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3 ways to enter

Christmas Island visas

Christmas Island transit visa

A Transit visa covers transit of less than 72 hours. Some travellers can connect without a visa for up to 8 hours under strict conditions.

Ways to get a Christmas Island 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 arriving to join a vessel as crew.

    Stay
    Less than 72 hours.

  2. Transit without a visa

    Transit without a visa

    Holders of the listed passports who meet the 8-hour airside connection rules.

    Stay
    Up to 8 hours from the scheduled arrival time.

  3. Transit without a visa for diplomatic passport holders

    Transit without a visa

    Diplomatic passport holders, except nationals of the excluded countries and Arab Non-National Passport Holders.

    Stay
    Up to 8 hours from the scheduled arrival time.

Who needs it

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

Who doesn't

Eligible passport holders and certain diplomatic passport holders can transit without a visa if they meet all the connection rules.

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 airport transit lounge for any reason, including collecting and re-checking luggage.
Longest transit
72 hours
Transit without a visa
Depart by air within 8 hours of your scheduled arrival. Hold a confirmed onward booking and the documents needed to enter your destination. Remain in the airport transit lounge without clearing immigration. You must also hold an eligible passport.

What to bring

  • An eligible passport for transit without a visa.
  • A confirmed onward booking for transit without a visa.
  • Documents needed to enter the onward destination.

Good to know

  • Transit without a visa requires you to remain in the transit lounge.
  • A Transit visa is required at Gold Coast Airport.
  • A Transit visa is required for an overnight stay at Cairns or Sydney Airport.
  • At Adelaide Airport, transit without a visa normally requires departure on the same aircraft unless the airline gives advance notice.
  • The 8-hour exception depends on the airport and connection arrangements.
  • Entry and transit using Somali travel documents are refused.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for Christmas Island?

Travellers who do not qualify for transit without a visa need a Transit visa for a transit stay of less than 72 hours. It also covers people arriving to join a vessel as crew. Eligible passport holders and certain diplomatic passport holders can transit without a visa if they meet all the connection rules.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for Christmas Island?

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 Christmas Island transit visa?

Less than 72 hours with a Transit visa; up to 8 hours without a visa if eligible.

What documents do I need for a Christmas Island transit visa?

An eligible passport for transit without a visa.; A confirmed onward booking for transit without a visa.; Documents needed to enter the onward destination..

How long can I stay in transit in Christmas Island?

Up to 72 hours, if you meet the conditions. Depart by air within 8 hours of your scheduled arrival. Hold a confirmed onward booking and the documents needed to enter your destination. Remain in the airport transit lounge without clearing immigration. You must also hold an eligible passport.

Can I stay inside the airport in Christmas Island 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 airport transit lounge for any reason, including collecting and re-checking luggage.

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

Transit without a visa requires you to remain in the transit lounge. A Transit visa is required at Gold Coast Airport. A Transit visa is required for an overnight stay at Cairns or Sydney Airport. At Adelaide Airport, transit without a visa normally requires departure on the same aircraft unless the airline gives advance notice.

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

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

Can a transit visa for Christmas Island 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 Christmas Island transit visa rules?

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

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