South African tourists apply for the Visitor visa (subclass 600) Tourist stream from outside Australia through ImmiAccount. South Africa is not on the ETA or eVisitor passport lists, so those quicker options are not open to you.
The Tourist stream covers holidays, cruises and visiting family or friends. You must show you are a genuine visitor with enough money, and that you meet the health and character requirements.
Eligibility and Entry Requirements at a Glance
To be eligible for the Tourist stream (apply overseas) you must meet all of these criteria:
- meet the health and character requirements
- repay any debt to the Australian government
- have enough money to support yourself while in Australia
- be a genuine visitor: you must only intend to stay temporarily and obey the conditions and stay period attached to your visa
- if you are under 18, your travel must be in your best interests as a child
- be outside Australia when you apply and when the application is decided
The visa allows tourism, cruises and visiting family and friends. You can study or train for up to 3 months. You cannot work.
Passport and Travel Document Requirements
You need a valid passport or other travel document. If you plan to renew your passport, do it before you apply. Provide the passport pages showing your photo, personal details, and issue and expiry dates, plus your national ID card if you have one.
The visa is linked digitally to your passport, so you do not get a label in it.
Visa and Supporting Document Requirements
Provide as much proof as you can that you are visiting temporarily only. Home Affairs lists these kinds of evidence:
- itemised personal bank statements for a 3-month period, pay slips, audited accounts, tax records, term deposits or credit card statements
- an invitation letter from a relative or friend, which can state your relationship, the purpose and length of your stay and whether you will stay with them; if they will pay for your stay, include proof of their funds
- a letter from your employer saying you will return to your job
- proof of study, immediate family or major assets in South Africa
- a military service record, if applicable, and a police certificate if Home Affairs asks for one
- for applicants under 18: a birth certificate showing both parents; Form 1229 or a statutory declaration giving consent from anyone with a legal right to decide where the child lives who is not travelling; and Form 1257 if the child is not staying with a relative or guardian
Translate any document not in English, and scan in colour.
Financial, Health and Entry Conditions
Fee. From 1 July 2026, the base charge for a Visitor visa (subclass 600, not Frequent Traveller) is A$250 for most passport holders applying from outside Australia. Health checks, police certificates and biometrics may cost extra. Use the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator to confirm the live price before you pay.
Funds. You must have, or have access to, enough money to support yourself in Australia. Bank statements covering 3 months are the evidence Home Affairs names.
Health insurance. Home Affairs strongly recommends adequate health insurance. In some circumstances the visa is granted with Condition 8501, which requires you to maintain adequate health insurance. You are liable for all healthcare costs in Australia.
Length of stay. The stay period is set case by case. It is generally 3 months, and up to 12 months in certain circumstances, on a single or multiple-entry visa. It cannot be extended; you would need to apply for a new visa.
How to Prepare or Apply
Log in or create an ImmiAccount, complete the Visitor visa application, attach your documents and pay the fee. Home Affairs will not process your application until the fee is paid. Each family member applies separately, because you cannot include family on one application.
You can complete health examinations before you apply, or wait until Home Affairs tells you to have them. Processing times vary, so apply well ahead and avoid booking non-refundable travel before the visa is granted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the genuine visitor requirement?
It means you must only intend to stay in Australia temporarily and obey your visa conditions and stay period. Evidence of funds and of your ties to South Africa, such as employment, study, family and assets, shows you will return.
How do I apply for an Australian tourist visa from South Africa?
Apply online for the Visitor visa (subclass 600) Tourist stream through ImmiAccount while you are outside Australia.
How long can I stay on a tourist visa?
Generally 3 months, and up to 12 months in certain circumstances. The grant notice states your stay period, and the stay cannot be extended.
Do I need travel insurance?
It is strongly recommended. In some cases the visa carries Condition 8501, which requires adequate health insurance. Check the conditions on your grant.
Can I work or study on a tourist visa?
You cannot work. You can study or train for up to 3 months.
Confirm the current rules, fees and forms with the Australian Department of Home Affairs before you apply. See visa requirements and browse all travel and immigration requirements.