From Sydney’s harbour and Melbourne’s laneways to Perth’s beaches and Brisbane’s sunshine, Australia gives you plenty of reasons to cross an ocean. First, there is a little admin to handle. South African passport holders need a visa before travelling to Australia. This guide explains how to apply for your Australian Visa, which documents you may need and what happens after you submit your application.
For most holidays and family visits, the relevant option is the Visitor Visa (subclass 600), Tourist stream. The application is completed online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Important: Visa requirements, costs and processing times can change. Always confirm the latest information with the Australian Department of Home Affairs before applying or making non-refundable travel arrangements.
Do South Africans need a visa for Australia?
Yes. Anyone travelling on a South African passport must obtain the correct Australian visa before departure.
If you are travelling for a holiday, cruise or to visit family and friends, you will generally need a Visitor Visa (subclass 600), Tourist stream.
Travelling for meetings, negotiations, a conference or another eligible business activity? Check the Business Visitor stream instead. It does not permit you to work for or provide services to an Australian business. If you intend to work, study for more than three months or stay for another purpose, use the official visa finder to identify the correct visa.
What does an Australian Visitor Visa allow you to do?
The Tourist stream may allow you to:
- holiday in Australia
- visit family or friends
- take a cruise that enters Australia
- study or train for up to three months
You cannot work in Australia on this visa.
Australia decides the length of your stay and whether the visa permits one or multiple entries. A Visitor Visa may be granted for a stay of up to three, six or 12 months, depending on your circumstances. Your visa grant letter will show your exact entry period, permitted stay and conditions.
Australian Visitor Visa requirements
The Department of Home Affairs assesses every application individually. You will generally need to show that:
- you are a genuine temporary visitor
- you have a clear reason for travelling
- you have enough money to support yourself during the trip
- you intend to leave Australia before your permitted stay ends
- you meet the relevant health and character requirements
- you will follow all conditions attached to the visa
Documents you may need
Your personalised document checklist will appear in ImmiAccount. Prepare clear colour scans of the documents relevant to your application, which may include:
- the identity and biographical pages of your valid passport
- a recent passport-style photograph, if requested
- a proposed travel itinerary
- evidence of accommodation or an invitation from your host
- recent bank statements, payslips or other evidence of sufficient funds
- proof of employment, approved leave or business ownership
- proof of studies if you are a student
- evidence of family, financial, property or other commitments in South Africa
- an invitation letter and proof of your relationship if visiting family or friends
- previous travel history and copies of visas, where requested
- documents for children travelling with you
- English translations of documents issued in another language
Upload every document requested in ImmiAccount before submitting. The Department may make a decision using the information already provided without asking you to fill in any gaps.
How much money do you need for an Australian Visitor Visa?
Australia does not publish one fixed bank-balance requirement that applies to every visitor.
You must show that you can reasonably afford your flights, accommodation, daily expenses and other costs for the length and style of trip you are planning. Your financial evidence should be consistent with your itinerary and personal circumstances.
If someone else is paying for your trip, provide a letter explaining their support, evidence of your relationship and proof that they can afford the expenses. A large unexplained deposit shortly before applying may raise questions, so include an explanation and supporting evidence where necessary.
How to apply for an Australian Visitor Visa online
Step 1: Confirm the correct visa stream
Read the eligibility and conditions for the Visitor Visa (subclass 600), Tourist stream. If tourism is not your main reason for travelling, use the visa finder before continuing.
Step 2: Gather your supporting documents
Prepare your passport scan, financial evidence, itinerary and documents showing your reason for visiting and intention to return home.
Make sure all names, dates and passport details match your official documents. If something needs explaining, include a short supporting letter rather than leaving the case officer to guess.
Step 3: Create an ImmiAccount
Create or sign in to your official ImmiAccount. This is where you complete the application, upload supporting documents, pay the visa application charge, receive correspondence and track progress.
Step 4: Complete the online application
Answer every question accurately. Your application should match your passport, employment information, financial documents and travel history.
Each traveller needs the appropriate visa, including children. Applications may be organised together in ImmiAccount, but each applicant must meet the requirements and may need to pay a separate application charge.
Step 5: Upload your documents
Attach all requested evidence in the correct sections. Documents not written in English must include an English translation and a copy of the original.
Translations completed outside Australia should include the translator’s full name, address, telephone number, qualifications and experience in the language being translated.
Step 6: Pay and submit
Pay the amount shown in ImmiAccount and submit the application. Visa charges can change, so use the Department of Home Affairs visa pricing estimator instead of relying on old rand conversions or third-party fee tables.
Application charges are generally not refunded if the visa is refused or you change your mind.
Step 7: Check your messages and application status
Sign in to ImmiAccount regularly and check your email, including your spam folder. The Department may request biometrics, health examinations or further information and will provide instructions and a deadline.
Do South Africans need to provide biometrics?
You may be asked to provide fingerprints and a digital facial image after submitting your application. Do not book a biometric appointment unless the Department of Home Affairs instructs you to do so.
If biometrics are required, you will receive a request letter explaining the deadline and what to take to an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre. VFS Global currently manages biometric collection in South Africa. Use the official VFS Global Australia service to find current locations, charges and appointment availability.
A biometric appointment does not mean your visa has been approved. VFS Global collects the information but does not decide the outcome of your application.
Do you need a medical examination?
Not every Visitor Visa applicant needs a medical examination or chest X-ray. The requirement depends on factors such as your intended stay, planned activities, health history and personal circumstances.
If examinations are required, the Department will tell you what to complete and provide a health identifier. Use an approved panel physician and follow the instructions in ImmiAccount. Avoid arranging an ordinary medical examination independently, as it may not meet Australia’s visa requirements.
How long does an Australian Visitor Visa take?
Processing times change according to application volumes, individual circumstances and whether further checks or documents are required. An incomplete application can take longer or be decided using only the evidence submitted.
Check the Department’s live visa processing-time guide and apply as early as you reasonably can. A published processing time is an estimate, not a guaranteed decision date.
The Department of Home Affairs recommends avoiding non-refundable flights, accommodation and other commitments until your visa has been granted.
What happens when your Australian visa is approved?
You will receive a visa grant notification through ImmiAccount and email. Australian visas are electronically linked to the passport used in the application, so you will not usually receive a physical visa label.
Read the grant letter carefully and check:
- your name and passport details
- the date by which you must first enter Australia
- how long you may stay after each entry
- whether one or multiple entries are allowed
- all conditions attached to the visa
Take a digital or printed copy of the grant letter when travelling. If you receive a new passport after the visa is granted, update the Department before departure so the visa can be linked correctly.
Frequently asked questions
Can South Africans apply for an Australian visa online?
Yes. Visitor Visa applications are lodged online through ImmiAccount. The Australian High Commission in Pretoria does not accept ordinary visa applications or provide individual visa advice.
How much does an Australian Visitor Visa cost?
Visa fees change and may depend on the application and any additional services required. Check the official visa pricing estimator and the amount displayed in ImmiAccount when you apply. Biometric collection may carry a separate service charge.
Should I book flights before applying for the visa?
The Department recommends avoiding non-refundable travel commitments until your visa is granted. You can provide a proposed itinerary without purchasing a non-refundable ticket.
How long must my passport be valid?
Travel with a valid passport linked to your visa. Australia does not present a universal six-month validity rule on the Visitor Visa application page, but airlines and countries you transit through may impose their own requirements. Check your complete route before travelling and renew a passport with limited validity if necessary.
Do I need a birth certificate?
An adult tourist is not automatically required to submit a birth certificate in every case. Upload the documents listed in your personalised ImmiAccount checklist. Birth certificates and parental documents may be required for applicants under 18 or in other specific circumstances.
Can I apply as a family?
Every family member, including each child, needs the appropriate visa. You can indicate that applications are travelling together and organise them through ImmiAccount, but each person is assessed individually.
Can I work on an Australian Visitor Visa?
No. The Tourist stream does not permit work. Use the official visa finder if employment or paid activity is part of your trip.
Can I study on an Australian Visitor Visa?
The Visitor Visa may permit study or training for up to three months. If studying is the main purpose of your trip or the course is longer, a Student Visa may be more appropriate.
Can an Australian Visitor Visa be extended?
Australian visas are not simply extended. Depending on the conditions attached to your visa, you may be able to apply for another visa before the current one expires. A condition such as “No Further Stay” may prevent an application from within Australia. Check your grant letter and seek official guidance before your permitted stay ends.
What if my visa is refused?
The refusal letter will explain the decision and whether review rights are available. The application charge is generally not refunded. Address the reasons carefully before considering a new application.
Ready for Australia?
Once the visa is sorted, the map opens up. Compare flights to Australia and start planning the beaches, cities and very long road trips waiting on the other side.
All information was reviewed against Australian Department of Home Affairs and Australian High Commission guidance on 4 August 2026. Visa requirements can change without notice. Travelstart is not affiliated with Australian immigration authorities and cannot guarantee the outcome of an application. Always confirm the latest requirements with the relevant authority before travelling.
My ‘Online’ application was successful and confirmed.
All I need to now is to make an appointment with a TLS centre.
In my case the nearest is Port Elizabeth (South Africa)
The webpage is not working and I cannot even find a contact phone number!
Please help!!
Hi Martha,
Thanks for getting in touch.
For this it is best to contact the Australian High Commission (Pretoria) (012) 423 – 6000 or (012) 423 – 6060 (08h30-11h30)
or TLScontact – Australian Visa Application Centre Telephone No 27 (0) 12 472 3800 (International call rates apply)
They will be able to assist.
Enjoy your holiday in Australia. Happy Travels!
HI Martha – did you apply via IMMI? Did you have to supply an unabridged birth certificate even if you are almost at retirement age?? How did you get hold of TLS? I cannot seem to make an appointment via the website. It shows dates and times but you cannot select anything..
Hi Martha.
Did you just complete the 20 Steps on the website and attach documents? Did you physically fill in the 1419 form as well and attached that too?
Regards
Ettienne
My name is Busi am 28 years old I married got 3 kids 12 years and 10 years and 7 year husband 25 we thinking to sell our house we what to start a new life at London Australia are new Zealand am not working and my husband also not working so can please help us with the visas
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
I’m afraid we do not specialise in visas. For this you will need to contact the Embassy of the country you are thinking of moving to. They will be able to advise if it is possible to move there and if so what the correct procedures are, what documents are required and the cost involved.
Hi,
Our family who live in Cape Town, South Africa, need to attend our daughters wedding in Australia on the 21st April 2018.
I have a 19 yr old son that is studying at Kenyon University in Ohio, USA.
He will need to travel to Australia directly from the US!
How do I apply for a visa for him when he has his passport with him or is the original passport not needed in the application process but just certified copies of it?
Really appreciate you urgent answer!
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
For this you need to contact the Embassy direct to see if he would be able to apply for an Australian visa in the US or if he would need to fly back home to apply. To my knowledge one this is one of the requirements/documents required when applying.
The Embassy will be able to advise on the correct procedures to follow.
Hi there
I am going to visit my sister in Perth in May, upon checking now, my passport expires in April, so urgently going for a renewal. How long before i leave when dates are confirmed do i have to apply for my visa to Australia.
Kind Regards
Hi Theresa,
We do mention the following in the Blog: You should lodge your visa application well in advance (at least 4 weeks) of your date of departure.
and it can take for a Tourist (short stay) visa – 14 to 27 days to process.
I would contact the Embassy and see how far in advance you can apply. Some countries you can apply up to 3 months prior to departure. This could also be for Australia.
good day
can you help me and my husband and two kids want to travel to Australia for a visit ..our friends invited us will be staying at their house,but visa process will do it on our own.them they will fax the invitation letter..how much roughly should we have in our accounts for visa process
thanks
Hi Desiree,
Thanks for getting in touch.
I’ve looked under visa requirements when applying for an Australian visa however it is now stated the amount required.
Please contact the Australian High Commission Telephone No : (012) 423 – 6000 or (012) 423 – 6060 (08h30-11h30) and they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
or
TLS contact – Australian Visa Application Centre
Telephone No : 27 (0) 12 472 3800 (International call rates apply)
I live in NZ with a NZ permenant residency . Hold a South African passport. I want to visit a relative in Australia . So I need a Australian visa . How do I go about it to get this visa.
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Please contact the Australian Embassy in New Zealand.
They are the ones granting the visa’s and will be able to advise you on the correct procedures to follow, what documents would be required and the cost.
I have assisted my father with his online VISA application. They received a document stating that their VISA’s were granted. There was no mention of having to go for Biometrics… should this still happen, or only on request?
Hi Jackie,
Thanks for getting in touch.
If the Embassy has not asked for Biometrics as the time of application and your visa has already been granted this should be fine.
However as we are not the ones granting the visa’s I would recommend contact the Embassy direct as they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
Hie is it possible to apply anytime in july for visas,but travelling in december
Thank you
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
I don’t think it’s possible to apply 6 months before date of travel.
Best to contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency, they will be able to advise how far in advance one is able to apply for their visa.
Their contact details:
Australian High Commission (Pretoria) (Not open for direct lodgement)
Telephone No : (012) 423 – 6000 or (012) 423 – 6060 (08h30-11h30
TLScontact – Australian Visa Application Centre
Telephone No : 27 (0) 12 472 3800 (International call rates apply)
Web Address : au.tlscontact.com http://www.teleperformance.com
Hi
I am currently completing my application on the ImmiAccount website. I am stuck at the “Attach document” section.
It is necessary to attach a completed 1419 form ? Or is this form build into all the info that I supplied when filling in the 20 steps? As there is mention made of the 1419 form on the ImmiAccount website.
Thanks
Hi Ettienne,
thanks for getting in touch.
Our content writer when doing research has mentioned the following:
A completed and signed Form 1419 – application for general tourists.
So this would need to be completed when doing the application for the visa.
You welcome to contact the Embassy direct as they would be able to provide you with the most up to date information confirming if they are still requesting this as before or if procedures have since changed.
Hi Ettiene,
I know this post was long ago, but I wondering about the same thing?
Did you get an answer on this? Will the form be created after filling in the previous 19 pages?
My son is in Cornwall in the UK, and will be coming back to SA on the 28/29 august.
He is trying to apply for a Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) for Australia to be in Australia at the end of September 2018…He was in Australia in April 2018 on a visitors visa for 2 weeks. Is it possible for him to apply for another visa while in the UK?
Hi Nadine,
For this it’s best to get in touch with the Embassy. I’m not sure if this is still possible as well as it also depends on what visa your son is currently on while in the UK.
As the Embassy’s are the ones granting the visa’s please contact them direct and they will be able to provide the most up to date information.
Nice post…i agree with you..
Thanks this was very helpful
Hi
i’m planning to visit my sister in melbourne in april 2019 so i wanted to ask if i can apply for my visa now .
thank you in advance
Hi Shaheed,
Thanks for contacting us.
Usually one can only apply for a visa up to 3 months prior to departure.
I do recommend you contact the Embassy direct as they will be able to provide the most up to date information.
Australian High Commission (Pretoria) (Not open for direct lodgement)
Telephone No : (012) 423 – 6000 or (012) 423 – 6060 (08h30-11h30)
Do I have to provide a birth certificate when applying for a tourist visa?
Hi Ansie,
You welcome to read through our blog: How To Apply for an Australian Visa
https://travelstartstg.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-apply-for-an-australian-visa/
Here we give all the requirement one needs to have when applying for a tourist visa.
One of the requirements is: A certified copy of your birth certificate
You welcome to read through the blog however I do advise you contact the Australian High Commission direct for the most up to date information on requirements as this could have changed at anytime.
Australian High Commission (Pretoria) (Not open for direct lodgement)
Telephone No : (012) 423 – 6000 or (012) 423 – 6060 (08h30-11h30)
Hi there.
My son is due to be in Australia on the 21 January 2019 for a working GAP year. All documents have been provided by the sponsors confirming his and their intents. He will need to apply for a Subclass 408 visa end of October 2018. Being in the Eastern Cape, Inland, Johannesburg/Gauteng is our closest option. The question is: what is required over and above the documents already in possession to go to Australia? What is the costs? and should one make an appointment and how long in advance should this be made?
Passport – check/done – Just awaiting the police clearance. What about medical test – with who and when?
Hoping to obtain some advice here….
Thanks
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
For this you would need to contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct. They will be able to advise what all documents are required, correct procedures to follow and the cost involved.
Australian High Commission (Pretoria) (Not open for direct lodgement)
Telephone No : (012) 423 – 6000 or (012) 423 – 6060 (08h30-11h30)
Fax No : (012) 342 – 4222
Street Address :
292 Orient Street (cnr. Schoeman St) Arcadia, Pretoria 0083
Postal Address : Private Bag X150, Arcadia 007
Web Address : http://southafrica.embassy.gov.au/ & http://www.homeaffairs.gov.au
or
TLScontact – Australian Visa Application Centre
Telephone No : 27 (0) 12 472 3800 (International call rates apply)
Web Address : au.tlscontact.com http://www.teleperformance.com
Address (Pry) : 1st Floor, Menlyn Corner, Gobie Street, Corner of Lois/AtterburyRoad, (Opposite to Menlyn Park Shopping Centre) Menlyn, Pretoria
Address (Jnb) : 2nd Floor, 24 Central, 6 Gwen Lane, Corner of Gwen and Fredman Drive, Sandown, Sandton
Address (Dur) : 430 Peter Mokaba Ridge, 3rd Floor, Office Tower, The Atrium, Overport City, Durban
Address (Cpt) : Upper Ground Floor, Media Quarter Building, Cnr of De Smidt Street & Somerset Road, De Waterkant, Cape Town
Address (Plz) : Australian Biometric Collection Centre, Ground Floor Building, 66 Ring Road, Fairview Office Park, Greenacres
Good afternoon to all of you.
I am from the Republic of Mauritius and wanted to visit Australia with my wife as from the 25th October 2018 to the 14th November 2018 for a special occasion. Our last visa was granted on the 22nd August 2013 and has expired on the 22nd August 2017. Actually I am having problem to submit my application form 1419 on line as the Australian Embassy visa office in Mauritius is no more dealing with application of visas. Please advice us how to process our application form 1419, the right amount for visa charges, mode of payment and etc. A quick reply will be much appreciated.
Your faithfully,
Antoine AH-FAT.
Hi Antoine,
Thanks for contacting us.
I’m afraid we don’t specilise in visa application. For this you would need to contact the Embassy direct.
If there is no longer an Embassy in Mauritius then best to contact the Embassy in South Africa to see what they advise.
As they are the ones granting the visa’s they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
Greetings. I want to travel to Melbourne in December. I want to lodge an online application. Will I have to submit the passport for a visa stamp or what? Secondly will I have to submit my bio metrics in person? Thirdly should I have an air ticket for the visa application?
Hi there,
You welcome to read through our blog: “How To Apply for an Australian Visa”
Should you have any other visa queries you welcome to contact the official visa handling agency direct. They assist with visa process’s and will be able to provide you with the most up to date information on the correct procedures to follow.
Good day. I Have a flight booked for this evening and i don’t have a visa as yet. I tried calling the embassy but no response.
Hi Shahrazaad,
Sorry you struggling to get through to them.
You welcome to read through our blog. Here we give all the info of contact details and address where you can go direct to the Embassy.
We also provide the following info in the blog:
How to book an appointment
Book an appointment at the Visa Application Centre by registering on their website. Usually, visa applicants can book an appointment for the following working day. This might change during high season.
When applying through TLScontact, the entire application process at the Visa Application Centre should take about 30 to 45 minutes.
The appointment includes the biometrics test.
Hi
I applied for a Prospective Marriage Visa in March 2019 and had to provide biometrics. Question is will l be required to provide them again as l intend to apply for a Visitor’s visa to Australia or the same biometrics are still applicable
Hi Emma,
For this you would need to contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct. As they are the ones accepting the applications they will be able to advise accordingly.
I have bought a ticket with travel start for the 4th time . I have no voyager or frequent flyer points . I bought a ticket for australia through travel start they made no mention of a visa. I googled it and came to a site that took me four hours to fill in and I paid 1500.00. It seems , with a british passport I do not need to pay anything or get a visa. How do I now reverse this . I can find no information where I can talk to anyone at travel start .
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out.
When a booking is made on our website, you will receive a booking confirmation before the ticket is issued. On the booking confirmation we advise the following that a visa may be required and t please contact the local consultate or embassy of the country you are travelling to within a reasonable time before departure to provide for visa arrangments if necessary. When the ticket is issued when again mention this information.
Please see below what is mentioned on the booking confirmation and e-ticket sent.
Important Information
A visa may be required for your travels. Please contact the local consulate or embassy of the country you are travelling to within a reasonable time before departure to provide for visa arrangements if necessary. Note that a transit visa may also be necessary when travelling via certain countries.
You will need to provide a valid form of photo identification for each passenger (infants and children up to 16 years of age may travel with a birth certificate on domestic flights) when checking in for all flights. For domestic flights ID or Passport are accepted, on international flights Passport only. Failure to produce valid photo proof of identity matching the names on your reservation may result in you being refused check-in without refund.
Please take a minute to verify all your details, especially the passenger names and travel dates as once your ticket has been issued airline penalties may apply to make changes. If any of the information you have supplied is incorrect please contact us immediately at urgent@travelstart.com or 021 468 4300.
Should you need any assistance with visa quires you would need to contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct to see what they advise.
Hello,
Please could you advise if I need to have 2 pages next to each other blank in order to receive the Australian visa, not just 2 consecutive pages, but when the passport is opened, a double blank page.
Thanks,
Hi Julie,
Thanks for getting in touch.
To our knowledge when travelling you will need to have 2 consecutive pages in your passport. Please contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
Hi, i am Bartrand from sierra Leone wanting to migrate to australia and have job how can help me with all the document?
Hi there,
Thanks for contacting us.
I’m afraid we do not specialise with immigration related queries. For this you will need to contact the Embassy direct.
They will be able to advise on the correct procedures to follow when applying, what documents you will need from the employee you will be working for in Australia, what documents you will need from you side and the cost.
I have submitted an online visa application for Australia. Why do I then have to do biometric assessment in person? What is the use of online application then?
Hi Lettie,
Thanks for getting in touch.
It is the Australian Department of Home Affairs requirement, procedure and law.
Required to provide their biometrics along with their application, unless otherwise excluded or exempted from doing so under Australian Government policy.
They will:
* take a photo of your face with a digital camera
* scan all 10 of your fingertips with a digital finger scanner
They use your biometrics to identify you. This helps to:
* protect you from identity fraud
* make travel to Australia safer
* secure Australian borders
Australian Department of Home Affairs check your biometrics with other Australian or international agencies to verify:
* your identity
* your criminal history
* your protection status
They store your photos and fingerprints in a secure database. Only authorised officers can access the database.
Hi, if an Australia touring visa was granted but child refused a year ago how long should I wait to reapply?
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out and sorry to hear this.
The Embassy would need to advise when you would be able to apply again.
Evening
Do you need the employer to submit a form.
If you just want to visit australia?
Morning
The TLS Centre is no longer in South Africa…as of 21 June 2019. There is a redirect to the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
It appears that the form will need to be completed there – no further info on where to go submit it?
Hi Marcelle,
Am from nigeria and lives in south african …How do i apply for Tourist (short stay) visa and what is the Requirements ?
Good day
My brother in law is terminally ill and is currently in hospital in Darwin. He is an Australian citizen. For the past 2 years he is in-and-out of hospital. He MIGHT get better but currently it doesn’t look good. I therefore cannot say WHEN I plan to visit, since things can change overnight. But if he gets better, I want to visit anyway within the next 6 months. It is also possible that I should leave asap. I am from South Africa.
Should I apply for an emergency visa of just a normal visitor visa?
Thank you in advance
RENET
Hi Renetha,
Thanks for reaching out. Sorry to hear of this news with your brother.
Applying for an Australian visa can be quite a lengthy process and it is us to the Embassy if they will speed up the process.
I recommend you contact the Embassy direct, and they should be able to provide you on the best options.
Hi.
My visitors visa to Aus expires 19 Sept this year. I want to travel on 25 Sept 2019 (just after expiry).
Can I apply for a new visa before the 19 Sept – or do I have to wait for existing visa to expire?
Thank you
Hi Dawn,
Thanks for getting in touch.
For this you would need to contact the Australian embassy direct. As they are the ones granting the visa they will be able to advise if you are able to apply for a new visa while the old one is still valid.
Hi, I just wanted to find out… My brother, from South Africa, is currently studying in the U.S. and would like to visit me in Aus straight from the U.S. How would he go about getting a holiday visa in the U.S. if he only has a South African passport?
Hi Laura,
Thanks for getting in touch.
He would need to contact the nearest Australian Embassy in the US. They would be able to advise him on the correct procedures to follow when applying for a visa, where he would need to apply, what documents would be required and the cost.
Hi there
I have a bit of a problem and was hoping for help….I am a South African, but I live in the Philippines. I work in Iraq and am not able to go do my biometrics in person until my next leave rotation, when I will be back in SA for 10 days. I would like to try and then go to Australia, but I would be back in the Philippines by the time the visa is processed. Is it possible to apply for the visa in SA, but get it issued in the Philippines? Also, I can not put exact dates on my application, because I would like to go early, but if the visa is not issued on time, I would have to go back to work and postpone the trip till my next leave rotation….
Hi Ian,
Thanks for getting in touch.
I don’t think this is possible. As we do not do visa applications or grant them we recommend you contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency and they will be able to provide you with the most up to date information.
Hi where do we do the biometric assesment?
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
You welcome to contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information when applying for an Australian visa.
Can I apply for a short stay visa ( – 8 days) before I have booked my ticket. As I am unsure of the exact dates. It will be sometime either end of February 2020 or middle of March 2020. Can I start my application.
Hi Shirley,
Thanks for reaching out.
Please contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct for the most up to date information on correct way to apply for your visa. They will be able to advise what documents are required, correct procedures to follow and the cost.
hello, planning on visiting Sydney in Feb, just wondering what would be sufficient funds to have in my bank as a balance? Thank you
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
We recommend you contact the Embassy direct as they are granting the visa’s from their side. They will advise on what they feel is sufficient funds the applicant needs to have when applying for a visa.
Hi,
When I entered to my application status, it says Initial assessment.
However, below that, “it says Important information! This application requires additional supporting documentation. Please check correspondence and attach the requested documents. By clicking on the ‘Information Provided’ button you acknowledge that the Department may proceed to make a decision on the application. Not clicking the ‘Information Provided’ button in no way lengthens or overrides the period specified in the correspondence.”
I already checked my messages and the only one is about the biometrics, which I did two days ago.
So I don’t know what additional supporting documentation they mean or if it is about the biometrics only or if it’s something that appears by default. Should I click on the button that says “I confirm I’ve provided information as requested?”
I will really appreciate your help on this.
Hi Lou,
Thanks for reaching out.
Please contact the official visa handling agency or Embassy direct. They will need to look into this on their side and will be able to advise what additional support documents they are waiting on.
Good day,
I have been invited by the Ministry of Agriculture in Australia, i am supposed to leave in March 2, 2020. So i have a letter of invitation and my director has approved my trip, therefor I kept on reaching the embassy in cape town, in order to apply for a visa but i cannot go through at all, please advise what i should do now.
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Please contact the Embassy or the official visa handling agency. They will advise on the correct procedures to follow.