Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Application Checklist: Tourist Stream

Migratio Editorial · Last updated 28 July 2026

TL;DR: To apply for Australia's Visitor visa (subclass 600) Tourist stream from overseas you need a valid passport, evidence of sufficient funds, proof of ties to your home country, a clear travel purpose, and — where required — health documentation. The base application charge is AUD 250 (as at 1 July 2026). Most applications are lodged online through ImmiAccount and decided within a few weeks, though processing can take longer for complex cases.

Australia's Visitor visa (subclass 600) Tourist stream is the standard pathway for people who want to visit Australia for tourism, a cruise, or to see family and friends, and who are applying from outside Australia. Before you submit, it pays to understand exactly what documents the Department of Home Affairs expects — and why. A well-organised, complete application not only speeds processing but also reduces the risk of a refusal on character, health or genuineness grounds. This checklist covers every document category in the Tourist stream, explains the rationale behind each one, and flags the common mistakes that catch applicants out.

How the Tourist Stream Works

Section 1 — Identity & Passport Documents

Section 2 — Financial Evidence

Section 3 — Ties to Your Home Country (the Genuine Temporary Entrant Test)

Section 4 — Purpose of Visit & Itinerary

Section 5 — Health & Character Requirements

Section 6 — Applying Through ImmiAccount: Step-by-Step

Section 7 — Common Refusal Reasons to Pre-empt

Processing Time Expectations

Frequently asked questions

Compare MARA-registered migration agents — free