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Get the Australia visa for South African citizens

Fast, secure, and expert-led visa processing for South African citizens traveling to Australia

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Australia visa requirements for South African citizens

South African citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to Australia, as they are not eligible for visa-free entry or the eVisitor program. The Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is required for tourism or short-term visits.

South African travelers will need one Australia entry document:

  • Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): A visa for tourism, visiting family, or short-term stays. It is typically valid for 1 year after issuance and allows stays of up to 3, 6, or 12 months per visit, depending on the visa conditions and approval.

    General Australia entry requirements for South African travelers are:

  • South African passport valid for the duration of the stay
  • Approved Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
  • Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
  • Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay
  • Other supporting documents, depending on purpose/situation

Australia visa cost for South African citizens

Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

Prices starting from ZAR 4,509.99

Valid for 1 year after issued
Multiple entry
Stay up to 90 days per entry
Get it as fast as 30 days

Fast facts

Interview needed?

On a case-by-case basis (biometrics or additional checks may be required)

When to apply?

At least 4 weeks before travel

Documents required upon arrival?

Valid South Africa passport, approved Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), confirmed return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation

How to apply for an Australia visa with iVisa

1

Complete your online application

Answer a few simple questions, determine whether you need the Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), Australia eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651), or another Australia visa or document, pay securely, and upload your documents. You can save your progress and come back anytime. We'll guide you through any unclear questions during the application process.

2

We review your application

The Australia visa system can be complicated for South African citizens, but don't worry – we review your whole application to catch anything that might cause delays.

3

We submit it for government processing

We’re not the Australian government, but we review your application for accuracy and submit it directly to them. If anything goes wrong, we’re here 24/7 to help resolve it – no long wait times, no confusing forms, just expert support from start to finish.

4

Get your Australia visa

We’ll email your approved Australia document and let you know how to use it for your trip from South Africa to Australia.

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Why South African citizens choose iVisa

Benefit

Applying by yourself

iVisa
Simple, easy forms Not included Included
24x7 support from visa experts Not included Included
Error detection to prevent rejections Not included Included
World's easiest passport scan Not included Included
Multiple payment methods Not included Included

1.4M happy customers

24/7customer support

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71,000+ reviews

10 years of experience

98%  visa approval rate

Verified Australia visa reviews

Rated 4.9 out of 5 by travelers to Australia.
4.9 out of 5
  1. Cheryl Macdonald

    "Id been experiencing lots of probs with accessing the gov.app. mostly due to my lack of tech. Know-how. So found this ideal for me, maybe a bit expensive but worth the lack of headaches. It was also alot quicker than I expected."

  2. Ron Waldburger

    "It was user friendly and the fact that you could complete all information required online is more efficient and avoids time constraints."

  3. peter Bramall

    "australian system does not work spent hours on it and in frustration used this superb service."

  4. John Jetter

    "This was the easiest and most efficient visa application I have ever experienced"

  5. Lebouvier

    "All simple and quick. Price could be lower"

  6. B. GIACCI

    "Quick and easy. Not expensive."

  7. Luc Eric KRIEF

    "i will only work with them now"

  8. Martin Ford

    "All went well good service"

  9. Harvey

    "Was easy enough to use"

  10. DAVID JOHN WHITEMORE

    "Very quick service"

See all 98 reviews

Australia visa FAQs

What South African travelers commonly ask about Australia visas

Yes, South African citizens must apply for a visa to visit Australia. They are not eligible for visa-free entry or the eVisitor visa, so the Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is required for tourism or short visits. Applicants must show they are genuine visitors, have enough funds for their stay, and intend to leave Australia before their visa expires.

Processing times vary depending on the application, but with iVisa:

  • Standard processing: 28 days

    Applications can take longer if additional checks are required, such as:

  • biometrics
  • medical exams
  • additional documents (bank statements, travel history, invitation letters)

    Applying early and submitting complete documents helps avoid delays.

The stay duration is not fixed and depends on the visa granted. Typically, you may be allowed to stay for:

  • 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months per visit

    Important:

  • The exact stay period will be listed on your visa grant notice
  • Do not assume you’ll get the maximum stay every time

    Always check your visa grant notice to understand your options.

Yes, this is a major factor. Australia has strict character requirements, and your visa may be refused if you have a criminal record.

You may be affected if you have:

  • past convictions in any country
  • pending charges
  • a prison sentence of 12 months or more (even if served partially or suspended)

    You may also be asked to provide:

  • police clearance certificates
  • additional background information

    Failing the character test can result in a visa refusal.

Possibly. These are not required for everyone, but many applicants will be asked to complete them.

You may need to provide:

  • Biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
  • Medical exams (depending on your travel history or length of stay)

    You will only be asked for these after submitting your application, if required.

It depends on your visa conditions.

  • Some visas allow you to apply for another visa while in Australia
  • Others include a “No Further Stay” condition, meaning you cannot extend or switch visas

    Important:

  • Extensions are not guaranteed
  • You must apply before your current visa expires

    Always check your visa grant notice to understand your options.

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