Planning a trip to Australia? Before you book your flights, there’s one question every visitor asks first, how much will the visa actually cost?
The Visitor visa Subclass 600 is Australia’s main visa for tourists, family visits, and short business trips. But the price isn’t a single fixed number — it depends on your stream, where you apply from, and how many people are on your application. Let’s break it all down in plain terms.
What Is the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa?
The Subclass 600 is a temporary visa that lets you visit Australia for holidays, to see family and friends, or for short business activities. It’s different from the free eVisitor Visa 651 and the low-cost Electronic Travel Authority 601, which are only available to passport holders from certain countries. If you don’t qualify for those, the Subclass 600 is your route in.
It comes with several streams, and each one has its own price tag.
Subclass 600 Visa Fees: The Current Breakdown
Here’s what you can expect to pay as the base government Visa Application Charge (VAC):
| Stream | Who It’s For | Approximate Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist stream (offshore) | Applying from outside Australia | AUD250 |
| Tourist stream (onshore) | Applying while already in Australia | AUD630 |
| Frequent Traveller stream | Eligible passport holders (mainly China and Southeast Asia) | AUD1,845 |
| Business Visitor stream | Short business trips | AUD250 |
| Sponsored Family stream | Visiting family, with an approved sponsor | AUD250 |
A few important points to keep in mind:
- Onshore applications cost more. If you’re already in Australia and applying to extend your stay, expect a noticeably higher fee than if you’d applied from home.
- Every traveller pays separately. There’s no family discount — each person on the application, including children, pays their own visa application charge.
- Fees are non-refundable. Even if your application is refused, the government keeps the charge. So it pays to get your documents right the first time.
- Card payments attract a surcharge. Paying by credit or debit card usually adds a small percentage on top of the base fee.
Also Read: Visitor Visa 600 Processing Time: Latest Australia Processing Times
Why Do the Fees Change So Often?
The Australian Government reviews visa fees every year, usually around July. Charges are adjusted based on inflation and government policy, so a fee you saw quoted a year ago might already be out of date. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website or confirm with a registered migration agent before you pay, so you’re working with the current figure.
Beyond the Visa Fee: Other Costs to Budget For
The visa application charge is just the starting point. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to budget for:
- Health examinations – Some applicants are asked to complete a medical check with an approved panel doctor.
- Biometrics collection – Certain nationalities need to provide fingerprints and a photo at a visa application centre.
- Health insurance – If your visa includes Condition 8501, you’ll need Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for the length of your stay. This is separate from the government charge and is paid to a private insurer.
- Document translation – If your supporting documents aren’t in English, certified translations may be required.
- Police clearance certificates – Occasionally requested depending on your travel history and length of stay.
None of these are optional extras you can skip — they’re part of a complete, decision-ready application, so it’s smart to factor them into your budget from day one.
Tourist Stream vs Onshore Applications: Which Costs More?
This trips a lot of people up. If you apply for your Subclass 600 before you travel (offshore), you pay the lower Tourist stream fee. But if you’re already in Australia on another visa and want to extend your stay or change your circumstances, you’ll be applying onshore — and that comes with a much higher charge.
Why the difference? Onshore applications go through extra scrutiny. The Department needs to review your current visa conditions, your compliance history, and whether a further stay makes sense. It’s not a penalty — it just reflects the extra assessment involved.
Tips to Avoid Paying More Than You Need To
- Check if you even need a Subclass 600. If your passport qualifies for the free eVisitor or the cheap ETA, apply for those instead — you could save hundreds of dollars.
- Apply from outside Australia where possible. The offshore Tourist stream fee is significantly lower than the onshore equivalent.
- Get your application right the first time. Since fees are non-refundable, a refusal means paying again for a second attempt.
- Budget for the full picture. Factor in health cover, biometrics, and any translation costs — not just the headline visa fee.
- Get current figures before you pay. Fees change annually, so always confirm the latest amount rather than relying on last year’s number.
Also Read: How to Apply for an EVisitor Visa Australia in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
Final Thoughts
The Subclass 600 Visitor visa doesn’t have one flat price — your final cost depends on your stream, where you apply from, and your personal circumstances. As a general guide, offshore Tourist stream applicants pay the lowest fee, onshore applicants pay considerably more, and Frequent Traveller applicants pay a premium for multi-year convenience.
If you’re unsure which stream suits your travel plans, or want help making sure your application is complete before you pay, speaking with a registered migration agent can save you both time and money in the long run. A trusted visa consultant Perth travellers rely on can guide you through the right stream and help you avoid costly mistakes before you submit your application.
