Australian Tourist Visa for Indians: Simple Step-by-Step Guide
After dealing with a long list of documents, a tiring visa application and high-rejection chances, three months ago, while applying for a Schengen visa for Europe, when it came to planning a tourist visa for Australia, things felt pretty easier and uncomplicated. And that was not just me. A few other people, I spoke with, to get an idea about their experience, moreover gave the impression that Australia has always been humble with its visa process, even for Indians.
Though of course, if you compare a Thai or a Malaysian visa process for tourists, Australia still demands better planning and a little more paperwork.
Also Read: Tips For Australian Tourist Visa.
What Documents You Need For Australian Visa
Australian Embassy, on its website, has mentioned that it discourages any prepaid hotel booking and reserved flight tickets, before the issuance of your visa. It moreover doesn’t want any health insurance, as you need while applying for a visa for US and Schengen European countries.
However, the documents you may need, based on my practical knowledge — the ones I provided, include a cover letter mentioning my intention to travel Australia and a rough travel itinerary I had in mind, a flight PNR number which I booked (at no cost) using MakeMyTrip, sufficient travel funds, proof of my occupation as a travel blogger.
The First Step
Download the Application Form using the Australia Embassy website. If you’re applying it the traditional way, by visiting the VFS centre click the third option Visitor Visa (Subclass 600). Completing the application form takes less than 15 minutes, and if you’ve any doubts, they can be cleared at the VFS visa center while submitting the application form. You can even pay 1000 Rupees to VFS and they will fill it for you.
Please note that the Australian visa process is entirely electronic, and you even get a soft copy of your sanctioned visa, it doesn’t get stamped in your passport. You can also use an eVisitor option and (subclass 651) at no extra cost and courier your documents.
Submitting The Application. And Post Submission
Since I submitted the visa application by personally visiting the VFS center, I can assure you that it was an easy process. Unlike a Schengen visa, here you do not need to book an appointment with the VFS. Just hop in, finish the process — which takes less than 30 minutes to payment (as you’re not required any biometrics) — and wait for an email as a Yes or No to your application.
Please note that the Australian embassy does not stamp their visa in your passport, you come to know about their decision in an email. You print out the confirmed email and carry it along with you while travelling to Australia.
