Australia Tourist Visa Cost from India 2026: Subclass 600 Fees and Full Price Breakdown

How Much Does an Australia Tourist Visa Cost from India in 2026? (Quick Answer)

For most Indian passport holders applying for an Australian tourist visa from outside Australia, the government application charge for the subclass 600 Tourist stream is AUD 250 per applicant, as of July 2026, according to visa consultancy sources (not yet independently confirmed via the Home Affairs fee estimator). At an indicative exchange rate of 1 AUD = 55 INR, that works out to roughly INR 13,750 per person before any service fees, biometrics costs or optional extras. That rate is already outdated after the 1 July 2026 fee increase, and it will keep shifting with daily market movements.

That AUD 250 is the starting point, not the total. Once you factor in mandatory biometrics at a VFS Global centre, possible document translation charges, and a potential card payment surcharge, the realistic out-of-pocket amount for a single applicant is higher. Families must also remember that each member pays the application charge separately. This guide breaks down every cost component so you can plan your budget before lodging.

Subclass 600 Visa Application Charge by Stream

The subclass 600 Visitor visa has several streams, and each carries a different application charge. Indian applicants most commonly apply under the Tourist stream from outside Australia, but the other streams are worth knowing if your situation involves sponsorship or frequent travel.

• Tourist stream (offshore, applied for from India): AUD 250 per applicant, as of July 2026, according to visa consultancy sources (not yet independently confirmed via the Home Affairs fee estimator)
• Frequent Traveller stream: AUD 1,845 as of July 2026, per visa agent reporting; not independently confirmed by Home Affairs
• Sponsored Family stream: reports suggest either AUD 415 or AUD 250; this figure conflicts between aggregator sources and is unconfirmed by Home Affairs; verify the exact charge on the Home Affairs fee estimator before lodging
• Business Visitor stream: aggregator sources disagree on the exact post-July 2026 figure; check the Home Affairs fee estimator before lodging

The Frequent Traveller stream is designed for nationals of specific countries, primarily China and several Southeast Asian nations, who travel to Australia regularly. Indian passport holders are not typically eligible for this stream, so the AUD 250 Tourist stream charge is the relevant figure for most people reading this guide.

For the onshore Tourist stream, that is, applying while already inside Australia, each person must lodge a separate application and pay the charge individually, including those listed on the same passport, typically. Confirm the exact application-grouping rules with Home Affairs or VFS before lodging.

What the Government Fee Includes and What It Does Not

The visa application charge covers only the government's cost of assessing the application, typically. This is a general description from aggregator sources rather than a direct Home Affairs statement. It pays for a case officer to review your documents and determine whether you meet the criteria for the subclass 600 visa.

The government fee does not cover any of the following:

• Biometrics collection (fingerprints and photograph at a VFS Global Australian Visa Application Centre)
• Medical examinations or chest X-rays, where required
• Police clearance certificates
• Professional translation of non-English documents
• Migration agent or visa consultant fees
• Travel insurance premiums
• VFS Global service fees for any add-on services
• Any credit card or PayPal surcharge applied at the point of payment in ImmiAccount

Each of these adds meaningfully to the total. That's why the government application charge alone understates what most Indian applicants will actually spend.

Biometrics, Health Checks and Other Mandatory Costs

Biometrics at VFS Global

Indian applicants for an Australian visa must provide biometrics, fingerprints and a photograph, at a VFS Global Australian Visa Application Centre or Australian Biometrics Collection Centre in India. According to VFS Global, you must pay the Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) service fee when booking a biometrics appointment. The exact fee in rupees varies, so check the VFS Global India portal for Australian visas for current pricing before booking your appointment.

VFS Global has announced new Indian Consular Application Centres launching across India and Australia as of mid-to-late 2026, with mandatory appointments at all centres. Walk-in biometrics collection is no longer available at most locations, so plan ahead and book early.

Health Examinations

Most subclass 600 applicants do not need a health examination. Per Australian government health-requirement guidance last confirmed in 2017 (verify current validity with the Department of Home Affairs), applicants planning to stay in Australia for six months or more must undergo a chest X-ray and a full medical examination. Applicants aged 75 or older are required to undergo a medical examination regardless of their intended length of stay, per the same guidance.

A migration agent guide similarly notes that Tourist stream applicants under 75 from lower-risk countries generally do not need a health examination. Those from higher-risk country classifications, which can change over time, typically, and those staying six months or more, will need a medical report and a chest X-ray. If you fall into one of these categories, the examination takes place at an approved panel physician. Costs vary by clinic and city and are not fixed by the government.

Police Clearance Certificate

The Department of Home Affairs requires all applicants and family sponsors aged 16 or over to provide a police clearance certificate from each country where they lived or travelled for more than 12 months cumulatively in the last 10 years. For most Indian applicants, this means obtaining a PCC from Indian authorities through the Passport Seva portal or a regional passport office. The exact processing fee should be confirmed directly with those authorities, as a specific INR figure was not available from official sources at the time of writing.

Optional and Hidden Costs to Budget For

Document Translation

The Department of Home Affairs requires that non-English supporting documents, such as birth certificates, bank statements and employment letters, be translated by an accredited professional. This typically costs AUD 40 to AUD 80 per document, and prices vary by provider and document type. For a standard application with three or four documents requiring translation, this could add AUD 120 to AUD 320 to the overall cost.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not a legal requirement for the Australia subclass 600 Tourist stream, but it is strongly recommended. Australia does not have reciprocal healthcare agreements with most countries, and medical costs there can be extremely high. A migration agent guide notes that travel insurance is sometimes expected by case officers reviewing Tourist stream applications. Premium amounts vary by duration of stay, age and coverage level. Compare quotes from Indian insurers such as Bajaj Allianz, ICICI Lombard or Tata AIG before departing.

Card Payment Surcharge

The Department of Home Affairs confirms that a surcharge may apply when paying Australian visa application charges by credit card or PayPal through ImmiAccount. The exact percentage is not stated in the publicly available fee overview. Check the payment screen in ImmiAccount before confirming your transaction to see the surcharge amount that applies on the day.

Migration Agent Fees

Engaging a Registered Migration Agent is optional but can be useful if your application involves complex circumstances, a previous refusal or gaps in documentation. Typical agent fees for a subclass 600 Tourist visa for an Indian applicant were not confirmed from a reliable source at the time of writing. Rates vary significantly by agent and case complexity, so request itemised quotes from several RMAs before deciding.

VFS Add-On Services

VFS Global India offers optional services such as passport courier return. The exact fee for this service in India was not confirmed at the time of writing. The current VFS Global India portal for Australian visas carries the latest pricing for all optional services.

Total Cost Scenarios for Indian Applicants

The following scenarios use the fact pack available at the time of writing. All AUD-to-INR conversions use an indicative rate of 1 AUD = 55 INR, which is outdated following the 1 July 2026 fee increase and will change with market movements. Use a live rate at the time of payment for accurate planning.

Scenario 1 — Single applicant, short stay, straightforward application

• Government application charge: AUD 250 (approximately INR 13,750 at the indicative rate)
• Biometrics service fee at VFS Global: check the VFS Global India portal for the current INR amount
• No health examination required (applicant under 75, staying fewer than six months)
• Travel insurance: obtain a quote from an Indian insurer
• Total government charge alone: approximately INR 13,750 before biometrics and insurance

Scenario 2 — Family of four (two adults, two children), short stay

• Government application charge: AUD 250 per person; every family member pays separately, typically
• Four applications at AUD 250 each: AUD 1,000 (approximately INR 55,000 at the indicative rate)
• Biometrics for each eligible family member: check VFS Global portal
• Document translation if any supporting documents are not in English: AUD 40 to AUD 80 per document, typically
• Total government charges alone: approximately INR 55,000 before biometrics, translation and insurance

Scenario 3 — Single applicant, sponsored by an Australian-based family member

• Sponsored Family stream charge: reports suggest either AUD 250 or AUD 415; these figures conflict between aggregator sources and are unconfirmed by Home Affairs
• Applicants in this scenario should confirm the exact charge on the Home Affairs fee estimator before lodging to avoid budgeting on an incorrect figure

How to Pay from India

The subclass 600 application is lodged online through ImmiAccount, the Department of Home Affairs' application portal. The government application charge is paid at the time of lodgement using a credit card, debit card or PayPal. The Department of Home Affairs confirms a surcharge may apply for credit card and PayPal payments. Check the payment screen in ImmiAccount before confirming.

There is no option to pay the government application charge in Indian rupees at a VFS Global centre. The charge is billed in Australian dollars, and your bank will apply its own exchange rate along with any foreign currency transaction fee it levies. Using a card with low or no foreign exchange fees, a feature offered by some Indian travel credit cards and multi-currency prepaid cards, can reduce this secondary cost.

The VFS Global biometrics service fee is paid separately when booking an appointment through the VFS Global India portal, typically in Indian rupees. Keep your payment receipts from both ImmiAccount and VFS, as they form part of your application record.

Refunds, Rejections and Reapplication Costs

The Australian government does not usually refund the visa application charge for the subclass 600 or any other visa, even if the application is refused or the applicant withdraws it after lodgement. Refunds are the exception, not the rule. This is one of the most consequential financial facts for Indian applicants to understand before submitting.

If a subclass 600 visa is refused after being validly lodged, the application charge is generally not refundable simply because the application was unsuccessful. Refunds are available only in limited circumstances, for example, where a visa is refused before processing begins or the application is a duplicate. Refund requests are submitted via Form 1424 or online through ImmiAccount if the applicant is eligible. Confirm the exact form number and process with the Department of Home Affairs before submitting, according to migration agent guidance.

A refused application does not prevent reapplication, but each new lodgement requires paying the full application charge again. At AUD 250 per application, as of July 2026, per consultancy sources, a second attempt after refusal adds another AUD 250. You pay it twice. Addressing the documented reasons for refusal before paying for a second lodgement, ideally with input from a Registered Migration Agent, reduces the risk of a repeated outcome.

Biometrics already on file from a previous application may not need to be recollected for a subsequent application, depending on how recently they were taken. Confirm this with VFS Global or Home Affairs before booking a new biometrics appointment.

Recent Changes (2025-2026 Updates)

Australian visa application charges, including the subclass 600, increased for applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026 under the Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2026, according to migration agent reports. Verify this against the cited Legislative Instrument directly with Home Affairs before relying on it.

Reports suggest the 1 July 2026 update raised most visa subclass charges, including the subclass 600, by roughly 25%, a notably larger rise than the usual consumer price index-linked adjustments applied in prior years. This is not an official Home Affairs figure. Confirm the exact percentage on the Home Affairs fee estimator.

The 1 July 2025 update also implemented an across-the-board increase affecting nearly every visa subclass, including the Visitor visa, according to migration agent reporting on a Home Affairs announcement at that time. The subclass 600 charge has therefore risen twice in consecutive financial years.

Australia's Visa Application Charges are typically indexed annually, with changes taking effect on 1 July of each financial year. Applicants planning to lodge in mid-2027 or later should check the Home Affairs fee estimator close to their intended lodgement date, as a further adjustment is possible.

On biometrics, VFS Global has confirmed mandatory appointments at all Indian Consular Application Centres as of mid-to-late 2026. No rule changes specific to Indian applicants only, such as a biometrics exemption, quota or new document requirement applying exclusively to Indian nationals, were identified at the time of writing.

FAQ

What is the Australia tourist visa fee from India in 2026?

The government application charge for the subclass 600 Tourist stream, applied for from outside Australia, is AUD 250 per applicant as of July 2026, according to visa consultancy sources (not yet independently confirmed via the Home Affairs fee estimator). At an indicative and outdated exchange rate of 1 AUD = 55 INR, this is approximately INR 13,750. Biometrics, translation and optional services are additional and paid separately.

Is the AUD 250 fee per person or per family?

The application charge is per person. Every family member included in an Australia subclass 600 application pays the visa application charge separately, typically. For a family of four, the government charges alone would be AUD 1,000 before any service fees or biometrics costs.

Can I get a refund if my Australia tourist visa is refused?

Generally no. The Australian government does not usually refund the visa application charge for the subclass 600, even if the application is refused or withdrawn. In limited eligible circumstances a refund may be possible and can be requested via Form 1424 or through ImmiAccount; confirm the exact process and eligibility criteria with the Department of Home Affairs before assuming a refund applies to your situation.

Do I need to pay for biometrics separately from the visa application charge?

Yes. Biometrics must be provided at a VFS Global Australian Visa Application Centre or Australian Biometrics Collection Centre in India, and VFS Global states that the ICAC service fee is mandatory when booking a biometrics appointment. This is a separate cost paid through the VFS Global India portal, not through ImmiAccount.

Do I need a medical examination for an Australia tourist visa?

Most applicants under 75 from lower-risk countries applying for a short stay do not need a medical examination. Per Australian government health-requirement guidance last confirmed in 2017 (verify current validity), applicants planning to stay six months or more must undergo a chest X-ray and full medical examination. All applicants aged 75 or older require a medical examination regardless of intended stay length, per the same guidance. Check the Home Affairs website for the current health requirement relevant to your circumstances.

Is travel insurance compulsory for the Australia subclass 600 visa?

Travel insurance is not a legal requirement for the subclass 600 Tourist stream. It is, however, strongly recommended because Australia does not have reciprocal healthcare agreements with most countries and medical costs can be very high. A migration agent guide notes it is sometimes expected by case officers, so including evidence of coverage in your application can support a positive outcome.

What payment methods are accepted for the Australia visa fee?

The government application charge is paid online through ImmiAccount using a credit card, debit card or PayPal. The Department of Home Affairs confirms a surcharge may apply for credit card and PayPal payments; the exact percentage is not published in the available fee overview and should be checked on the payment screen in ImmiAccount before confirming. Your Indian bank may also charge a foreign currency transaction fee since the charge is billed in Australian dollars.

Did Australia increase visa fees in 2025 and 2026?

Yes, increases occurred in both years. According to migration agent reporting, the Department of Home Affairs implemented an across-the-board increase on 1 July 2025. A further increase took effect on 1 July 2026, with reports suggesting a rise of roughly 25% across most visa subclasses including the subclass 600, though this is not an official Home Affairs figure. Always check the Home Affairs fee estimator immediately before lodging, as fees are reviewed annually and typically change on 1 July.

Do I need a police clearance certificate for an Australia tourist visa?

The Department of Home Affairs requires all applicants and family sponsors aged 16 or over to provide a police clearance certificate from each country where they lived or travelled for more than 12 months cumulatively in the last 10 years. For most Indian applicants, this means obtaining a PCC from Indian authorities through the Passport Seva portal or a regional passport office. The exact processing fee should be confirmed directly with those authorities.

Where can I find the exact, up-to-date Australia visa application charge before I apply?

The most reliable source is the Visa Pricing Estimator on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Fees change annually and typically increase on 1 July each financial year. Any figure quoted by a third-party aggregator or visa platform, including the illustrative amounts in this guide, should be verified against the official estimator on the day of lodgement, since consultancy websites and migration agent reports can lag behind official updates.