Last Updated: 16 September 2026
South Africans need an Australian visa before travelling. For holidays, family visits and business visits the usual option is the Visitor visa (subclass 600), applied for online.
South Africans are not eligible for the ETA or eVisitor used by some other nationalities.
Tell us your travel dates, purpose and number of applicants for a Australia visa.
Get Visa AssistanceDo South Africans Need a Visa for Australia?
Yes. South African passport holders need a visa for Australia. The Visitor visa (subclass 600) covers tourism and business visitor activities.
Australia Visa Requirements for South Africans
Requirements vary according to visa type and applicant circumstances. The Department of Home Affairs looks at whether you are a genuine visitor with enough funds, and at health and character requirements.
Health insurance is strongly advised and some visas carry a condition requiring adequate health insurance. Confirm the latest requirements before submitting your application.
Types of Australia Visas
| Visa or permission | Typically used for |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (600) - Tourist stream | Holidays and visiting family and friends |
| Visitor visa (600) - Business Visitor stream | Meetings, conferences, negotiations |
| Visitor visa (600) - Sponsored Family stream | Visits sponsored by an eligible family member |
| Work, study and skilled visas | Longer stays - separate subclasses |
Australia Tourist Visa
Holidays use the Tourist stream of the subclass 600 visa. See Australia Tourist Visa South Africa.
Australia Business Visa
Short business visits use the Business Visitor stream. It does not allow work for an Australian business.
Australia Visa Guides
How to Apply for a Australia Visa from South Africa
- Create an ImmiAccount with the Department of Home Affairs.
- Complete the Visitor visa (600) application in the right stream.
- Upload supporting documents.
- Pay the visa application charge.
- Attend biometrics or health checks if requested.
- Receive the decision by email - visas are electronic.
Australia Visa Cost in South Africa
Australian visa charges are reviewed each financial year. The offshore Tourist stream charge increased to AUD 250 on 1 July 2026.
| Cost item | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor visa (600) Tourist stream, outside Australia | AUD 250 (approx. R2,680) | Official visa application charge from 1 July 2026 |
| Biometrics or health examinations | Only if requested - varies | Official or panel provider costs |
| Travel or health insurance | Varies by age and trip length | Third-party cost |
| Visa assistance (ImmiAccount application, file review) | R1,500 - R4,000 per applicant | Optional assistance fee |
Fees may change and should be confirmed with the relevant government, embassy, consulate or authorised visa application provider before applying. Rand amounts are approximate conversions and assistance fees are indicative market ranges, not quotations.
Get the assistance fee for your actual Australia application rather than a range.
Compare Visa Assistance QuotesAustralia Visa Processing Time
Home Affairs publishes global processing times for each stream and updates them regularly. Check the official visa processing times page before booking flights.
Processing times are estimates and can change.
Where to Apply in South Africa
There is no in-person application for most visitors - you apply online through ImmiAccount. If biometrics are requested, the request letter explains where to attend.
Documents Needed
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport | Bio-data page scan |
| Proof of funds | Bank statements |
| Employment proof | Leave approval letter |
| Itinerary | Planned dates and bookings |
| Invitation | For family visits or business |
| Family documents | For children travelling |
Common Reasons Visa Applications Are Delayed
- Requests for more information.
- Health examination requests.
- Poor scans or missing pages.
- Unclear travel purpose.
Visa Application Assistance
A provider can complete the ImmiAccount application with you and review evidence before you pay the charge. See visa application assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do South Africans need a visa for Australia?
Yes. South Africans need a visa, usually the Visitor visa (subclass 600).
How much is an Australian visa from South Africa?
The Tourist stream charge is AUD 250 (approx. R2,680) for applications made outside Australia from 1 July 2026.
Can I apply for an Australian visa online?
Yes, through ImmiAccount. Most visitor applications have no in-person step unless biometrics are requested.
Can South Africans get an Australian ETA?
No. The ETA is only available to certain passport holders. South Africans apply for the Visitor visa.
Does the Business Visitor stream allow work?
No. It covers business visitor activities such as meetings and conferences, not work.
Requests sent through Visa Application go to independent providers who handle Australia applications regularly.
Related Pages
Visa approval is solely at the discretion of the relevant immigration authority. Visa Application is not a government department, embassy, consulate or visa application centre, and no provider can guarantee approval, appointment availability or processing time.
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