Australia Tourist Visa
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) · For Nigeria citizens
Planning a trip to Australia as a Nigerian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa: required documents, current fee of AUD 200, processing times of 3 to 5 weeks, and strategies to improve your approval chances. As Nigeria is classified as a high-risk country, thorough preparation with strong financial evidence and ties to home are essential for success.
Australia Tourist Visa for Nigerian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Nigeria citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your current passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay in Australia
Complete the visa application online through the Australian Government's ImmiAccount portal
Recent passport-sized photograph meeting Australian specifications
Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your entire stay in Australia without working
Documentation proving your employment status, income, and approved leave
Details of your planned activities, accommodation, and travel within Australia
Evidence demonstrating strong reasons to return to Nigeria after your visit
Fingerprints and photograph taken at a designated Biometric Collection Centre
Recommended (Optional)
A personal statement explaining your visit purpose, itinerary, and ties to Nigeria
Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies during your stay
Letter from your host in Australia inviting you to stay with them
Health examination may be required depending on your circumstances
Character certificate showing no serious criminal history
Application Process
Nigerian citizens must apply for the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) online through the Australian Government’s ImmiAccount portal.1 Unlike citizens of some countries, Nigerians are not eligible for the simplified ETA or eVisitor visas and must complete a full application with supporting documents.
1. Create an ImmiAccount
Register at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au to create your account.1 You will use this account to submit your application, upload documents, pay fees, and track your application status.
2. Complete the Application
Select the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Tourist Stream and fill out all sections carefully. You will need to provide:2
- Personal details and passport information
- Travel plans and intended dates
- Employment and financial information
- Details of any previous visa applications or refusals (be completely honest)
- Health and character declarations
- Information about family members in Australia
3. Upload Supporting Documents
Attach all required documents as clear digital scans or photographs.4 Documents should be in PDF, JPEG, or PNG format. Non-English documents must include certified translations. Organize your documents logically to make review easier for the case officer.
4. Pay the Fee
The application fee of AUD 200 is payable online via credit card, debit card, or PayPal.1 The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
5. Complete Biometrics
After submitting your application, you will receive a request to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) through ImmiAccount.5 Book an appointment at the VFS Global Biometric Collection Centre in Lagos or Abuja. Bring your passport and the Biometric Requirement Letter to your appointment.
6. Wait for Processing
Processing typically takes 3 to 5 weeks.3 You can track your application status in ImmiAccount. Do not make travel arrangements or pay for non-refundable bookings until your visa is granted.
7. Receive Decision
Once decided, you will receive notification via email and in your ImmiAccount. If approved, your visa is linked electronically to your passport. There is no physical visa sticker.
Fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) | AUD 200 |
| Biometric collection at VFS | Varies |
| Health examination (if required) | Varies by provider |
The AUD 200 fee applies to the tourist stream applied from outside Australia.1 Payment is non-refundable even if refused or withdrawn. Additional costs may include biometric collection fees at VFS Global and health examinations if required.
What You Need to Prove
Australia uses the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. Case officers must be satisfied that you:1
- Have a genuine purpose: Your reasons for visiting are legitimate tourism, family visit, or other permitted activities
- Will leave Australia: You have strong reasons to return to Nigeria and will not overstay
- Have adequate funds: You can support yourself without working or accessing public funds
- Meet character requirements: You have no serious criminal history
- Meet health requirements: You do not pose a health risk to Australia
Nigerian applicants face higher scrutiny due to historical compliance patterns. Focus on demonstrating stable employment (2+ years), property ownership, family dependents in Nigeria, and a clear, realistic travel itinerary.
Processing Times
Current processing times for the Tourist Stream (outside Australia):3
| Metric | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| 75% of applications | 20 days |
| 90% of applications | 33 days |
Processing may take longer if:
- Additional documents are requested
- Biometrics or health examination is required
- Information needs verification
- Application is incomplete or inconsistent
- Your profile requires additional scrutiny
Apply at least 6 to 8 weeks before your intended travel date to allow time for processing and any additional requests.
After Your Visa is Approved
Your visa is granted electronically and linked to your passport number.1 You do not need a visa label or stamp. At check-in and arrival, your visa status will be verified electronically.
At the Australian border, you may be asked to demonstrate:4
- Return or onward flight arrangements
- Proof of accommodation
- Evidence of sufficient funds (bank statements, cash, or cards)
- Details of your travel plans
- Health insurance documentation
Border officers can refuse entry even with a valid visa if they have concerns about your intentions or if your circumstances have changed since the visa was granted.
If Your Visa is Refused
If your application is refused, you will receive a decision letter explaining the specific reasons. Common next steps:
- Review the reasons carefully: The letter will cite specific grounds under Australian immigration law
- Address the concerns: Gather additional evidence that directly responds to the stated reasons
- Strengthen weak areas: If financial evidence was insufficient, build 3 to 6 months of stronger financial history before reapplying
- Reapply when ready: There is no mandatory waiting period, but ensure your circumstances or documentation have genuinely improved
- Consider professional advice: For complex cases or multiple refusals, a registered migration agent can provide guidance
There is no merits review or appeal right for Visitor Visa applications decided outside Australia.6 Your options are to reapply with stronger documentation or accept the decision.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not demonstrate adequate financial capacity to support the planned stay without working in Australia. Large unexplained deposits, inconsistent income, or balances below recommended thresholds raise concerns.
How to avoid: Show 6 months of consistent bank statements with regular income credits. Avoid large deposits in the weeks before applying. Include both Naira and domiciliary accounts. AUD 5,000 to 10,000 per month of intended stay is recommended.
Weak Ties to Nigeria
Unable to demonstrate compelling reasons to return to Nigeria, raising concerns about intent to overstay. Young, single applicants without property, stable employment, or family dependents face higher scrutiny.
How to avoid: Provide Certificate of Occupancy or deed of assignment for property. Include CAC registration for business, 2+ years employment letter, marriage certificate, and children's birth certificates. Active business with recent transactions helps significantly.
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Concerns
Case officer doubts the applicant's genuine intention to visit temporarily based on profile, travel history, inconsistent documentation, or strong ties to Australia that suggest risk of overstaying.
How to avoid: Be consistent across all documents. Your stated purpose, itinerary, and financial capacity should align logically. Previous positive travel history to tier-1 countries helps significantly. Address any relatives in Australia honestly.
Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation
Missing documents, contradictory information across documents, unexplained gaps in employment history, or information that does not match between application form and supporting documents.
How to avoid: Double-check all dates and figures match exactly. Salary in employment letter must match bank statement credits. Provide explanation letters for any gaps in employment. Ensure your name is spelled consistently across all documents.
Previous Immigration Issues
History of visa refusals, overstays, or violations in Australia or other countries raises serious concerns about future compliance with immigration rules.
How to avoid: Be completely honest about previous issues. Provide evidence of changed circumstances and explain how your situation has improved. Never hide past refusals as Australian immigration shares data with other countries.
Character or Health Concerns
Criminal history that fails character requirements, or health conditions that pose public health risk or would require significant healthcare costs during the visit.
How to avoid: Obtain police clearance certificate if requested. Complete health examinations promptly if required. Be honest about any criminal history in your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nigerian citizens get an ETA or eVisitor for Australia?
No. Nigerian passport holders are not eligible for the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa. You must apply for the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), which requires a full application with supporting documents and biometrics.
How long can I stay in Australia on a tourist visa?
The Subclass 600 visa can be granted for stays of 3, 6, or 12 months. The duration is determined by the case officer based on your application. Most first-time Nigerian applicants receive 3 or 6 month visas.
How much money do I need in my bank account for an Australian visa?
There is no official minimum, but you should demonstrate sufficient funds to cover accommodation, travel, food, and activities for your entire stay. A guideline is AUD 5,000 to 10,000 per month of intended stay, plus return flights. Six months of consistent balance is more important than a large amount.
Can I work on an Australian tourist visa?
No. The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) strictly prohibits any work, including remote work for Nigerian employers. If caught working, your visa will be cancelled and you may face a ban on future applications.
How long does the Australia visa take from Nigeria?
Most applications are processed within 3 to 5 weeks. According to official statistics, 75% of Tourist Stream applications are decided within 20 days, and 90% within 33 days. Nigerian applications may take longer due to additional verification and scrutiny.
Do I need to provide flight bookings with my application?
No, you do not need confirmed flight bookings. A travel itinerary showing intended dates and destinations is sufficient. The Australian government advises against booking non-refundable travel until your visa is granted.
What is the Australia tourist visa fee for Nigerians in 2025?
The application fee for the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa is AUD 200 (approximately NGN 320,000 at current rates). This fee is non-refundable even if your application is refused. There may be additional fees for biometrics collection at VFS Global.
Where do I submit biometrics for an Australian visa in Nigeria?
Biometrics are collected at VFS Global Biometric Collection Centres in Lagos and Abuja. You will receive instructions via ImmiAccount after lodging your application. Book your appointment promptly as slots can fill up during peak periods.
Is Nigeria considered a high-risk country for Australian visas?
Yes. Nigerian applicants face additional scrutiny due to higher historical rates of visa overstays and violations. This means your application needs to be exceptionally well-documented with strong evidence of financial capacity and ties to Nigeria.
What if my Australia visa is refused?
If refused, you will receive a decision letter explaining the reasons. You can reapply with stronger documentation addressing the concerns raised. For applications decided outside Australia, there is generally no merits review or appeal. Focus on addressing the specific reasons cited.
Do I need travel insurance for Australia?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for the Subclass 600 visa, but it is strongly recommended. Australia has expensive healthcare, and visitors are not covered by Medicare. Including insurance in your application also demonstrates preparedness and genuine temporary intent.
Can I extend my Australian tourist visa?
You can apply for a new Visitor Visa while in Australia, but you must apply before your current visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and you must continue to meet all visa requirements. Recent policy changes restrict visa hopping, so plan your stay carefully.
What happens at the Australian border?
At the border, you may be asked to show return flight arrangements, proof of accommodation, evidence of funds, and details of your travel plans. Border officers can refuse entry even with a valid visa if they have concerns about your intentions or if your circumstances have changed.
Does having family in Australia help or hurt my application?
It depends. Having relatives in Australia can be positive if they provide an invitation letter and show they can support your stay. However, it can also raise concerns about your intent to return to Nigeria. Be honest about any family connections and demonstrate your own strong ties to Nigeria.