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Tourist Visa vs Visitor Visa: Australia, with its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural tapestry, attracts millions of visitors annually.

Whether you’re dreaming of snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the Sydney Opera House, or reuniting with family Down Under, securing the right visa is essential. 

Two popular options for short-term stays are the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) and the eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651). Often confused as “tourist” versus “visitor” visas, these are tailored for tourism, business, or family visits but differ significantly in eligibility, costs, duration, and application processes.

As of October 2025, recent updates from the Department of Home Affairs include fee adjustments effective from July 2025, streamlined digital processing tools for faster approvals, and enhanced biometrics requirements for certain applicants. 

These changes aim to improve efficiency amid rising global travel demand. This in-depth article explores both visas, their types and subtypes, eligibility criteria, application steps, costs, and key differences—equipped with tables for clarity. 

By the end, you’ll know which visa suits your needs, ensuring a hassle-free journey to the Land of Oz.

Understanding the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): An Overview

The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is a versatile temporary visa designed for individuals wishing to visit Australia for short-term purposes. It replaced earlier tourist visas and is open to applicants from all nationalities, making it the go-to option for diverse travelers. 

Unlike more restrictive electronic visas, Subclass 600 allows for longer stays and specialized streams to match specific visit intents.

Granted either outside or inside Australia (depending on your current status), this visa emphasizes the “Genuine Temporary Entrant” (GTE) criterion: you must prove your primary intent is to visit temporarily and return home afterward. 

Key benefits include flexibility in duration and the ability to apply onshore for extensions in some cases. However, it requires a fee and thorough documentation.

As per the latest updates in October 2025, the Department of Home Affairs introduced a fast-track processing option for Tourist Stream applications, reducing wait times by up to 50% for complete submissions. 

Additionally, visa fees saw a modest increase from July 1, 2025, to account for inflation and administrative costs.

Types and Subtypes of Subclass 600: Detailed Breakdown

The Subclass 600 is divided into four primary streams, each with subtypes tailored to specific scenarios. Below, we delve into each, including eligibility, duration, and unique features.

1. Tourist Stream

This is the most common subtype, ideal for leisure travelers, family reunions, or cruises. It allows pure tourism without work or study (beyond incidental short courses).

• Eligibility: Open to all nationalities. You must demonstrate strong ties to your home country (e.g., job, family, assets), sufficient funds (at least AUD 5,000 per month of stay plus return flights), and meet health/character checks. No invitation letter is mandatory, but it’s recommended for family visits.
• Duration: Up to 3, 6, or 12 months per stay; single or multiple entries possible.
• Subtypes:
  • Standard Tourist: General tourism; processing time: 75% within 20 days, 90% within 33 days (as of early 2025).
  • Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream: Exclusive to Chinese citizens/permanent residents under the Australia-China tourism agreement. Requires group travel via approved operators; fee AUD 150; up to 3 months multiple entries within 12 months.
• Application Notes: Apply online via ImmiAccount. Biometrics may be required for high-risk nationalities.

2. Business Visitor Stream

Geared toward professionals attending conferences, meetings, or exploratory business (no paid work in Australia).

• Eligibility: Prove business intent with itineraries, invitations from Australian entities, and financial proof. Same GTE, health, and character rules apply.
• Duration: Up to 3 months; single entry typically.
• Subtypes:
  • Short Business Visits: For meetings or negotiations; processing: 9-20 days.
  • Professional Development: Includes training under 3 months; no hands-on work.
• Key Restriction: Cannot sell goods, perform paid services, or establish business operations.

3. Sponsored Family Stream

For visiting close relatives (spouse, children, parents) with financial sponsorship from an Australian citizen/permanent resident.

• Eligibility: Sponsor must be eligible (e.g., no outstanding debts to immigration) and provide a bond (up to AUD 15,000, refundable if conditions met). Applicant needs family ties proof and funds.
• Duration: Up to 12 months; multiple entries.
• Subtypes:
  • Family Reunion Visits: Standard family stays; processing: 50-70 days due to sponsorship checks.
  • Medical Treatment Accompaniment: If accompanying a family member for treatment; requires medical evidence.
• Updates: As of March 2025, exemptions for substituted Subclass 600 were introduced for certain parent visa applicants, easing transitions.

4. Frequent Traveller Stream

Aimed at regular visitors (e.g., business executives or family with ongoing ties).

• Eligibility: History of multiple Australian visits; strong evidence of ongoing reasons (e.g., business contracts).
• Duration: Up to 12 months validity with unlimited entries, but each stay ≤3 months.
• Subtypes: Primarily for business-family hybrids; no distinct subtypes, but overlaps with other streams.
• Processing: Similar to Tourist (20-33 days).

*Table 1: Subclass 600 Streams Comparison (Fees updated July 2025; onshore applications +AUD 25-100 extra).