Transit visa (subclass 771)

Sunday 5 November 2023

Transit Visa (Subclass 771)

The Transit visa (subclass 771) allows travelers to transit through Australia for up to 72 hours. This visa can also be used by individuals holding a Maritime Crew visa to join an eligible ship as a crew member within 5 days of arriving in Australia.

Process

In order to be eligible for the Transit visa (subclass 771), applicants must:

Be outside of Australia
Be transiting through Australia with a confirmed booking to travel to another country within 72 hours of arrival
If joining the crew of an eligible ship, hold a Maritime Crew visa and necessary crew documents, and sign on to the ship within 5 days of arrival

It is important to note that applicants should be outside of Australia when applying and when the application is decided.

With this visa, you can:

Transit through Australia for no longer than 72 hours
Enter Australia by air and join the crew of an eligible ship as a Maritime Crew visa holder within 5 days of arrival

Visa Stay

The Transit visa allows individuals to stay in Australia for no longer than 72 hours, unless they are a holder of a Maritime Crew visa.

Visa Cost

The Transit visa (subclass 771) is free of cost.

Visa Processing Time

For an indication of processing times for the Transit visa, applicants can use the visa processing time guide tool. However, it is important to note that processing times may vary and are not specific to each individual application.

You Might Not Need It

Before considering the Transit visa, applicants should check if they are eligible to transit without a visa. Some individuals, such as NZ passport holders who meet the eligibility requirements for a Special Category visa or those eligible for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), Visitor visa, or eVisitor visa, may not need a Transit visa as these visas permit transit through Australia and allow for a longer period of stay.

Additionally, individuals who already hold a valid Australian temporary or permanent visa that permits transit through Australia may not need a Transit visa. Visa conditions can be checked on VEVO.

What You Can Do With This Visa

With the Transit visa, individuals can enter Australia and stay for no longer than 72 hours before leaving by air or sea. If arriving by air, individuals can also use this visa to join the crew of an eligible ship within 5 days of arrival as a Maritime Crew visa holder.

Stay Longer

It is not possible to stay in Australia longer by extending the Transit visa. If individuals wish to stay longer, they must apply for another visa.

Include Family

Family members cannot be included on the Transit visa application. Each person traveling must submit a separate application, including babies on their parent's passport.

Apply From

The Transit visa application must be submitted while the applicant is outside of Australia.

Your Obligations

Applicants must meet all visa conditions and obey Australian laws while in Australia on the Transit visa.

Leave Australia Within 72 Hours (Unless Also Holding a Maritime Crew Visa)

Unless individuals also hold a Maritime Crew visa, they must leave Australia within 72 hours of arrival. If individuals hold a Maritime Crew visa and arrive in Australia by air on a Transit visa, they must join their ship within 5 days.

Meet Our Health Requirement

Applicants must meet the health requirement set by the Australian government.

Meet Our Character Requirement

Applicants must meet the character requirement set by the Australian government.

Meet Our Biometrics Requirement

Applicants must meet the biometrics requirement set by the Australian government.

Have Health Insurance

While in Australia, individuals are personally liable for all healthcare costs. Adequate health insurance coverage is recommended, and it may be a requirement for the Transit visa. The health insurance should cover medically necessary treatment, including transport.

Reciprocal Healthcare Agreements

Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements with some countries. More information on reciprocal healthcare agreements can be obtained from Services Australia.

Have Paid Back Your Debt to the Australian Government

If individuals or their family members owe money to the Australian Government, the debt must be paid back or arrangements must be made to repay it before applying for the Transit visa.

Where Applicable, Hold a Maritime Crew Visa

If individuals are joining the crew of an eligible ship, they must hold a Maritime Crew visa.

Sign the Australian Values Statement

Applicants who are 18 years of age or older must acknowledge the Australian Values Statement, confirming their commitment to respect the Australian way of life and obey Australian laws.

Best Interests of the Child

The Transit visa may not be granted if it is not in the best interests of an applicant under 18 years of age.

Before You Apply

Before applying for the Transit visa, individuals should check their eligibility and consider if they may be eligible to transit without a visa. Eligible individuals may include NZ passport holders who meet the requirements for a Special Category visa or those eligible for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), Visitor visa, or eVisitor visa. Additionally, individuals who already hold a valid Australian temporary or permanent visa that permits transit through Australia may not need a Transit visa.

It is important to apply for the visa well ahead of travel and provide all required documents to prevent delays. Additional information may be requested during the assessment process.

Get Help With Your Application

If individuals require assistance with their visa application, they can seek help from a registered migration agent, legal practitioner, or exempt person. It is important to appoint someone who is authorized to provide immigration assistance.

Gather Your Documents

Applicants should gather all required documents for their Transit visa application.

Provide Accurate Information

It is important to provide accurate information and proof of identity when applying for the Transit visa. Failure to do so may result in delays or refusal of the application.

Transit Through Australia

Identity Documents

Applicants must provide certified copies of their National Identity Card (both sides) if available, as well as the pages of their current passport showing their photo, personal details, passport issue and expiry dates. Additionally, a recent passport-sized photograph of the head and shoulders against a plain background is required.

Sea Crew Transit

Identity Documents

Similar to Transit through Australia, applicants must provide certified copies of their National Identity Card (both sides) if available, as well as the pages of their current passport showing their photo, personal details, passport issue and expiry dates. A recent passport-sized photograph of the head and shoulders against a plain background is also required.

Documents from You

Applicants must provide documents showing their employment on the ship they are joining in Australia, travel arrangements to another country, proof that the ship is an eligible ship, and evidence of their seafarer's identity (such as a seafarer's Identity Document or Card).

Documents from the Shipping Agent

A statement from the vessel's local shipping/handling agent is required. The statement should include the applicant's name, the name of the person being replaced, the name of the employing company, the name of the ship to be joined, the intended arrival date in Australia, the port and date of joining the ship, and, if applicable, a copy of the request for crew from the ship's agent in Australia.

Tell Us You Are Getting Help

Applicants should inform the relevant authorities if they are appointing someone to receive their correspondence or provide immigration assistance. The appropriate forms should be completed and uploaded to ImmiAccount.

Prepare Your Documents

Non-English documents should be translated into English by an accredited translator. Certified copies of documents should be provided, including non-English documents and translations.

Send

The application should include original police certificates and certified copies of all other required documents. All relevant documents should be included with the application, and one copy of each document should be provided, even if it is used to show more than one thing.

Apply for the Visa

Applicants can apply for the Transit visa online through ImmiAccount. The application should include all necessary documents, and family applications can be submitted together.

After You Apply

After submitting the application, applicants should wait for confirmation of receipt. Updates on the application status may not be available within the standard processing time, but applicants can check if additional information is required through ImmiAccount.

Biometrics, such as fingerprints and a photo, may be requested as part of the application process.

If any mistakes are made on the application, applicants should notify the authorities as soon as possible using the appropriate form.

Applicants should also inform the authorities if there are any changes to their circumstances, such as contact information, passport details, relationship status, or the birth of a child.

Visa Outcome

The visa application will be decided while the applicant is outside of Australia. The decision will be communicated in writing, including the visa grant number, start date, and any applicable conditions. If the visa is refused, the reasons for refusal and the right to review the decision will be provided.

Coming to Australia

Before You Leave

Prior to departure, travelers should ensure they have a valid visa and a valid passport or travel document.

At the Border

Upon arrival in Australia, travelers must complete an Incoming Passenger Card. Additionally, the SmartGate automated process can expedite the process of leaving the airport.

In Australia

While in Australia on the Transit visa, individuals can go sightseeing, visit family or friends, or engage in other activities. It is important to comply with the conditions attached to the visa and check them on VEVO.

What You Must Do on This Visa

While in Australia on the Transit visa, individuals must meet all visa conditions and obey Australian laws. Any changes to contact information or circumstances should be reported to the authorities.

See How Long You Can Stay

The maximum stay on the Transit visa is 72 hours, unless the individual is a Maritime Crew visa holder. The specific departure date can be checked on VEVO.

Staying Longer

Staying longer in Australia is not possible by extending the Transit visa. Individuals must apply for a new visa if they wish to stay longer.

Proving You Have a Visa

Proof of having a Transit visa and the associated conditions can be obtained through VEVO. International movement records can also be requested to provide proof of travel.