Transit Visa Australia - Definitive Guide

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. 

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 - 

1. Create an account on ImmiAccount to make your application 
2. Log into your account and fill in the required details. 
3. Upload the documents asked.
4. 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.

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. 

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.

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
  
  

• 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

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. 

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. 

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.

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.