Undoubtedly, planning a trip to a foreign country can be challenging, especially if it involves multiple stops. So, if you are planning a trip that includes a stopover in Australia, you’ll need to know about a Transit Visa (Subclass 771). 

 

A Transit visa allows you to stay up to 72 hours in Australia while transit to another country. It is a temporary visa and has its own set of eligibility requirements and obligations. Therefore, if you are in a similar situation that includes a stopover in Australia, you must understand transit visa requirements and the application process first. 

 

Continue reading this blog post to learn everything about transit visas in Australia. Let’s get started!

 

Key Takeaways of Transit Visa (subclass 771)

Here are some important highlights of the Transit Visa (subclass 771) in Australia:

 

• The Transit Visa allows you to stay in Australia for up to 72 hours.
• It is suitable for visitors passing through Australia or joining a non-military ship’s crew.
• There is no visa application charge for this visa.

 

What is a Transit Visa (Subclass 771)?

A Transit Visa (subclass 771) is a temporary visa that allows you to stay in Australia for up to 72 hours while you are in transit to another country. Those who want to join the crew of a non-military ship can also apply for this visa. It is the most suitable option for travelers who have to pass through Australia on their way to their final destination or country.

 

However, you may not need this visa if the following conditions are applicable to you:

• You are a New Zealand passport holder and are eligible for a Special Category visa (subclass 444).
• You are eligible for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), a Visitor visa or an eVisitor visa.
• These tourist visas allow you to transit through Australia. Apart from this, they also allow you to stay longer in the country.

 

How long can you stay with a Transit Visa?

This is a temporary visa that allows you to stay in Australia for up to 72 hours. You must leave Australia within this period. The visa stay period starts the day the Department of Home Affairs grants it and is demonstrated on the visa grant letter.

 

Can you extend the Transit Visa?

No, you cannot extend the Transit Visa (subclass 771). If you need to stay longer in Australia, you must apply for another visa that suits your circumstances.

 

Can I include my family members in a Transit visa application?

No, you can not include your family members in your Transit visa application.  You need to submit a different application for every traveler. This covers infants traveling on their parents’ passports.

 

What is the fee cost for a Transit Visa?

There is no application fee for the Transit Visa (subclass 771). However, you may have to pay additional costs for police clearance certificates and health examinations if required.

 

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Transit Visa?

To be eligible to apply for the Transit Visa (subclass 771), you must meet the following requirements:

 

• If you are joining the crew of an eligible ship, you must hold a Maritime Crew visa and the required crew documentation.
• If you have a Maritime Crew Visa and are traveling to Australia by air on a transit visa, you must join your ship within a timeframe of 5 days.
• You must be outside Australia when you apply for this visa.
• You must have a confirmed booking to travel to another country within 72 hours of arriving in Australia.  
• You must hold a valid passport or travel document.
• You must meet certain health and character requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
• You must have adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay in Australia.
• You must not owe any money to the Australian Government. 

 

How to Apply for a Transit Visa (Subclass 771)?

 

Follow these simple steps to lodge an application for your Transit Visa (subclass 771) in Australia:

 

• Step 1: Check your eligibility.
• Step 2: Gather and organize your documents.
• Step 3: Apply for transit visa
• Step 4: Wait for the visa outcome

 

Below is a detailed overview of the steps you need to know before you apply for a transit visa.

 

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria and have all the required documents ready before applying for this visa. If you currently have a valid temporary or permanent Australian visa that allows you to transit to Australia, you might not need this visa.

 

Step 2: Gather your Documents

Gather and organize all the required documents to apply for a Transit Visa in Australia. Here is the list of documents required for the Transit Visa:

Identity documents

• National Identity Card (NIC).
• Pages of your current passport.
• Passport-sized photograph.

Documents from the shipping agent

It includes a statement from the vessel’s local shipping agent. This statement must include details such as your name, the name of the person you are replacing, the name of the company employing you, and the name of the ship you will join. Apart from this, the date you intend to arrive in Australia and the port and date you expect to join the ship must also be mentioned in this statement. 

Other documents

• You will be required to provide the following documents:
• Provide documents demonstrating your travel arrangements to another country
• Show your seafarer’s identity, such as your seafarer’s Identity Document or Card.
• Confirmed booking for onward travel within 72 hours.
• Police clearance certificate (if required).
• Health insurance documents.

 

Step 3: Apply for the Visa

Once you have gathered and organized your documents, the next step is to submit an application to the Department of Home Affairs Australia. In order to apply for transit visa subclass 771 online, follow these steps:

 

• Create an online account on the ImmiAccount website.
• Download the application form.
• Fill out the application form carefully.
• Attach the required documents.
• Submit the form.

 

Ensure you provide complete and accurate information. Providing misleading or incorrect information will result in visa cancellation or rejection.

Once you have submitted your visa application, regularly check your visa status. In case things change, such as your address, email, or phone number, notify the Department immediately.

 

Step 4: Wait for the Visa Outcome

After submitting the application, wait for the visa outcome. The Department of Home Affairs will notify you about your visa grant number, visa issuance and expiration dates, and visa conditions. In case your application is refused, the Department will inform you about the reasons for the refusal and whether you can review the decision or not.

 

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Transit Visa (subclass 771) is a suitable option for travelers passing through Australia. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and necessary documentation, you can apply for this visa. Stay informed, gather your documents, and ensure a smooth transit through Australia.

 

FAQs

How long does 771 visa processing take?

Approximately, 75% of the submitted applications are processed within 13 days and 90% of the applications are processed within 70 days. 

What is the cost of an Australian transit visa?

There is no visa cost of an Australian transit visa (subclass 771).

Can I have a layover in Australia without a visa?

Yes, you can have a layover in Australia without a visa. But you will have to meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Arrive in Australia by aircraft. 
• You must have a confirmed ticket to leave Australia to travel to a third country by aircraft within 8 hours of arriving. 
• You must have a valid travel document to enter the country of destination.