Types of Australian Tourist Visas: Which One Should You Choose for the Fastest Approval?

Traveling to Australia—especially to cities like Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane—is a dream for many Vietnamese thanks to its rich cultural diversity, stunning landscapes, and world-class events.

However, to enter Australia, Vietnamese citizens must obtain an appropriate tourist visa. Choosing the right visa not only saves time and costs but also increases your chances of approval.

1. Why Choosing the Right Australian Tourist Visa Matters

Australia enforces strict immigration policies, requiring all visitors to have a valid visa before boarding. Selecting the right visa based on your travel purpose helps ensure faster processing and minimizes the risk of being rejected at the airport. Applying for the wrong visa—such as a tourist visa with the intent to work—can result in serious consequences like visa cancellation or future travel bans. Moreover, each visa type has different processing times and fees, which directly affect your travel plans.

Choosing the right tourist visa lets you enjoy your trip worry-free, without legal complications.

Traveling from Vietnam to Australia is done by air, with direct or connecting flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang to major airports such as Melbourne (Tullamarine - MEL), Sydney (Kingsford Smith - SYD), or Brisbane (BNE). Fly with Vietjet for promotional fares starting from only 1,160,000 VND. See details here

Popular Types of Australian Tourist Visas

2.1 Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

For Vietnamese citizens, the most common option is the Visitor Visa – Subclass 600, which is required for tourism, visiting family/friends, or attending short-term business activities like conferences. The application fee is AUD 195 (≈ 3,221,809 VND), and visa duration ranges from 3 months to 1 year depending on your purpose and documents.

2.2 eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651)

Not available for Vietnamese citizens – only for citizens of selected European countries.

2.3 ETA (Electronic Travel Authority – Subclass 601)

Also not applicable for Vietnam – only for citizens of countries with a bilateral agreement with Australia.

3. Comparison of Subclass 600 Visa Streams – Which One Is Best for Vietnamese Travelers?

3.1 Tourist Stream

This is the most popular option for Vietnamese travelers going to Australia for tourism, visiting family/friends, or short-term non-work activities. Note: You cannot work or take long-term courses (you may study for up to 3 months only).

Application fee: AUD 195 (≈ 3,150,000 VND). Valid for 3, 6, or 12 months depending on your situation and assessment by the Department of Home Affairs.

3.2 Sponsored Family Stream

Sponsored Family Stream is intended for individuals who are sponsored by a family member (an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen) to visit relatives in Australia. This visa type is suitable when the applicant requires additional assurance from the sponsor to improve their chances of approval. The application fee is AUD 195. Additionally, the sponsor may be required to pay a bond, ranging from AUD 5,000 to 15,000, depending on the case. This bond is refundable if the visa holder complies with the visa conditions.

This is a good option if you have family in Australia who can support your visit—for example, for a family visit of up to 12 months, subject to approval by the Department of Home Affairs.

3.3 Business Visitor Stream

The Business Visitor Stream is for individuals traveling to Australia for short-term business activities such as attending conferences, exhibitions, meetings, contract negotiations, or exploring business opportunities. This visa does not allow long-term employment or receiving a salary from an Australian organization.

With a fee of AUD 195, this visa generally permits a maximum stay of 3 months, though extensions may be possible in special cases. You must also provide an invitation letter from an Australian organization or other documents proving your business purpose.

3.4 Frequent Traveller Stream

The Frequent Traveller Stream is designed for individuals who travel to Australia frequently—such as investors or repeat tourists—with visa validity of up to 10 years and a maximum stay of 3 months per visit. However, due to the high application fee of AUD 1,435 (approx. 23,709,214 VND) and the requirement for a strong international travel history, this option is generally not practical for first-time Vietnamese applicants.

For Vietnamese citizens, the Visa 600 Tourist Stream is the most suitable for general tourism. Alternatively, if you have family support, the Sponsored Family Stream is a strong option. Both streams offer high approval rates, especially if your documents are complete and transparent.

Visa 600 includes several different streams, each tailored to specific travel purposes. However, not all are suitable for Vietnamese applicants.

4. Tips for Choosing the Right Australian Tourist Visa

4.1 How long is an Australian tourist visa valid?

Visa 600 – Tourist Stream: Usually granted for 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on your application. Each stay typically allows up to 3 months unless extended under special circumstances. The visa may be single-entry or multiple-entry.
Visa 600 – Sponsored Family Stream: Similar duration (3–12 months), but the length of stay may be more flexible if the sponsor demonstrates strong financial capacity.

The visa duration depends on your travel history, financial status, and purpose of visit.

4.2 Can you work on an Australian tourist visa?

The Australian Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) does not allow working. It is strictly for tourism, visiting family, or participating in unpaid volunteer activities. If you wish to work while in Australia, consider applying for a Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) — available to Vietnamese citizens aged 18–30. This visa allows you to travel and work legally in Australia for up to one year (a maximum of 6 months with one employer).

Requirements include a minimum English level (IELTS 4.5 or equivalent) and a Letter of Introduction from Vietnam’s Ministry of Home Affairs.

4.3 What documents are required for an Australian tourist visa application?

To apply for Visa 600 (Tourist Stream or Sponsored Family Stream), you need a complete and transparent application proving that you will leave Australia on time. Below is the required documentation:

Personal Documents

Passport: Notarized copy of all pages, valid for at least 6 months.
Passport photo: Size 4x6 cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months.
ID card: Notarized copy of national ID or citizen ID.
Household registration: Notarized copy of the full book (required if traveling with family).
Birth certificate: Notarized copy (required if traveling with children or visiting relatives).
Marital status: Marriage certificate or certificate of single status (if applicable).
Family declaration form: Required for all applicants.

Financial Documents

Savings book: Minimum USD 5,000 (approximately VND 130,000,000), opened at least 3 months prior.
Bank statement: For the most recent 3–6 months, showing consistent income.
Property documents: Land use right certificate, house purchase/sale agreement, car registration, or stocks/shares (if any).
Account balance confirmation of the savings book (if available).
Original savings account balance certificate + savings book.
Proof of ownership: Real estate, vehicles, stocks, etc. (if any).

Travel Itinerary

Round-trip air tickets: Booked with airlines; you may hold reservations (not yet paid) for visa application.
Hotel booking: Confirmations via booking platforms.
Detailed itinerary: List of sightseeing points, events, and dates of entry/exit.
Cover letter: Written in English, stating the purpose of the trip (tourism, visiting family), commitment to leave Australia on time, and not to work illegally.

Sponsorship Documents (if applying under Sponsored Family Stream)

Invitation letter from the sponsor (Australian citizen/permanent resident).
Sponsor’s documents: Passport, Australian citizenship certificate, or permanent resident card.
Sponsor’s financial proof: Bank statement, employment contract.
Proof of relationship: Birth certificate, shared photos, email communication.

Preparing documents for Visa Subclass 600 is not too difficult if you understand the requirements, prepare all necessary documents, and meet the criteria set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

4.4 Australian Tourist Visa Application Process

The Visa 600 application process for Vietnamese citizens is conducted entirely online via the ImmiAccount system. Below are the detailed steps:

Create an ImmiAccount:

Visit www.homeaffairs.gov.au, select “ImmiAccount” and register an account.
Fill in personal information (full name, email, phone number).

Prepare documents:

Scan all documents (passport, national ID, savings book, travel itinerary) into PDF files.
Ensure all photos and documents are clear and not blurry..

Submit online application:

Log into ImmiAccount, select “New Application” > “Visitor” > “Visitor Visa (600)”.
Choose the visa stream (Tourist Stream or Sponsored Family Stream).
Fill in detailed information: purpose of travel, duration of stay, financial info, travel history.
Upload all PDF files (each file under 5MB).

Pay the visa fee:

Visa fee: AUD 195 (VND 3,200,000), payable by international credit card (Visa, MasterCard).
Biometric fee: AUD 20 (VND 330,000), required after application submission

Provide biometrics:

After submitting your application, you’ll receive an email requesting you to provide fingerprints and a photograph at VFS Global center: HCMC: Resco Building, 94–96 Nguyen Du, District 1, Hanoi: Gelex Building, 52 Le Dai Hanh, Hai Ba Trung
Book your appointment online via www.vfsglobal.com, and arrive on time with your original passport.

Wait for processing:

Processing time: 20–30 days (Tourist Stream), 30–40 days (Sponsored Family Stream).
Track your application status via ImmiAccount. Additional documents may be requested (e.g. more bank statements, cover letter).

Receive result:

The visa is issued electronically, and sent via email (PDF file) with the visa grant number.
Print the visa and carry it with your passport when entering Australia.

With the detailed information above on suitable visa types for traveling to Australia, along with early booking of Vietjet flights to Australia, you’ll enjoy a smooth and memorable trip.

Don’t forget to follow Vietjet’s 0 VND domestic and international fare promotions every day from 12 PM to 2 PM to get the best ticket prices. See details here

Stay tuned with Vietjet to catch the latest travel news and updates!