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Family & Kids Travel

Australia Visitor Visa Fees Are Increasing – What Indian Families Should Know Before Inviting Relatives from India 

Australia visitor visa fee from india

If you are an Indian living in Australia and you want to invite your parents, siblings, or relatives from India to visit you, there is one thing you need to plan carefully before anything else: the visitor visa. And in 2026, that planning just got a little more expensive. The Australian Government increased visitor visa fees from 1 July 2026, and if you are sponsoring a family visit, understanding exactly what changed and what it means for your application is essential. 

This guide covers everything Indian families need to know about visitor visa Australia fees, from what the visa actually is, to who can apply, how much it now costs, how to apply correctly, and how to avoid the most common mistakes that lead to rejection. 

What Is the Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)? 

Indian family travels to Australia

The Australia Visitor Visa, officially known as the Subclass 600, is a temporary visa that allows people from outside Australia to visit the country for a short period of time. It is designed for tourists, business visitors, or people who want to visit family for 3, 6, or 12 months. 

The Subclass 600 is not a single visa with one set of rules. It is divided into several streams depending on the purpose of the visit: 

  • Tourist Stream: This allows the visa holder to stay in Australia temporarily for tourism or family visits. The visa does not allow the holder to work in Australia or study for more than 3 months. 
  • Business Visitor Stream: This stream is for people visiting Australia for short-term business activities such as attending conferences or meetings. It does not permit the holder to work or provide services to an Australian business. 
  • Sponsored Family Stream: This stream is specifically for people visiting family members who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. As the person in Australia, you act as the formal sponsor. 
  • Frequent Traveller Stream: This stream is for people who travel to Australia regularly and have a strong compliance history. It can grant a validity period of up to 10 years but is assessed strictly. 

⚠️ The Sponsored Family Stream Security Bond Risk: While the Sponsored Family Stream sounds like the default choice for family visits, migration experts frequently advise Indian families to apply under the standard Tourist Stream (Offshore) instead. Under the Sponsored Family Stream, the Department of Home Affairs has the legal authority to impose a mandatory security bond, usually between AUD 5,000 and AUD 15,000 per person, n the Australian sponsor. This bond is held until the visitor departs. Applying via the Tourist Stream while simply providing a strong invitation letter avoids these strict formal sponsorship ties and heavy financial bond risks.  

Who Can Apply for the Australia Visitor Visa from India? 

visitor visa australia fees for Indian families

Indian passport holders must apply for the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa to enter Australia. The cheaper eVisitor (Subclass 651) and ETA (Subclass 601) streams are restricted to passport holders of specific eligible countries, and India is not on either list. This means every Indian national must go through the full Subclass 600 application process. 

Indian nationals who are eligible to apply for the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa include: 

  • Parents or in-laws of Indian professionals living in Australia on a work visa 
  • Parents or in-laws of Indian students currently studying in Australia 
  • Siblings, grandparents, or other close relatives of Indian permanent residents or citizens in Australia 
  • Relatives wanting to attend a family event such as a wedding, graduation, or the birth of a child 
  • Older relatives coming to help care for a newborn or young children 
  • Relatives wanting to experience Australia for tourism purposes 

There is no strict age limit for applying, but older applicants, particularly those above 60 years of age, may be asked to undergo a medical health examination as part of the assessment process. The visa is assessed entirely on the individual circumstances of the applicant. 

What Changed – New Visitor Visa Australia Fees 2026 

Australia revised its visa application charges effective from 1 July 2026. For the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Tourist stream applied for outside Australia, the base fee is now AUD 250 per applicant. 

Here is the breakdown of the new visitor visa base application charges: 

Visa Stream Purpose Base Fee Before 1 July 2026 Base Fee From 1 July 2026 
Tourist Stream (Offshore) Relatives applying from India AUD 200 AUD 250 
Tourist Stream (Onshore) Extending stay while inside Australia AUD 500 AUD 630 
Frequent Traveller Stream Regular visitors (up to 10-year validity) AUD 1,600 AUD 1,845 

What does this mean for Indian families? 

If you are supporting two parents to visit from India, the combined government base application fee is now AUD 500 (2 x AUD 250). On top of that, you need to budget for: 

  • Biometrics collection at VFS Global India 
  • Health examinations if requested by the Department of Home Affairs 
  • Standard credit card surcharges and currency conversion fees 

The visa application charge is non-refundable even if the visa is refused. This makes it essential to prepare a strong application the first time. 

How to Apply for Australia Visitor Visa from India – Step by Step 

The entire application process for the Subclass 600 is done online via ImmiAccount. There is no physical form to submit. 

Step 1 – Log Into or Create an ImmiAccount 

All visitor visa applications are submitted online through ImmiAccount via immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Important Note: The applicant in India does not need to create their own separate account. An individual sponsor or family member living in Australia can use their own personal ImmiAccount to complete the forms, upload documentation, track status, and pay the visa fee on behalf of their relatives. 

Step 2 – Select the Correct Visa Stream 

Select the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Tourist Stream (or Sponsored Family Stream if providing a formal, legal sponsorship) and fill out all sections. You will need to provide personal details, travel plans, employment history, financial information, and health/character declarations. 

Step 3 – Prepare and Upload Supporting Documents 

The documents you upload must demonstrate the applicant’s intent to visit temporarily and return home. Key documents include: 

  • Valid Indian passport 
  • Recent passport-sized photograph 
  • Last 6 months of bank statements showing regular income and a consistent balance 
  • Proof of employment or business ownership in India (salary slips, employment letters) 
  • Proof of property ownership or other significant ties to India 
  • Travel itinerary showing intended dates and plans in Australia 
  • An invitation letter from you (the host/sponsor in Australia) 
  • Proof of your Australian status (passport copy, citizenship certificate, or visa grant notice) 

Step 4 – Pay the Visa Application Charge 

Pay the base charge online (AUD 250 for offshore applications) through ImmiAccount using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal. 

Step 5 – Complete Biometrics or Health Checks if Requested 

After lodging, the Department may issue letters requesting biometrics collection at a VFS Global center or a health examination. Respond promptly to avoid processing delays. 

Step 6 – Receive the Outcome 

The decision notification arrives via email and is updated in the ImmiAccount. If granted, the visa is electronic and digitally linked to the passport—no physical sticker is required. 

How to Avoid Rejection – Understanding the “Genuine Visitor” Requirement 

The single most critical factor in a Subclass 600 application is satisfying the statutory Genuine Visitor requirement. Case officers evaluate whether the applicant genuinely intends to maintain a temporary stay in Australia and return home. 

Here is what makes an application strong: 

  • Strong Ties to India: Solid proof that the applicant has a stable life to return to, such as ongoing employment, a running business, property ownership, financial assets, or close family members remaining in India. 
  • Consistent Financial History: Bank statements should show a stable, regular pattern of income and savings over at least 6 months. Large, unexplained deposits made right before applying are a major red flag. 
  • Clear Travel Plans: A realistic itinerary outlining where they will stay and who they will visit helps establish genuine tourist intentions. 
  • Honesty Regarding History: Always disclose any past visa refusals for Australia or any other country. Failing to declare a past refusal is flagged as a character issue and frequently leads to automatic rejection. 

Planning a family reunion doesn’t have to break the bank. If you want to reunite with your loved ones in India instead, Gaura Travel offers a special family sale to help you book promo flights to India and head home at a more affordable price. 

FAQ – Visitor Visa Australia Fees and Application

What is the current visitor visa Australia fee from India? 

The offshore application fee for the Subclass 600 Tourist Stream is AUD 250 effective from 1 July 2026. 

Can I apply for the visa on behalf of my parents using my own account? 

Yes. You can log into your own individual ImmiAccount in Australia, fill out their application details, upload their documents, and make the payment for them. 

What is the difference between the Tourist Stream and the Sponsored Family Stream?  

While both allow family visits, the formal Sponsored Family Stream requires the sponsor to complete a legal sponsorship obligation and gives the Department the right to demand a mandatory security bond (often between AUD 5,000 and AUD 15,000). Because of this, many families opt for the Tourist Stream while simply providing an invitation letter and proof of support.  

How long does the visa take to process?

Visa processing times fluctuate wildly depending on application volume, seasonality, and individual case complexity. You should always check the live, updated processing times directly on the Department of Home Affairs website rather than relying on historical averages. Never book non-refundable travel until the visa is granted.  

Is health insurance mandatory for a visitor visa?

While not explicitly mandatory for standard shorter stays under the Subclass 600 Tourist stream, it is highly recommended. Medical care in Australia is expensive for non-residents, and holding comprehensive travel/health insurance strengthens the proof that the applicant can cover unexpected expenses. 

Categories
Family & Kids Travel Travel Guide

Reliving Our Indian Childhood Memories, Games, and Stories 

Cherished Indian Childhood Memories 

Taking a trip down memory lane by immersing oneself in indian childhood memories can be a heartwarming and nostalgic experience that many in adulthood choose to reminisce about and embrace. It allows you to revisit your roots and reconnect with your past, which can be a refreshing change of pace from your everyday routines in your second home. For more reflections on reconnecting with your past, check out our piece on the emotional experience of going home after years abroad

As you delve into these recollections, you might recall the games you played with your friends, from kho-kho to hide-and-seek. You might also think back fondly on the simple pleasure of snacking on your favorite foods, such as potato patties and samosas, and the joy they brought us. 

Remembering the sights, sounds, and smells of your upbringing can transport you back in time and provide a glimpse into your formative years. It’s a way to celebrate your roots and the experiences that shaped you into the person you are today. 

Traditional Indian Childhood Games 

Do you remember those carefree days playing classic indian childhood games like hide and seek, latto-latto, gili danda, kho-kho, and kancha with your friends? Running around, laughing, and having the time of your life without a worry in the world. And how can we forget the fun of Holi, splashing colourful paints on each other, and enjoying the festive vibes with a wide grin on our faces?  

Those were the days when staying at home meant watching your favorite TV shows that added color and happiness to your life. From the beloved cartoon character Doraemon to the musical game show Antakshari, from the magical world of Shaka Laka Boom Boom to the superhero Shaktimaan, and the sorceress Karishma from Karishma Kaa Karishma, these shows were an integral part of growing up.  

Watching these shows brought a sense of joy and excitement into our lives, transporting us to another world where anything was possible. 

Nostalgic Indian Childhood Snacks and Treats 

Beyond the games and shows, no trip down memory lane is complete without thinking about iconic indian childhood snacks. Whether it was grabbing a quick bite of crispy samosas, enjoying tangy street-side treats, or sharing potato patties with school friends after class, these flavors defined our youth. 

These simple pleasures brought us immense joy and comfort. Coupled with sharing indian childhood stories of our latest neighborhood adventures, secret hiding spots, and school yard escapades, these moments created an unbreakable bond among friends that lasts to this day. You can also read more about family bonds and heritage in the healing power of family stories of reconnection

Coming Back Home with Gaura Travel 

Imagine gathering around with your childhood friends, sharing stories of your adventures, and reliving the good old days. It’s a wonderful way to bond and reconnect with the people who played a significant role in shaping your early years.  

And what better way to make this happen than by booking an affordable flight with us? We offer a wide range of budget-friendly flight deals that can take you home to your loved ones without breaking the bank. For just $599, you can book a flight with us and fly back to the place where it all began. Reunite with your family, catch up with old friends, and make new memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.  

So why wait? Book your flight today and embark on a journey that will take you back in time to the moments that filled your childhood with love, laughter, and joy. 

We all have precious memories of the fun games we played together with cherished friends in our childhood!

Categories
Family & Kids Travel Travel Guide

Ensuring family flights keep you and your family comfortable   

The thought of travelling back home to India brings lots of excitement – seeing all your friends and family, visiting all your favourite places and of course eating lots of tasty, home-cooked food! However, for some, the idea of sitting on a long flight for over 10 hours can be difficult – that’s why we’ve prepared a handy guide on how to stay comfortable during your flight home. When booking family flights, it helps to know what to expect. Follow our friend family travel guides and tricks on how to keep you and your family relaxed and content during your long trip and keep you energized for the adventures to come back home! 

Family Travel Nutrition: Keeping Your Family Healthy and Hydrated on Board 

Throughout your entire trip, it’s highly advised to stay hydrated – even before you board the plane! Experts recommend drinking 1-2 litres of water the day before, or even better, the morning of your flight. This can be a tall order for some – but studies have shown that increasing your water intake by even just a glass a day leading up to your flight can lead to better hydration and a more comfortable experience. While flying, be sure to keep your water intake up, and try to drink 2-3 litres of water over the duration of your flight. This might lead to a lot of bathroom breaks, sure, but being sufficiently hydrated can help combat common flight-induced ailments such as headaches, dizziness and lethargy. 
It’s also highly recommended to eat as many fresh fruit and vegetables as you can in the days leading up to your trip as these can be limited during your flight, and will add a much-needed boost to your immune system, ensuring that you stay healthy on your journey. Bringing your own snacks along for the flight is a great idea – just stay away from fruits, vegetables and other organic matter as these will be confiscated at customs. Protein bars and mixed nuts are a great option, providing you with nutrients that can strengthen your immune system even more. Taking vitamin C supplements is also a great idea to give your immune system another boost! 

Prioritizing Comfort and Exercise During Family Travel 

Exercise is vital for a healthy lifestyle – not only is it great for your body on land, but in the air too! It’s highly recommended to get in some light workouts before your flight, even just stretching at the boarding gate can make a huge difference in combatting stiffness and discomfort. During your flight, be sure to move around the cabin when you can, stretching your arms and legs and walking around can help combat swelling and discomfort. Wearing comfortable and stretchy, breathable clothes is also a must – temperatures can sometimes fluctuate during air travel, so bringing a cozy sweater that is easy to take off is highly recommended. In addition, packing every-day toiletries and a change of clothes in your carry on makes all the difference and ensures you’ll stay feeling fresh and clean. For night flights, it’s a great idea to bring a neck pillow, noise cancelling headphones and an eye mask to help keep yourself as comfortable as possible for a restful sleep. 

Travel Guides Family: Tips for Travelling with Kids 

For those of you travelling with little ones, it’s best to be fully prepared for any little hiccups that may happen along the way. For additional preparation strategies, take a look at our tips on what you need to know when travelling with your kids. While booking your trip, try to secure seats near the toilets and window seats – the latter being great for keeping kids soothed and calm by the passing view. For those travelling with infants, front row seats are recommended to ensure space for a bassinet, which can be requested in advance with your airline. 

The timing of your flight is also essential to keep in mind – for kids who are easy sleepers, night flights are a must to ensure your little ones stay rested and comfortable. For the fussier and lighter sleepers, a day flight will ensure that your fellow passengers aren’t kept awake. Making sure to bring enough supplies, such as medicine, food, spare clothing, entertainment and comfort items is essential. It can be difficult for children to stay entertained during a flight, so a great tip is to bring along something small and exciting for them, such as a new toy or activity book, that you can bring out to surprise and delight them and most importantly, distract them from any possible impending tantrums. Additionally, headphones provided by airlines are often too large for children, so if possible, bring along your own pair of kid-sized headphones, preferably volume-limiting, to ensure your child can safely enjoy any provided in-flight entertainment or games. If you are traveling with very young infants, you might also find our ultimate guide to traveling with a baby in India helpful. 

Staying Healthy and Safe on Your Flight Home to India 

Airplane carriages can often become a breeding ground for bacteria – so it’s highly recommended to bring a set of anti-bacterial wipes and give anything you may frequently use or touch a thorough wiping to minimize the chances of getting sick. Additionally, it is recommended that you wear a mask and maintain distance with other passengers whenever you can, and stay up to date with any recommended vaccines before your trip. 

Now that you know all the tips and tricks about flying comfortably, how about booking a flight home to India this Festival season? Our Mix and Match flights give you the customizability you need to ensure both you and your family are as comfortable as possible on your journey. Choose your airline, time of flight, luggage requirements and more and make your next journey home a smooth one. 

As there are no quarantine or travel restrictions required in place, plan your journey to reunite with your family and friends with Gaura Travel this year. Click here and find all available flight options with us. 

Visit us now and let us provide you with your best way home! 

Sources
Things You Should Do Before, During and After Flying to Stay Healthy

Tips for Staying Comfortable During a Long Flight

Everything you need to know about food and drink on flights (and what you’re allowed to carry on)

These Tips Make Flying With Kids a Breeze

Flight attendant reveals the best plane seats for kids – and why parents with babies should never fly at night

Categories
Family & Kids Travel Travel Guide

Travelling with Kids: Your Essential 2026 Flight Guide

What Are the Best Tips for Travelling with Kids?

If you are travelling with kids, highly careful early preparation is absolutely essential. First, you must completely secure all necessary travel documents safely. Furthermore, checking airline children baggage restrictions strongly prevents massive airport stress. Consequently, packing essential medications and planning health checkups remains highly crucial. Additionally, booking your family flights incredibly early completely guarantees affordable airfares. Therefore, safely following official airline protocols when flying with a single parent is mandatory. Ultimately, flying securely with Gaura Travel happily provides completely absolute peace of mind today.

2026 Travel Updates: Booking December Flights 2026

Currently, international family tourism in 2026 is experiencing incredibly massive global growth. Specifically, traveling families strongly prefer completely seamless international premium airline connections. (Citation: Australian Aviation Family Travel Association – 2026 Global Passenger Mobility Report). Furthermore, international airlines heavily anticipate completely full cabins during the upcoming holidays.

Consequently, safely securing your December flights 2026 requires incredibly urgent action today. Therefore, early holiday flight booking securely locks in highly affordable international airfares. Moreover, Gaura Travel exclusively provides incredibly massive discounts for international family travel. Ultimately, highly careful early planning securely guarantees your beautiful family reunion succeeds smoothly.

Essential Preparations When Travelling with Kids

Visiting your beloved family back in India remains an incredibly amazing experience. Furthermore, safely travelling to another beautiful country as tourists brings massive joy. Specifically, visiting loving grandparents and overseas relatives remains a massive festive treat. Consequently, this beautiful family reunion completely leaves them incredibly excited today.

As highly responsible parents travelling with kids under 18, careful planning is vital. Therefore, safely planning your international journey ahead strongly ensures absolute maximum safety. Furthermore, it strictly ensures your beautiful children are best prepared for international flights. If you are securely travelling with kids today, follow these rules:

  • Childcare Research: First, thoroughly research what childcare facilities you intend to use safely.
  • Travel Consent: Furthermore, successfully get official written consent from an authorized local institution.
  • Airline Rules: Consequently, explicitly check children baggage restrictions securely with your airline early.
  • Local Laws: Therefore, deeply learn the local laws regarding childcare and public discipline.
  • Medical Needs: Additionally, successfully plan your children’s health check-ups exactly 8 weeks prior.
  • Guardian Rules: Ultimately, strictly follow airline rules when flying with a single parent safely.

Departing from Australia: What You Must Know

In absolutely most cases, your child can safely depart from Australia easily. Specifically, they strictly need their valid passport and highly appropriate travel visa. Furthermore, most premium international airlines strictly have specific in-flight safety rules. Consequently, these strict rules specifically govern lone youngsters and unaccompanied minors today.

Therefore, parents must strictly fill out an advance permission form safely beforehand. Additionally, absolutely all international passengers travelling with minors must submit digital health declarations. Therefore, providing completely updated medical records smoothly ensures a highly seamless departure.

According to massive current travel updates, maintaining high vigilance remains incredibly important. Consequently, you must strictly check the absolute latest travel updates locally today. With Gaura Travel, you can safely find highly convenient one-way family flights. Furthermore, you beautifully enjoy direct flights seamlessly with premium international partner airlines.

Departing from India: Passport and Visa Updates

Currently, international travelers face incredibly highly streamlined airport entry procedures globally. Specifically, filling out highly complex digital passenger declarations is largely simplified today. Furthermore, checking the highly specific local travel requirements safely remains completely essential. Consequently, this massive early preparation completely guarantees a beautifully smooth family journey.

This specific year, standard passport fees for Indian citizens have increased slightly. Specifically, a standard 5-year passport for children under 16 costs exactly $155. Furthermore, the mandatory overseas surcharge for child applicants securely costs exactly $67. (Citation: Australian High Commission in India – Official Consular Fees Update). Therefore, you must securely prepare these essential financial requirements completely in advance.

Secure Your Gaura Travel Flight Deals Today

Over 15 massive years, we proudly remain your highly trustworthy intimate travel partner. Furthermore, our key massive intention is deeply providing completely hassle-free family journeys. Consequently, we strictly deliver an absolutely unsurpassed international family travel experience today. Therefore, safely keep in touch and deeply get more helpful travel info. Ultimately, securely plan your magnificent next family holidays perfectly with us today.

As there are absolutely no strict travel restrictions heavily required in place currently. Safely plan your massive beautiful journey to successfully reunite with your beloved family. Find absolutely all highly available premium flight options perfectly matching your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the best tips for travelling with kids?

First, you must absolutely pack essential medications and highly comfortable travel clothes. Furthermore, strictly verify absolutely all required passports and visas completely in advance. Consequently, arriving at the busy airport highly early significantly reduces massive family stress. Therefore, careful early preparation securely guarantees a beautifully smooth international family holiday.

What are standard children baggage restrictions?

Every single premium airline strictly enforces highly different children baggage restrictions today. Furthermore, infants usually safely receive a highly specific smaller checked baggage allowance. Consequently, you can completely carry essential strollers or car seats completely free. Therefore, you must strictly check your airline ticket details safely before packing.

When should I book December flights 2026?

You must absolutely securely book your December flights completely right now today. Furthermore, December deeply remains the absolute peak travel season heavily globally. Consequently, late holiday bookings inevitably result in massively expensive airfare ticket prices. Therefore, early booking securely locks in incredibly cheap family flights to India.

What documents are needed when flying with a single parent?

You strictly require a highly formal official written consent form safely signed. Furthermore, it must deeply contain the absolute clear permission from the absent parent. Consequently, bringing legal birth certificates safely verifies your strict parental relationship accurately. Therefore, preparing these legal documents securely prevents massive delays at border controls.

How much are current child passport fees?

Currently, a standard 5-year passport for young children under 16 costs $155. Furthermore, applicants completely applying from overseas must safely pay a $67 surcharge. Consequently, these official government fees are highly strictly subject to sudden changes. Therefore, always safely check the official embassy website before formally submitting applications.

Do you offer direct Sydney to Delhi flights?

Yes, we aggressively offer highly frequent and affordable Sydney to Delhi flights. Furthermore, Gaura Travel exclusively provides completely seamless international premium airline route connectivity. Consequently, your massive family massively saves time successfully avoiding incredibly long layovers. Therefore, kindly contact our dedicated support team to strongly secure amazing deals.

Should kids get health check-ups before flying?

Yes, absolutely completing routine health check-ups exactly 8 weeks prior is essential. Furthermore, this safely ensures your child is completely healthy for long international flights. Consequently, you can securely update their highly mandatory travel vaccination records accurately. Therefore, prioritizing health strictly guarantees a completely stress-free international family travel experience.

Can unaccompanied minors travel safely to Australia?

Yes, absolutely most major premium airlines safely offer dedicated unaccompanied minor services. Furthermore, dedicated airline staff completely supervise the child safely throughout the journey. Consequently, parents must strictly fill out comprehensive advance permission forms completely securely. Therefore, travelling with minors to Australia securely remains highly safe and heavily regulated.

Are flights from Melbourne to Delhi affordable for families?

Yes, finding completely seamless flights is incredibly highly easy with Gaura Travel. Furthermore, we actively provide highly exclusive Gaura Travel flight deals safely today. Consequently, you comprehensively save massive money during your complex international family booking. Therefore, firmly contact our 24/7 dedicated support team to safely book today.

Does Gaura Travel help with family travel documentation?

Yes, our highly expert agents constantly provide completely personalized travel document recommendations. Furthermore, we deeply help you strategically plan your perfect family travel itinerary. Consequently, you safely discover the absolute best international travel requirements completely effortlessly. Therefore, firmly rely securely on us for your ultimate holiday travel peace of mind.

Sources:
Travel Advice for Australians Travelling with Children – Smartraveller
India Travel Advice for Australians – Smartraveller
Australian High Commission in India – Official Government Website
Australian Border Biosecurity Rules for Travellers – Smartraveller