Visa Requirements
Do South African citizens need a visa for Australia?
Official Requirement
e-Visa required
for South Africa citizens travelling to Australia
Visitors from countries not eligible for an ETA may apply for an Electronic Visitor visa (subclass 651) online through the Department of Home Affairs before travelling to Australia. The visa permits stays of up to three months.
Checked 12 September 2026
We are not a government authority. Requirements change without notice. Always verify with the official consulate link before travel.
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The short answer
South African citizens need an eVisa to enter Australia for stays of up to 90 days. An eVisa has to be applied for and approved online before travelling to Australia. Processing takes in most cases the result is given immediately. An application may take longer if it is not completed correctly or if further information is required, and the Department advises against making travel arrangements until the ETA is granted. The fee is AUD 20 service charge to use the Australian ETA app. The Department of Home Affairs states there is no other charge payable for an ETA (as of September 2026). Bring an eligible passport, the Australian ETA app on a mobile device and payment of the AUD 20 app service charge. This was last checked on 12 September 2026.
At a glance
Key facts for South African citizens visiting Australia
- Requirement
- e-Visa required
- Maximum stay
- Up to 90 days
- Fee
- AUD 20 service charge to use the Australian ETA app. The Department of Home Affairs states there is no other charge payable for an ETA (as of September 2026).
- Processing time
- In most cases the result is given immediately. An application may take longer if it is not completed correctly or if further information is required, and the Department advises against making travel arrangements until the ETA is granted.
- Documents
- An eligible passport
- The Australian ETA app on a mobile device
- Payment of the AUD 20 app service charge
- Conditions
- The authority covers a 12-month period and allows as many visits as wanted within it, with a stay of up to 3 months on each entry. It permits visiting family or friends, a holiday or a cruise, and some business visitor activities. The application must be made from outside Australia.
- Official source
- Official source for this route →
Step by step
How South African citizens enter Australia
Check that your passport is eligible for an ETA
Download the Australian ETA app and watch the ETA video guides
Apply through the app from outside Australia and pay the AUD 20 service charge
Wait for the ETA to be granted before making travel arrangements
Travel within the 12-month period, staying no more than 3 months per visit
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Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Apply for your Australia eVisa
Official eVisa application — processed in minutes with instant confirmation.
Questions
What South African citizens ask about entering Australia
Yes. South African citizens need an eVisa, applied for and approved online before travelling to Australia. This was last checked on 12 September 2026.
Up to 90 days on this entry route. A longer trip needs a different permission, which this page does not cover. A border officer decides the length granted on the day.
Through the official application page linked on this page. Yoogo does not process applications and takes no fee for them.
A passport valid for the trip, proof of onward or return travel, and proof of where you are staying. Officers can ask for evidence that you can support yourself for the visit. Entry is always the officer's decision, whatever the paperwork says.
Australia uses AUD. Check the rate before you exchange anything at the airport, where the spread is usually widest.
Changes to this route
No changes recorded since the first check on 12 September 2026.
Full change history for this route →