How to Get an Australian Visa for Foreigners in Thailand

Info may change. For official details, visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs 🔗

เอกสารยื่นวีซ่าออสเตรเลีย ท่องเที่ยว และธุรกิจ

Understanding the Australian Visa System

With the exception of New Zealand citizens (who can apply for a visa upon arrival), all travelers need a valid visa before entering Australia.

It's important to know that Australia's visa system is fully electronic. You will not receive a physical visa sticker in your passport. All applications must be submitted online. If your visa is granted, you will receive a notification via your registered e-mail address. Your visa is digitally linked to your current passport number, so you do not need to print it out.

Australia offers many visa categories and subclasses. It is crucial to select the correct one that matches the purpose of your trip.

For example, if you plan to travel for a holiday or to visit family or friends, you should apply for one of the following, depending on your nationality:

Visitor visa (subclass 600)
Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)
eVisitor (subclass 651)

Steps to Apply for an Australian Visa

Choose the right visa: Identify the correct visa category and subclass for your trip.
Prepare your documents: Gather all required documents and photos. Ensure they are in the correct file format (e.g., JPG, PDF) and meet the specified size limits.
Important: All documents must be in English. If they are not, you must provide a certified English translation and attach it with the original document.
Complete the application: Fill in the official online application form and upload your supporting documents to the relevant sections. (Link to ImmiAccount 🔗)
Pay the fee: Pay the visa application fee online using a credit card.
Provide Biometrics: Make an appointment to submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at an Australian Biometric Collection Centre (ABCC). This should be done within 14 days after paying your visa fee.
Alternatively, if you are eligible, you may be able to use the Australian Immi App on your mobile phone to provide this information.
Wait for processing: Visa processing times vary from 1 to 14 days, depending on your individual status and the visa category.

Required Documents for Visitor Visa (subclass 600)

(For foreigners living in Thailand)

update 30-Oct-2025

1. Passport: A clear color copy of your passport's personal data page and every page with a visa or stamp. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned trip ends.

2. Photograph: One recent color photograph (size 2x2 inches or 800x800px) with a white background (JPG file).

3. Thai Residence Permit: A copy of your valid Thai long-term visa or residence permit.

4. National ID Card: A copy of your national ID card.

5. Thai House Registration: A copy of your Thai house registration (Blue Book or Yellow Book), if you have one.

6. Proof of Employment: (All documents must be in English)

For employees: An employment letter stating your position, salary, length of employment, and approved leave dates.
For business owners: Your business registration document showing your name.
For students: A certificate of enrollment from your school or university.

7. Financial Proof: Evidence of sufficient funds, such as bank statements from the last 6 months.

8. Travel Plans (for tourism): Your travel itinerary and hotel reservations.

9. Invitation (for visits): If visiting friends or family, you'll need an invitation letter from them, proof of your relationship, evidence of your contact, and (if they are supporting you) their financial documents.

10. Invitation (for business): An invitation letter from the company or organization you are visiting in Australia.

Note: All documents (Items 1-10) must be prepared according to specific file format and size limitations.

Visa & Service Fees

Australian Visa Fee (Visitor/Business): AUD 200.00 (This excludes credit card surcharge)
Biometric Collection Service Fee: THB 450.00

Important Remarks

Applicants over 75: A medical certificate is required. Please wait for an official request from the Department of Home Affairs before getting the medical check-up.
Minors (under 18) traveling alone: A consent letter from both parents is required.
Minors (under 16) providing biometrics: A parent must be present to give consent at the biometric collection appointment.

Biometric Collection (VFS Global)

All applicants are required to provide their biometrics at an Australian Biometric Collection Centre (ABCC).

Using the "Australian Immi App": If you have provided biometrics at an ABCC before and hold a valid passport, you may be eligible to use the "Australian Immi App" to provide your facial image and passport details directly from your phone. The app is available on the Play Store and App Store.

Australian Biometric Collection Centre (ABCC) Locations

Operated by VFS Global

Web: visa.vfsglobal.com/tha/en/aus 🔗

BANGKOK

The Shoppes at Belle Grand Rama 9
Unit - BS003 and BS003/1, 1st Floor, 131/1, 141/1 Rama 9 Road, Huay Kwang, Bangkok 10310
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 16:00 (except holidays)

CHIANG MAI

191 Siripanich building, 6B Floor, Huaykaew Road, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 16:00 (except holidays)

PHUKET

CCM Complex Building, 5th Floor, 77/77 Moo 5, Chalerm Prakiat Rama 9 Road, Ratsada, Mueang Phuket, Phuket 83000
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 16:00 (except holidays)

What is the Australian “Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)”?

The ETA (subclass 601) is an electronic authorization for citizens of eligible countries to enter Australia for short stays (tourism, visiting, or limited business activities).

In most cases, the ETA application result is immediate. It is valid for 12 months, allows multiple entries, and lets you stay for up to 3 months per visit.

Eligible travelers must apply for an ETA using the official “Australian ETA App” on their mobile phone before traveling to Australia.

Cost of ETA: AUD 20.00