Australia, known as the “Land of Contrasts,” exudes a rich history and culture. Featuring incredible wildlife, stunning scenery, fantastic weather, and delicious food, it is truly a unique and alluring country. So, if your airline travel involves passing through Australia before catching a connecting flight to your final destination, then obtaining a transit visa is necessary.
The Australian transit visa allows travellers to be in Australia for up to 72 hours before leaving the country. Maritime Crew visa holders can also use a transit visa to enter Australia through the air to join a non-military ship. It should be known that Maritime Crew visa holders are provided with a maximum of up to 5 days from arrival to sign onto their ships.
Additionally, travellers will be allowed to transit without requiring a visa, provided they arrive in Australia through an aircraft and have confirmed tickets to travel to a third country within 8 hours of arrival. They should also possess valid travel documents to enter the destination country, and there is no need to clear immigration or leave the airport lounge for any reason before catching the connecting flight. To learn more about the eligibility requirements for Transiting Without A Visa (TWOV), visit the official website here.
What are the Eligibility and Requirements?
When applying for an Australian transit visa, applicants must ensure that they meet the health requirements, character requirements, and biometric requirements, as laid down by the Government of Australia. Travellers should also possess health insurance since liability for any healthcare costs in Australia will be held by the applicants. As a result, having medical insurance can help limit your financial liability. To know more about what the Australian Government considers to be adequate health insurance for overseas visitors, visit the official declaration here. Australia also holds reciprocal healthcare agreements with multiple countries around the globe.
Additionally, if you or any of your family members (including those who have not applied for a visa) owe any sum of money to the Australian Government, then the same must be paid back in full. Also, if you are aged 18 years or older, then you have to acknowledge the Australian Values Statement. This is to ensure that you respect the Australian way of life and thereby comply with Australian laws and regulations when applying for the visa. It should be known that if you are entering Australia via air to join the crew of a non-military ship, then you should possess a Maritime Crew Visa in addition to the transit visa you are applying for. Lastly, the Australian Government may not grant the visa if it is not in the best interests of the applicant, who is aged less than 18 years.
What is the Processing Time?
The processing time for your Australian transit visa can vary depending on multiple factors, which are not disclosed by the Australian Government (Department of Home Affairs).
However, the authorities have revealed certain data regarding the processing times of transit visas, which state that 25 per cent of applications are processed within 1 day and 50 per cent of applications are processed within 4 days. Additionally, 75 per cent of applications are processed within 11 days, while 90 per cent of applications are processed within 19 days.
How to Apply For Australia Transit Visa Online?
Before you decide to apply for an Australian transit visa, keep in mind that you cannot stay in Australia by extending the visa. So, if you are planning to stay longer than 72 hours (or 5 days in the case of Maritime Crew), then you should apply for a different visa. Also, transit visa applications must be made separately for each travelling person, including babies on their parent’s passport. With that being said, follow the below-mentioned steps to apply for an Australian transit visa.
- Start your visa application procedure by first visiting the official website here.
- On the landing page, proceed to either create an Immi Account or sign in to an existing one.
- Once logged in, select the option to apply for a transit visa. You will be required to fill in your personal information, travel information, and other relevant details.
- After that, you have to upload or attach all the supporting documents mentioned previously.
- Once done, submit your application. You will be notified via your email address when your application is received by the Australian visa authorities.
- After submission, you can track your application status by logging into your Immi Account again.
Additionally, you will be notified by the visa authorities regarding the requirement of your biometrics in due time. Also, if you want to let the visa authorities know about any mistake on your application, you have to fill out Form 1023 here.
Australian transit visas are provided free of charge. For any additional queries, contact the relevant visa authorities at 131 881 (when calling from within Australia) or +61 2 6196 0196 (when calling from outside Australia).
