Australia Tourist Visa

Guide to Australian Tourist Visa (Subclass 600)

Australia, with its unique nature, vibrant cities, and unparalleled wildlife, is a popular destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. Citizens of the Republic of Turkey are required to obtain a valid visa to visit Australia for tourism purposes. The most common visa type for this purpose is the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600). This visa is designed for non-commercial activities such as holidays, visiting family or friends, or participating in a short, unpaid course.

The Subclass 600 visa is divided into different 'streams' for various purposes. For tourist travel, the appropriate stream to apply for is the 'Tourist stream'. This visa is generally granted for stays of 3, 6, or 12 months. The duration granted depends on the applicant's personal circumstances, purpose of travel, and the assessment by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

What is the Australian ETA (Electronic Travel Authority - Subclass 601)?

A frequently heard term in the Australian visa system is the ETA (Electronic Travel Authority), an electronic travel authorization available to citizens of specific countries. This system offers a fast and straightforward application process. However, holders of a Republic of Turkey passport are not eligible for the Australian ETA system. Therefore, Turkish citizens must apply for the standard Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) for their tourist travels to Australia.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for an Australian Tourist Visa?

The foundation of an Australian visa application is meeting the 'Genuine Temporary Entrant' (GTE) criterion. This means the applicant must prove that they intend to visit Australia only for the specified period and will return to their home country at the end of their visa. The main requirements considered during the assessment are:

• Genuine Visitor Intention: You must clearly state in your application that your purpose of travel is solely for tourism, visiting family, or other temporary activities.
• Financial Capacity: You must have sufficient financial resources to cover your accommodation, food, transportation, and other potential expenses during your stay in Australia.
• Intention to Return to Your Home Country: You must provide evidence of strong ties that encourage you to return to your country, such as your job, family connections, financial situation, or property ownership.
• Health and Character Requirements: You are expected to meet the health and character requirements set for the safety and security of the Australian community. In some cases, additional health checks may be requested.

Preparing the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statement

Meeting the GTE criterion is the most critical step of the application. Therefore, the GTE statement you include in your application file is of great importance. In this letter, written in English, you should clearly explain your purpose of travel, detailed itinerary, why you chose Australia, and your reasons for returning to your home country, supported by evidence. For instance, you should highlight your ties, such as your current job, ongoing education, or responsibilities to your family.

How to Apply for an Australian Visa?

Australian visa applications are conducted entirely online through the 'ImmiAccount', the official platform of the Department of Home Affairs. There is no physical submission of documents to a consulate or an application center. The process is digital and is completed once the applicant submits their biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).

Biometric Data Collection Process

After you complete your online application and pay the visa fee, you will receive a biometric instruction letter through your ImmiAccount portal. With this letter, you will need to book an appointment at a VFS Global visa application center, the official partner of the Australian Government in Turkey. On the day of your appointment, your fingerprints will be taken, and your digital photograph will be captured. This procedure is a mandatory part of the application process.

Processing Times and Visa Decision

Once the biometric procedures are completed, your application file is sent to the Australian Department of Home Affairs for assessment. Processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications, the content of the file, and whether additional documents are requested. Typically, tourist visa applications are processed within 2 to 6 weeks. However, these timeframes are not an official commitment and may be longer or shorter depending on the season. Your visa decision will be communicated to you via email through the ImmiAccount portal where you made the application.

Your Australia Tourist Visa Application with Hermes Vize

Applying for an Australian tourist visa can be a complex process due to the GTE criterion and the details of the online system. At Hermes Vize, our expert team, knowledgeable in the latest procedures, supports you in preparing a complete application file and managing the process correctly. You can contact us for professional assistance at every stage of your application and to get answers to your questions.