Australian High Commission
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Visiting Australia

There are many reasons to visit Australia. You might come to Australia for reasons such as holidays, sightseeing, social or recreational reasons, to visit relatives, friends, to be a business visitor or for other short-term non-work things like medical treatment or medical consultations. The type of visa that you may be able to get depends on a number of factors such as, the length of your stay, your passport, your current location and the purpose of your visit. Information regarding the types of visitor visas available can be found at: Visitor visa options.

If your visit is likely to include an activity which could be considered a work activity such as religious work (eg preaching), the Temporary Work (Short Stay) (subclass 400) may be more appropriate. More details on this visa can be found on our page Working in Australia.

If you would like to come to Australia for the purposes of attending conferences and events you may be eligible for a visitor visa. For more information, see Conferences and Events.

Visitor visas (subclass 600)

This visa is for people who wish to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes. Tourism includes holidays, recreation and seeing family or friends. Business activities may include attending a conference, negotiations or an exploratory business visit. You cannot work for or provide services to a business or organisation in Australia or sell goods or services to the public on this visa.

Our preferred lodgement method for visitor visas is online through ImmiAccount. The online visa lodgement system is available to applicants at their convenience, seven days a week, without the need to apply in person or send in application forms by mail. To start an application go to: Visitor e600 Visa Online Applications.

Please lodge your visa application at least four (4) weeks prior to your intended travel date. We are unable to provide any guarantee that applications will be finalised before your intended travel although this is more likely to occur if an application is lodged well in advance. Requests for urgent processing will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.

Refer to our local visa checklists for guidance on the types of supporting documentation that should accompany your application.

NOTE: Please note a copy of your passport bio-data page and supporting documentation is an essential requirement for processing your visa application. Applications lodged without the required supporting documentation will be delayed and may not be processed within the global processing times. Your visa application may be refused if insufficient documentary evidence is provided.

Once an online application is submitted, clients will be contacted by email and asked to visit VFS Global to provide their biometrics (facial image and finger prints).