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3 ways to enter

Australia visas

Australia transit visa

A Transit visa covers a stop of less than 72 hours. Some travellers can connect without a visa if they leave by air within 8 hours and stay in the transit lounge.

Ways to get a Australia transit visa

  1. Transit visa (subclass 771)

    Other permit

    People transiting for less than 72 hours who do not qualify for transit without a visa, and people travelling to join a vessel as crew.

    Stay
    Less than 72 hours.

  2. Transit without a visa

    Transit without a visa

    Passport holders from all European Union and European Free Trade Association member states and the other listed countries and territories, if they meet every transit condition.

    Stay
    Up to 8 hours from scheduled arrival.

  3. Transit without a visa for diplomatic passport holders

    Transit without a visa

    Diplomatic passport holders, except nationals of Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bahrain, Comoros, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Madagascar, Mauritania, Morocco, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Tunisia, Yemen and Zimbabwe. Arab Non-National Passport Holders are also excluded.

    Stay
    Up to 8 hours from scheduled arrival.

Who needs it

Travellers stopping for less than 72 hours who do not qualify for transit without a visa need a Transit visa. It also covers people travelling to join a vessel as crew.

Who doesn't

Eligible passport holders and some diplomatic passport holders can transit without a visa if they meet all the transit conditions.

Changing planes

Can you stay airside?
Yes, without a visa if you stay in the transit area
Leaving the airport
You must hold a valid Australian visa if you need to leave the transit lounge for any reason, including collecting and re-checking luggage.
Longest transit
8 hours
Transit without a visa
Leave Australia by air within 8 hours of your scheduled arrival. Hold a confirmed onward booking and the documents needed to enter your destination. Stay in the airport transit lounge. A Transit visa is required at Gold Coast airport, and at Cairns or Sydney if staying overnight. At Adelaide, visa-free transit applies only when leaving on the same aircraft unless the airline gives advance notice.

What to bring

  • For transit without a visa: an eligible passport.
  • A confirmed onward booking.
  • Documents needed to enter your destination country.

Good to know

  • Follow the airport-specific transit rules.
  • For transit without a visa, stay in the transit lounge and leave by air within 8 hours of scheduled arrival.
  • The 8-hour limit applies to transit without a visa. The Transit visa covers a stay of less than 72 hours.
  • Entry and transit using Somali travel documents are refused.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for Australia?

Travellers stopping for less than 72 hours who do not qualify for transit without a visa need a Transit visa. It also covers people travelling to join a vessel as crew. Eligible passport holders and some diplomatic passport holders can transit without a visa if they meet all the transit conditions.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for Australia?

There are 3 options: Transit visa (subclass 771) (a special permit); Transit without a visa (transit without a visa); Transit without a visa for diplomatic passport holders (transit without a visa).

How long can I stay on a Australia transit visa?

Less than 72 hours with a Transit visa. Up to 8 hours for eligible transit without a visa.

What documents do I need for a Australia transit visa?

For transit without a visa: an eligible passport.; A confirmed onward booking.; Documents needed to enter your destination country..

How long can I stay in transit in Australia?

Up to 8 hours, if you meet the conditions. Leave Australia by air within 8 hours of your scheduled arrival. Hold a confirmed onward booking and the documents needed to enter your destination. Stay in the airport transit lounge. A Transit visa is required at Gold Coast airport, and at Cairns or Sydney if staying overnight. At Adelaide, visa-free transit applies only when leaving on the same aircraft unless the airline gives advance notice.

Can I stay inside the airport in Australia without a visa?

Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers. To leave the airport: You must hold a valid Australian visa if you need to leave the transit lounge for any reason, including collecting and re-checking luggage.

What rules do I have to follow on a Australia transit visa?

Follow the airport-specific transit rules. For transit without a visa, stay in the transit lounge and leave by air within 8 hours of scheduled arrival.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit visa for Australia?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Australia visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a transit visa for Australia be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Australia transit visa rules?

On Australia's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

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