Australia’s Department of Home Affairs confirmed the rollout of a new 5-year multiple-entry visitor visa for Indian citizens effective 1 August 2026. Applicants will pay a single fee of AUD 190 and receive permission for stays of up to three months per visit.
The policy replaces the current single-entry ETA and eVisitor options, which required re-application for each trip. Officials expect the measure to increase Indian visitor numbers by 18 percent within the first year.
India and Australia signed a migration and mobility partnership agreement in 2024 that set the stage for streamlined visa processing. Tourism Australia has already begun marketing campaigns targeting high-value leisure and corporate segments in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.
What this means for you
Indian travellers planning multiple trips should apply after 1 August to secure the longer validity. Existing ETA holders may upgrade at no extra cost by submitting a new application before their current permit expires.
Book flights and accommodation early for peak season December–February, as demand is forecast to rise sharply once the visa opens.
The extended visa window gives travellers greater flexibility to add spontaneous side trips to New Zealand or Pacific islands without additional visa costs.