Visitor visa · Subclass 771
Transit Visa Australia (Subclass 771)
The Subclass 771 Transit visa is for travellers passing through Australia to a third country, with a maximum stay of 72 hours. It is generally free of charge and is required only for passport holders who would otherwise need a visa to enter Australia and who are not eligible for an eVisitor or ETA.
By Keshab Chapagain, registered migration agent (MARN 1576536) since 2015 · WIDEN, Sydney · Reviewed June 2026
Keshab Chapagain · MARN 1576536 · Registered since 2015 - Cost
- Free
- Maximum stay
- 72 hours
- Purpose
- Transit to a third country
- Work / study rights
- None
- NZ citizens
- Not required (444)
MARN 1576536 · Last reviewed 2026-06-06
72-hour limit. The Transit visa is purely for passing through. If you want to visit family, sightsee, or stay longer than 72 hours, you need a Visitor visa (Subclass 600), eVisitor (Subclass 651), or ETA (Subclass 601) instead.
Who needs a Transit visa
A Transit visa is required if you hold a passport from a country whose nationals normally need a visa to enter Australia, you are transiting through Australia (usually by air) to a third country, and you will leave Australia within 72 hours. New Zealand citizens use the Subclass 444 Special Category visa on arrival and do not need a Transit visa. Citizens of eVisitor (Subclass 651) and ETA (Subclass 601) eligible countries can normally use those visas for transit as well.
Eligibility
- Holding a confirmed onward ticket out of Australia within 72 hours of entry
- Having the right to enter the destination country (visa or visa-free)
- Meeting health and character requirements
- Not intending to undertake work, study, or tourism in Australia
Cost
The Subclass 771 Transit visa is generally free of charge — there is no application charge for the standard product at the date of writing. Verify the current fee at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging.
How to apply
Apply online through ImmiAccount before travel. The Department generally asks for:
- Passport biodata page
- Onward travel ticket showing departure within 72 hours of arrival
- Evidence of right to enter the destination country (visa or visa-free entitlement)
- Statement of intent — purpose of transit, route, intended departure
Processing time varies by location and complexity. Apply with sufficient lead time before travel.
If you want to stay longer than 72 hours
The Transit visa cannot be extended past 72 hours. If you want to spend any meaningful time in Australia — a stopover holiday, visiting family, business meetings — you need a different product:
- eVisitor (Subclass 651) — for certain European citizens, up to 3 months per visit, no charge
- Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) — for citizens of about 30 countries including the US, Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea; small service charge
- Visitor visa (Subclass 600) — broader eligibility, longer stays, paid application charge
General information only. This page is general information about the Subclass 771 Transit visa. It does not constitute migration advice (s 23, Migration (Migration Agents Code of Conduct) Regulations 2021). Outcomes cannot be guaranteed by any registered migration agent (s 15). Migration advice for a specific matter is provided by Keshab Chapagain (MARN 1576536) only after a paid initial consultation under section 43 of the Code, with a written service agreement issued before further work commences (section 42). OMARA Consumer Guide provided to all clients before consultation. PI insurance held under the Migration Agents Regulations 2026. Complaints via our Complaints Policy or directly to OMARA.
Questions we get asked first
How much does the Transit visa (Subclass 771) cost?
The Subclass 771 Transit visa is generally free of charge at the date of writing — there is no Department of Home Affairs application charge for the standard Transit visa. Verify the current fee at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging, as Department charges are reviewed from time to time.
How long can I stay in Australia on a 771 Transit visa?
Up to 72 hours from the time you enter Australia. The visa is granted for the purpose of transiting through Australia to a third country — it is not for tourism, work, or family visits. If you need a longer stay, an eVisitor (Subclass 651), ETA (Subclass 601), or Visitor visa (Subclass 600) is generally the more appropriate option.
Who is eligible for the Transit visa?
You are generally eligible if you hold a passport from a country whose nationals require a visa to enter Australia, you are transiting through Australia (typically by air) to a third country, you will leave Australia within 72 hours, and you have a confirmed onward ticket and the right to enter the destination country. Citizens of countries eligible for eVisitor, ETA, or visa-free entry generally do not need a Transit visa.
Can I leave the airport on a Transit visa?
Yes — within the 72-hour transit window. The Transit visa allows you to enter Australia during the transit period, so brief stays outside the airport (for example to overnight at a nearby hotel before an onward flight) are generally permitted. You must still leave Australia within 72 hours of entry.
Do New Zealand citizens need a Transit visa?
No. New Zealand citizens can enter Australia under the Special Category visa (Subclass 444) and do not need a separate Transit visa.
Can I work or study on a 771 Transit visa?
No. The Transit visa does not permit work or study in Australia. Its sole purpose is to allow passage through Australia en route to a third country.
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