Transit Visa (subclass 771) — Australia

The Transit Visa (subclass 771) allows short stays in Australia while you travel to another country or join a vessel as crew. Strict time limits apply, and you must meet clear documentary and travel requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.

Duration and time limits

You can stay in Australia for no more than 72 hours from the time you arrive. You must hold evidence of a confirmed onward booking to another country within that 72-hour period.

You must also hold the documents required to enter your final destination. If you cannot enter that country, you do not meet the transit requirement.

You must be outside Australia when you apply. Home Affairs assesses your application based on your travel plans and supporting documents.

If further character information is required, you may need to provide additional details such as Form Form 80.

If you plan to stay longer than 72 hours, consider a different visa, such as the Visitor Visa (subclass 600), Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601), or eVisitor (subclass 651), depending on your passport.

Crew-specific rules

If you are joining a ship as crew, you must hold a Maritime Crew Visa (subclass 988). The Transit Visa (subclass 771) allows you to enter Australia by air before signing on to your vessel.

You must sign on to your eligible ship within 5 days of arrival. You cannot delay beyond this period.

To qualify as crew in transit, you must:

• Hold a valid Maritime Crew Visa (subclass 988)
• Carry required crew documentation
• Join your vessel within 5 days

If you do not join the vessel within the allowed timeframe, you breach your visa conditions.

Transit requirements

You must genuinely transit through Australia. This visa does not permit tourism, business activities, or extended visits.

To meet transit requirements, you must:

• Be travelling to another country
• Hold a confirmed onward booking within 72 hours
• Have permission to enter your destination country
• Apply while outside Australia

Home Affairs expects clear evidence of your itinerary. This may include flight confirmations and proof of entry rights for your next destination.

If your travel plans change and you need to remain in Australia longer than 72 hours, you must hold a visa that allows that stay. The Australian Border Force checks your compliance at entry, and officers can refuse entry if you do not meet transit conditions.

You apply for a Transit visa (subclass 771) through the Department of Home Affairs using an online Immi Account. You must create or log in to your account, complete the correct transit form, and upload the required documents before submitting.

Start with Immi Account

Access the Department of Home Affairs online portal and log in to your Immi Account. If you do not have one, create an account to use the department’s online visa services.

You must enter:

• Your username
• Your password
• Multi-factor authentication details, if enabled

If you forget your login details, use the account recovery options before starting your application.

After logging in, select the correct visa type. Choose the Transit visa (subclass 771) from the visa list.

Do not select other short-term options such as:

Selecting the wrong visa delays processing and may require a new application.

Download the current transit visa form and read the official instructions carefully. Review the eligibility requirements before you begin completing the form.

Complete the transit form

Complete all required sections of the transit visa form accurately. Provide full personal details exactly as shown in your passport.

You must prepare certified copies of required identity documents before uploading them. This typically includes:

• Your passport biodata page
• Any required supporting identity documents

Answer every question truthfully. If your circumstances require additional background information, you may need to complete Form Form 80 and upload it with your application.

Do not leave mandatory fields blank. The system marks required fields clearly.

Check all entries before moving forward. Inconsistent dates, name differences, or missing documents commonly cause delays.

You are responsible for ensuring your information matches your supporting documents exactly.

Submitting your application

Upload all required documents directly through your Immi Account. The Department of Home Affairs only accepts applications lodged through its official system.

Before submitting, confirm that you have:

• Completed all mandatory fields
• Attached certified copies of required documents
• Included any additional forms, such as Form 80 (if applicable)

Review your application carefully. Once you submit, you formally lodge your Transit visa (subclass 771) application with Home Affairs.

For current application charges in AUD (A$), use the official fee information provided by the Department of Home Affairs. Always verify amounts before payment, as charges can change.

There’s no visa application charge for the Australia Transit Visa. Still, you have to allow time for Home Affairs to assess your application.

The Department of Home Affairs updates its processing time guidance regularly. As of July 2025, the application fee is A$0 for the Transit Visa.

You don’t pay any visa application charge when you submit your application. But you still need to provide a complete set of documents.

Other visa types have different fee structures. For example:

If you’re applying for a different visa, confirm the current charge with the Department of Home Affairs. Fees can change and must be paid in full at lodgement.

Processing time guidance

The usual processing time for a Transit Visa is 1 to 2 weeks. That’s based on recently finalised applications.

Your case could be faster or slower depending on the details you provide and whether Home Affairs asks for more documents. The visa processing time guide tool from Home Affairs lets you check current estimates.

These figures are based on recent decisions, not on guaranteed deadlines. Submitting extra forms, like Form Form 80, can extend the wait.

processing times for Form 80 depend on the visa category and which office is handling your case. If you’re asked for Form 80, reply promptly.

How times are published

Home Affairs publishes processing times in its online processing times guide. You can select your visa type to see current time ranges.

These times are updated periodically and reflect recently finalised applications. There’s also a Quarterly report and information about visa processing priorities explaining how applications are managed.

Most transit visa refusals are due to incomplete forms, missing travel proof, or not meeting basic character or health requirements. Submitting accurate information and clear evidence that you’ll leave Australia as planned is essential.

Frequent application mistakes

Submitting an incomplete or poorly prepared application increases your risk of refusal.

Common errors:

• Filling out forms in a language other than English
• Not providing certified translations for non‑English documents
• Giving inconsistent or incorrect personal details
• Leaving out the Australian Values Statement if you’re 18 or older
• Providing inaccurate travel plans

If Home Affairs asks for more details, such as Form Form 80, inconsistent answers can raise credibility concerns.

You must apply for the right visa. Transit visa (subclass 771) isn’t a substitute for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600), Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601), or eVisitor (subclass 651) if you don’t strictly qualify as a transit passenger.

Even small mistakes can delay processing or lead to refusal.

Missing evidence that causes refusal

Home Affairs expects clear proof that you’ll transit and depart Australia.

Refusals often result from missing:

• Confirmation of onward booking from Australia
• Evidence that your stay is limited to the transit period
• A valid Maritime Crew visa if you’re joining a vessel’s crew

Without a confirmed ticket out of Australia, officers may decide you don’t meet transit requirements.

You also have to meet Australia’s health requirement. Not meeting health criteria can result in refusal, even if your travel plans are valid.

Documentation needs to be complete and consistent at the time of application.

Application does not guarantee approval

Applying for a Transit visa (subclass 771) doesn’t guarantee approval. Home Affairs reviews each case on its own merits.

Officers look at your form, documents, health compliance, and eligibility before deciding. Even if you’ve previously traveled on a Visitor Visa (subclass 600), Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601), or eVisitor (subclass 651), you must meet all transit requirements.

The Australian Border Force makes the final call at the border. A granted visa lets you travel to Australia but doesn’t guarantee entry.

You’re responsible for:

1. Providing truthful information

2. Meeting health requirements

3. Holding the correct visa for your purpose

Failure in any area can lead to refusal or denied entry.

Australian Border Force officers assess eligibility at the airport, even if Home Affairs has already granted your transit visa. Incomplete disclosure, misleading answers, or unresolved legal issues can lead to refusal at entry.

Common red flags at entry

Border officers review your travel history, identity, and prior visa records when you arrive. They compare your answers with what you gave Home Affairs in your transit visa, Visitor Visa (subclass 600), Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601), or eVisitor (subclass 651) application.

Red flags include:

• Undisclosed criminal charges or convictions
• Pending court matters not declared in your application
• Missing travel history, especially to conflict-affected regions
• Inconsistent answers compared to Form Form 80 or prior applications

Omitting travel to certain regions can trigger additional security checks. Even minor inconsistencies may raise credibility concerns.

Inadmissibility and disclosure issues

You must declare all criminal history, even spent convictions and pending charges. Home Affairs expects full disclosure, no matter how minor the issue.

Failure to disclose is often viewed more seriously than the offense itself. A prior conviction doesn’t automatically mean refusal, but hiding it can.

You need to provide accurate information about:

• All names used
• All passports held
• Complete international travel history
• Previous visa refusals or cancellations

If you complete Form 80, it needs to match every detail in your visa application. Discrepancies between Form 80 and your transit visa file can lead to refusal at the border.

The Department of Home Affairs decides on visa grants. The Australian Border Force decides if you meet entry requirements on arrival.

How omissions can affect outcomes

Omissions can result in delay, refusal, or future bans. The outcome depends on what you left out and whether officers believe it was deliberate.

If officers suspect false or misleading information, they may:

1. Refuse your entry at the airport

2. Cancel your visa

3. Record adverse findings that affect future applications

A refusal under a transit visa can also impact later applications for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600), Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601), or eVisitor (subclass 651).

Review every answer before submitting. Cross-check your travel history with passport stamps and past applications. Consistency and full disclosure protect your credibility and your ability to enter Australia.