Australia Visa RequirementsFor United Arab Emirates passport holders
Australia is one of the few countries where UAE passport holders must obtain a visa in advance. The Australian Tourist Visa (subclass 600) is the standard route for Emirati travellers, applied entirely online through ImmiAccount.
United Arab Emirates passport holders require a visa to enter Australia.
Apply for the Subclass 600 Tourist Visa at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Create an ImmiAccount, complete the online application, provide financial evidence, accommodation details, and travel history. The fee is approximately AUD 150 (roughly USD 100). Processing time is typically 3-4 weeks; some applications are processed in days if biometric data is pre-lodged.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Completed Online Visa Application
Apply for Subclass 600 Tourist Visa at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au via ImmiAccount. No paper form; entirely online.
UAE Passport
Valid UAE passport; must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.
Recent Bank Statements
Bank statements for the last 3-6 months showing sufficient funds. Demonstrates financial capacity to support the stay.
Flight Itinerary
Confirmed or booking-in-progress round-trip flight itinerary showing intended entry and exit dates.
Accommodation Proof
Hotel bookings or confirmation of staying with a sponsor in Australia.
Employment or Business Evidence
UAE employer letter confirming employment status, or business registration documents if self-employed. Shows ties to UAE.
Travel History Recommended
Previous passport(s) showing travel history and compliance with visa conditions in other countries.
Passport-Size Photograph Recommended
Recent photograph meeting Australian visa photo specifications.
Required at Entry
UAE Passport (original)
Present at Australian border; the visa is electronically linked to the passport.
Incoming Passenger Card
Complete the Incoming Passenger Card distributed on the aircraft. Declare biosecurity items and cash.
Current Travel Situation
United Arab Emirates to Australia: What You Need to Know
Australia stands out as one of the few nations requiring a visa from Emirati passport holders, a notable exception given the UAE passport's global strength. Emirates operates direct Dubai-Sydney and Dubai-Melbourne flights (among the longest in the world). Australia is popular for university education, nature tourism (Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, Daintree), and city experiences in Sydney and Melbourne.
How to Get There
The Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462) is not available to UAE nationals. For longer stays, a student visa or sponsored work visa are options. New Zealand (NZeTA, visa-free effectively) can be combined with an Australia trip.
Money & Banking
Australia uses the Australian dollar (AUD). UAE bank cards work at most ATMs. Contactless payment (tap-and-go) is ubiquitous in Australia; cash is less commonly needed. Sydney and Melbourne are expensive cities; budget AUD 200-400 per day.
Practical Tips
Apply at least 6-8 weeks before travel to allow processing time. A clean travel history and strong financial ties to the UAE significantly improve approval odds. The Tourist Visa is typically granted for 3, 6, or 12 months with multiple entry. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) may need to be submitted at a VAC in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UAE passport holders need a visa for Australia?
Yes. Australia is one of the few countries requiring a visa from Emirati passport holders. The Tourist Visa (subclass 600) must be applied for before travel at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
How do I apply for an Australian Tourist Visa as an Emirati?
Apply online through ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Create an account, select the Visitor Visa (subclass 600), complete the form, upload documents (bank statements, accommodation proof, travel history), and pay approximately AUD 150. Processing takes 3-4 weeks on average.
What documents are needed for the Australian Tourist Visa?
UAE passport valid for at least 6 months, recent bank statements showing sufficient funds, accommodation bookings, return flight itinerary, employment or business proof showing ties to the UAE, travel history showing compliance with previous visas, and a passport-size photograph.
How long is the Australian Tourist Visa valid?
The subclass 600 Tourist Visa is typically granted for 3, 6, or 12 months with multiple entry, depending on the applicant's profile and purpose. Most Emirati applicants with strong financial ties to the UAE receive 12-month multiple-entry visas.
Are there direct flights from UAE to Australia?
Yes. Emirates operates direct flights from Dubai (DXB) to Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), and Brisbane (BNE). These are among the longest commercial flights in the world at approximately 14-16 hours.
What are the best places to visit in Australia for UAE tourists?
Sydney (Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach), Melbourne (coffee culture, arts, laneways), Cairns (Great Barrier Reef), Uluru/Ayers Rock (Red Centre), the Whitsunday Islands, and Perth (Indian Ocean beaches) are top destinations.
Is travel insurance required for Australia?
Not mandatory but strongly recommended. Australian medical costs without insurance are very high. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation, cancellation, and personal liability is advised.
Can I work in Australia on a Tourist Visa?
No. The subclass 600 Tourist Visa strictly prohibits work. For work purposes, a sponsored work visa or Working Holiday Visa (not available for UAE nationals) is required.