa processing time

The Australia transit visa processing time India is approximately around 10-15 days. However, depending on a few factors such as additional document requirements, biometric submission, the complexity of the application, etc, these can vary. As a result, it suggested that you apply for the permit well in advance.

Australia Transit Visa cost

The fees for the Australia transit visa for Indian citizens depend on the biometric charges, any visa agency charges, as well as additional service charges. Also, since the fees can vary without prior notice, it is necessary to know the exact amount while applying.

After submission

Once you have submitted the application, you will be notified if the high commission requires any additional documents or biometrics. If your visa has been approved, you will receive the details of the visa in writing. You will be given with a visa grant number, validity, as well as other conditions of the permit. Please note that the permit for Australia is an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), as a result, you will not need a physical form of the visa.

How to check visa status

While you are waiting for your permit, you can check the status of your Australia transit visa online. You can do this by logging in to your ImmiAccount. You can also contact a travel agent you are applying through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for an Australian transit visa if I have been deported from Australia before?

The technically correct answer to this is that yes, you may apply for a transit visa. However, in almost all scenarios, you will not be granted with the permit. In certain cases, you may even be ineligible to apply for one. The Australian government is extremely strict about deportations and other offences. Although, depending on the reason behind your deportation, there may be exceptional scenarios where you may be granted a visa.

How can I extend my Transit Visa Australia?

No, you almost certainly cannot extend a transit permit. The permit is for a duration of 72 hours, and you are expected to leave the country before this. Staying back after this is considered as an offence. You cannot also apply for another transit visa as you will need to be outside Australia to apply for one.

After expiring my Australia transit visa how long can I stay?

You cannot stay for any additional time after the expiry of your permit. You must be on your way to your next destination before your visa expires. Staying back in Australia beyond this date is considered as an offence and can get you deported and make you ineligible to enter the country ever again.

What is the medical test for Transit Visa Australia?

Since the transit visa is one of the shortest types and is less than 6 months, you do not require a specific medical test done under special circumstances. You will be asked by the high commission if they require you to submit one. However, you are required to meet the minimum health requirement criteria to enter the country.

Can I convert my Transit Visa Australia into work visa?

No, you cannot convert the transit permit into any other category. Among one of the conditions of this type of visa is the “no further stay”. As a result, you will have to exit the country before your permit expires. Once you are out, you can apply for a work visa provided you meet the conditions for that.