Australia visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Australia

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Australian Visa.

  • Applicants should ensure they have a completed and signed application.
  • A bank statement which is a proof that you have sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.
  • If you are visiting a friend or relative, ensure you have a letter of invitation from such person in Australia.
  • Information showing that you have the incentive to return to your home country.
  • An original copy of your birth certificate.
  • A passport sized photograph not older than six months which is in accordance with the passport format for a visa application.
  • A South African passport which will still be valid for at least 6 months from the date of visa application.
  • The itinerary for your stay in Australia.
  • Health insurance.

Australia Visa for South Africans

Facts about Australia

Australia ranks as one of the best countries to live in the world by international comparisons of wealth, education, health and quality of life. The sixth-largest country by land mass, its population is comparatively small with most people living around the eastern and south-eastern coastlines.Tourism in Australia is an important component of the Australian economy. In the financial year 2014/15, tourism represented 3.0% of Australia's GDP contributing A$47.5 billion to the national economy. Domestic tourism is a significant part of the tourism industry, representing 73% of the total direct tourism GDP.Australia is world famous for its natural wonders and wide open spaces, its beaches, deserts, "the bush", and "the Outback". Australia is one of the world's most highly urbanised countries; it is well known for the attractions of its large cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.

The country covers an area of 7,617,930 square kilometres making it the sixth largest country by total area. Australia is also the continent with the least fertile soil.  With the population of Australia comprising of 26 percent of immigrants, it has the ninth-largest immigrant population in the world.

Types of Australia Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 14 - 27 days 180 days
Business visa 14 - 27 days 180 days
Work visa 10 - 19 days 180 days
Transit visa 14 - 27 days 24 hours
Student visa 14 - 27 days 180 days

General Requirements for Australia Visa

  • Applicants should ensure they have a completed and signed application.
  • A bank statement which is a proof that you have sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.
  • If you are visiting a friend or relative, ensure you have a letter of invitation from such person in Australia.
  • Information showing that you have the incentive to return to your home country.
  • An original copy of your birth certificate.
  • A passport sized photograph not older than six months which is in accordance with the passport format for a visa application.
  • A South African passport which will still be valid for at least 6 months from the date of visa application.
  • The itinerary for your stay in Australia.
  • Health insurance.
Australia Tourist visa Australia Business visa Australia Work visa Australia Transit visa Australia Student visa

Australia Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa type is for those staying in Australia for a short period to visit friends and relatives.
  • The visa costs R1418 and is valid for 3 months.
  • It takes about 14 – 27 days to be processed.
  • It allows its holder multiple entry into the country.
  • Holders of this visa type are not allowed to take up work during their stay in Australia.
  • A letter of invitation from friend or relative you want to visit in Australia is needed.
  • Medical report from your local hospital showing that you are in good health condition.
  • If you are traveling with children, ensure they are vaccinated against Hepatitis B, polio, measles and tetanus.
  • If you are less than 18 and you are traveling alone, you need your birth certificate and an application form signed by both parents.

Australia Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa category is for people who want to perform business activities in Australia.
  • People with business visas have to provide a letter from their employers stating that he/she has been released for the business purpose.
  • The people who hold this visa are not allowed to take up work.
  • They are allowed to attended business meetings and sign contracts.
  • A typical business visa costs about R5370 to be processed.
  • A letter from your employer showing he approved your travel and the duration of your stay in Australia.
  • Medical report from a doctor in South Africa showing the person is in perfect health condition.
  • It is valid for 180 days and gives its holder access to multiple entry into the country.

Australia Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This type of visa affords its holder the luxury of touring the country and working at the same time.
  • You are allowed to take up work during your visit.
  • A document showing that you have the incentive to return to your home country is required.
  • The visa takes about 10 – 19 days to be processed.
  • If you are a minor, you need your birth certificate and an application form signed by both parents.
  • You are expected to provide a medical report from a medical institution in South Africa.
  • Proof of vaccination against yellow fever.
  • A letter of invitation from the company you have been employed in.
  • It costs R2888.
  • It is a multiple entry visa.

Australia Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • A transit visa allows its applicants transit through Australia.
  • Holders of this visa can also be a ship crew arriving by air to join a ship.
  • This visa category is free.
  • You cannot take up work with this visa type.
  • Vaccination against yellow fever is required.
  • Touring the country for the purpose of tourism is not allowed.
  • It takes about 14 – 27 days to be processed.
  • After leaving the country, the visa is no longer valid.

Australia Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is meant for those visiting Australia for the purpose of study.
  • If the visa reaches its validity without the holder not being done with his/her course, the visa can be renewed.
  • Students are permitted to work for up to 20 hours a day.
  • It typically has a validity of 6 months.
  • It is common for students to be exploited by their employers. Employers seem to pay half the minimum salary.
  • If you are minor, you original birth certificate is required.
  • The visa costs R5826 and has a processing time of 14 – 27 days.
  • A letter of admission is required from the institution the holder is enrolling.

Australia Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

1418.00 (AUD)

Business visa

5370.00 (AUD)

Work visa

2888.00 (AUD)

Transit visa

140.00 (AUD)

Student visa

5826.00 (AUD)

Australia Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

Australia High Commission, 292 Orient Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa.

https://southafrica.embassy.gov.au

pretoria.info@ft.gov.au

+27 12 423 6000

Cape Town

Upper Ground Floor, Media Quarter Building, Cnr of De Smidt Street & Somerset Road, De Waterkant Cape Town, South Africa

+27 12 472 3800

Johannesburg

2nd Floor, 24 Central, 6 Gwen Lane, Corner of Gwen and Fredman Drive, Sandown, Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa

+27 12 472 3800

Durban

430 Peter Mokaba Ridge, 3rd Floor, Office Tower, The Atrium, Overport City, Durban, South Africa.

+27 12 472 3800

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a transit visa to travel through Australia??

Yes, it is necessary to possess a transit visa if you intend to travel through Australia.

Is Australian tourist visa multiple entry??
Yes, this visa type allows multiple entry.
How long can I stay on a visitor visa in Australia??
With a visitor visa, you can stay in the country for up to 6 months.
Can I get Australian citizenship if I marry an Australian??

Yes, it is possible to obtain citizenship if you marry an Australian.

What documents are required for Australian tourist visa??

The documents required for an Australian tourist visa are mentioned above.

If you are 80 years old do you need a doctors certificate for the visit to family and where do you get this from. Before you apply for a visa. Thank you?