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Cocos (Keeling) Islands visas

Cocos (Keeling) Islands transit visa

A Transit visa covers a stop of less than 72 hours. Some travellers can pass through an Australian airport without a visa for up to 8 hours if they stay in the transit lounge.

Ways to get a Cocos (Keeling) Islands transit visa

  1. Transit visa (subclass 771)

    eVisa

    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

    Holders of the listed eligible passports who meet all transit conditions. Certain diplomatic passport holders also qualify.

    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 qualifying short stop. It also covers people travelling to join a vessel as crew.

Who doesn't

Eligible passport holders may transit without a visa if they meet all the 8-hour transit conditions. Travel from mainland Australia to Cocos (Keeling) Islands does not require a visa for that journey.

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 checking in luggage again.
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 for your destination. Remain in the airport transit lounge. Airport-specific restrictions also apply.

What to bring

  • Eligible passport for transit without a visa.
  • 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 at Cairns and Sydney airports for overnight stays.
  • At Adelaide, transit without a visa normally requires departure on the same aircraft, unless the airline gives advance notice.
  • These are Australian transit rules. No separate Cocos (Keeling) Islands airport transit arrangements are described.
  • The 8-hour visa-free transit limit is different from the Transit visa's limit of less than 72 hours.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for Cocos (Keeling) Islands?

Travellers who do not qualify for transit without a visa need a Transit visa for a qualifying short stop. It also covers people travelling to join a vessel as crew. Eligible passport holders may transit without a visa if they meet all the 8-hour transit conditions. Travel from mainland Australia to Cocos (Keeling) Islands does not require a visa for that journey.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for Cocos (Keeling) Islands?

There are 2 options: Transit visa (subclass 771) (an online visa); Transit without a visa (transit without a visa).

Can I apply online for Cocos (Keeling) Islands?

Yes: Transit visa (subclass 771). 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.

How long can I stay on a Cocos (Keeling) Islands 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 Cocos (Keeling) Islands transit visa?

Eligible passport for transit without a visa.; Confirmed onward booking for transit without a visa.; Documents needed to enter the onward destination..

How long can I stay in transit in Cocos (Keeling) Islands?

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 for your destination. Remain in the airport transit lounge. Airport-specific restrictions also apply.

Can I stay inside the airport in Cocos (Keeling) Islands 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 checking in luggage again.

What rules do I have to follow on a Cocos (Keeling) Islands 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 at Cairns and Sydney airports for overnight stays. At Adelaide, 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 Cocos (Keeling) Islands?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Cocos (Keeling) Islands visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a transit visa for Cocos (Keeling) Islands 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.

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