Blog / Visitor visas
How long does an Australian visitor visa take?
Short answer
As of 9 November 2026, Home Affairs decided 90% of Visitor visa (subclass 600) Tourist stream applications within 31 days, Business Visitor within 23 days and Sponsored Family within 89 days. The ETA (601) and eVisitor (651), for eligible passports, were usually decided in under a day.
Key facts
- Visitor visa, Tourist stream: 50% within 21 days, 90% within 31 days.
- Business Visitor stream: 90% within 23 days. Sponsored Family stream: 90% within 89 days.
- ETA (601) and eVisitor (651): 90% under 1 day and under 1 day.
- Source: Home Affairs figures published 9 November 2026, for applications decided in the period ending 30 September 2026.
Checked against Home Affairs every day. Last checked 11 November 2026.
Cite this page
AusVisaClock. “How long does an Australian visitor visa take?.” Updated 9 November 2026. https://ausvisaclock.com/blog/how-long-does-an-australian-visitor-visa-take/
The figures come from the Department of Home Affairs. You may quote them with a link to this page.
Visitor visa processing times
| Visa | 50% decided within | 75% | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|---|
| 600 Visitor visa Tourist | 21 days | 27 days | 31 days |
| 600 Visitor visa Business Visitor | 7 days | 14 days | 23 days |
| 600 Visitor visa Sponsored Family | 40 days | 54 days | 89 days |
| 601 Electronic Travel Authority | Under 1 day | Under 1 day | Under 1 day |
| 651 eVisitor visa | Under 1 day | Under 1 day | Under 1 day |
Apply well before you travel
The figures describe applications already decided, and individual applications can take longer. The department advises not to book travel you cannot change until a visa is granted.