Transit visa for Australia

The Australia transit visa permits a single entry for foreign citizens passing through Australia on the way to a third-country destination.

Apply for ETA or eVisitor

There are two types of transit visas for Australia:

  • Subclass 771
  • Transit without a visa (TWOV)

Travellers from eligible countries who meet all the criteria can transit without a visa. Criteria also apply to the Subclass 771, however, a formal application is required in advance.

Alternatively, travellers who meet the [Australia online visa requirements](https://www.australiagoevisa.com/requirements "Australia Visa and Entry Requirements) can apply for an ETA or eVisitor instead of a transit visa. Both are multiple-entry and valid for 12 months.

What is the Australia transit visa? (Visa Subclass 771)

Eligible passport holders transiting through Australia by air or sea on the way to another destination may apply for the transit visa (subclass 771).

A different transit visa for Australia, the Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988), is also available to enter an Australian port or airport before joining the crew of a non-military ship.

How long you can stay in Australia with the transit visa

As specified in Sch 2 771.511 of the Migration Act, travellers are permitted to stay in Australia for up to 72 hours until leaving by air or sea when visiting with the Australia transit visa. However, the foreign passport holder must have a confirmed booking and permission to reach their final destination to get visa approval.

Some citizens are eligible to transit through Australia without a visa if arriving by aircraft. Passengers must:

  1. Stay in an Australian airport for no more than 8 hours
  2. Not need to clear immigration
  3. Not leave the airport transit area
  4. Have a confirmed ticket and valid travel documents to reach and enter a third country

Travellers who wish to stay longer or enter the country more than once are recommended to apply for an ETA or eVisitor.

Can you leave the airport with a transit visa?

Australia transit visa holders can leave the airport and stay in Australia for up to 72 hours. They must then depart the country for their next destination.

Some airports don’t have baggage holding facilities for in between flight transfers so you’ll need to have a transit visa and take the baggage with you.

Transit visa vs ETA or eVisitor: Pros and cons

The Australian transit visa is only valid for a single entry and stay of up to 72 hours. Travellers will be required to reapply for each entry into the country.

It is not possible to extend the Australia transit visa. Foreigners wishing to stay in Australia longer will be required to apply for a different type of Australian visa.

The ETA and eVisitor for Australia are multiple-entry electronic visas. This means that holders of an Australia electronic visa can enter Australia as many times as they like, including for transit, until the visa or the corresponding passport expires, whichever comes first.

Many foreign citizens eligible to apply for the Australia online visa (either ETA or eVisitor) will find it a better option than the transit visa for Australia, especially if they are a frequent traveller to the country.

FAQ about Australian transit visa

Do I need a visa to transit through Australia? Toggle faqs

This depends on your nationality and how long you want to stay in Australia and the amount of time they wish to spend in Australia.

You need a transit visa for Australia if you:

  • Will stay in Australia for more than 8 hours while waiting for your next flight
  • Are arriving in Australia by any means other than an aircraft
  • Do not have valid travel documents to enter your final destination. Please note: if you don’t have travel documents for the final destination then Home Affairs may deport you or not grant you a visa.
  • Need to clear immigration or leave the airport
  • Are a national of a country not eligible for visa-free transit
How long does it take to get a transit visa for Australia? Toggle faqs

The transit visa can be applied for online from anywhere in the world. The application process takes minutes to complete. However, it can take weeks and (rarely) months for the request to be reviewed and approved.

Those who are in a rush may consider applying for other online visas (like the ETA and eVisitor visa) that allow for a longer time in Australia and are usually approved within 2 days, provided that they’re eligible to do so.

Do I need a transit visa if I am not leaving the airport? Toggle faqs

Yes, some travellers may need a transit visa even though they do not plan on leaving the airport while in Australia. You need a transit visa:

  • To stay in the airport for more than 8 hours
  • To go through immigration checks at the airport
  • If you hold a passport issued by a country not eligible for visa-free transit

Please note that the transit visa allows for only 72 hours in Australia. Should you intend to remain longer (inside or outside of the airport), you will need a different visa.