Australia entry requirements for travellers from Indonesia
Do Indonesian citizens need a visa for Australia?
Yes. Indonesian passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling. Indonesia is not on the Electronic Travel Authority list and is not covered by the eVisitor, so tourism and family visits are made on a Visitor visa (subclass 600), tourist stream.
Indonesia is one of the countries covered by the frequent traveller stream, which can be granted for up to ten years. That route is aimed at people who travel to Australia often for tourism or business.
How long can you stay in Australia?
A Visitor visa in the tourist stream can be granted for three, six or twelve months, at the department’s discretion. Most first time applicants receive three months.
The frequent traveller stream limits each stay to three months, but the visa itself can run for up to ten years.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. Australia does not apply a six month validity rule, though airlines and transit countries may. If you are issued a new passport after your visa is granted, tell the department so the visa can be linked to it.
Proof of funds
You must show you can support yourself throughout the visit and pay for your return travel. There is no published minimum. Bank statements covering three to six months carry far more weight than a single balance, and a deposit made shortly before applying invites questions.
Where a relative or employer in Australia is paying, include their evidence of income and a letter setting out what they are covering.
Onward or return travel
You do not need a confirmed return ticket to apply, and buying non refundable flights before a decision is unwise. Your application should still make clear when and why you plan to leave.
Applying for your Australian visa
Apply online through ImmiAccount from outside Australia. The tourist stream costs from AUD250.
Prepare your passport biodata page, a recent photograph, evidence of funds, proof of employment, business ownership or study, and details of anyone you are visiting. Family visitors normally include an invitation letter and evidence of the relative’s status in Australia.
Most applicants are asked to give biometrics at an Australian Biometric Collection Centre. Book as soon as you are asked, because processing pauses until they are received.
The frequent traveller stream is also applied for through ImmiAccount. It costs AUD1,845 and always requires biometrics.
Health requirements
A health examination may be requested, and this is more likely for stays over six months, for anyone who will spend time in a healthcare setting, and for applicants from countries with higher rates of tuberculosis. The department issues referral letters if one is needed.
A yellow fever certificate is required only if you have been in a yellow fever risk country in the six days before arrival.
Other entry requirements
Complete the Incoming Passenger Card on the flight. Australian biosecurity rules are strict and enforced with immediate fines. Items most often seized from travellers arriving from Indonesia include fresh fruit, sambal and other homemade foods, dried fish, seeds, spices and wooden carvings. Declare all of it.
Cash of AUD10,000 or more, or the rupiah equivalent, must be declared.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the visitor visa take?
Processing times vary with demand and the department publishes an indicative guide rather than a guarantee. Apply at least two to three months ahead of travel.
What is the ten year visa for Indonesians?
The frequent traveller stream of the Visitor visa (subclass 600). It costs AUD1,845, requires biometrics, and allows three month stays over a validity period of up to ten years.
Can I work on a visitor visa?
No. Visitor visas do not permit work. Business visitor activities such as meetings and conferences are allowed.
Do I need a sponsor?
Not for the ordinary tourist stream. There is a separate sponsored family stream where an Australian citizen or permanent resident sponsors you and may be asked to pay a security bond.
Do children need their own visa?
Yes. Every traveller needs their own, including infants.
What causes most refusals?
Insufficient evidence of funds, a vague purpose of travel, and weak evidence of ties that will bring you home. Deal with all three in the application itself.