Do Singaporeans Need Visa to Australia 2025

Are you a Singaporean planning a trip to Australia? Are you wondering if an Australia travel visa is necessary? If you have no idea where to start, this is a complete guide for Australia visa application for Singaporeans, helping you understand the visa types, which one to choose and how to apply for one.

Do Singaporeans Need Visa to Australia 2025?

Yes. According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, Singaporeans need a tourist visa to visit Australia in 2025. They may apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) which is obtainable online. It allows travelers to stay in the country for up to 3 months at a time. New Zealand is the only country whose citizens can travel to Australia visa-free. Any other nationals must present a valid visa when they enter Australia.

Australia Tourist Visa Types for Singaporeans 2025

There are mainly 3 types of Australian tourist visa in Singapore: The ETA, long validity visitor and work and holiday visa. They vary in terms of travel purpose, validity, duration of stay, etc. Here is a table to demonstrate their differences:

Australian ETA vs Long Validity Visitor Visa: Difference & Which One to Choose

If you are traveling to Australia solely for tourism purposes and you are applying for a visa in Singapore, both ETA and long validity visitor visa are suitable. However, they have differences in aspects as follows:

1. Travel purpose

Both visas allow Singapore travelers to visit Australia as tourists. If you intend to visit family or friends, cruise or go on a vacation, you can choose either one. However, if you need to undertake some business visitor activities, such as signing a business contract or taking part in a conference, you should apply for an ETA. A long validity visitor visa does not allow visits for business or medical treatment. That being said, an ETA is not a work visa. You can not work in Australia on an ETA.

2. Cost

As for the price, there is a significant difference between the two visas. An ETA costs much less than a long validity visitor visa.

• ETA: AUD20.00

The AUD20 is a service fee charged by the Australia ETA app. No Visa Application Charge (VAC) is required for an ETA visa.

• Long validity visitor visa: AUD195.00

3. Difficulty for approval

• For the ETA application, if you meet the requirements and have provided all the information correctly, you will receive the result for approval immediately. If you are granted an ETA visa, you can enter Australia multiple times while it is valid.
• For long validity visitor visa, the Australia Department of Home Affair will decide how long you can stay and how many times you can enter Australia. You may not be allowed to stay as long as you want. Also, your application takes time to be processed and it depends on the Australian Embassy.

4. Eligibility

The two visas share similarities in eligibility, but there are differences as well. If you are applying for a long validity visitor visa, you should prove that you have enough money to stay in Australia and you can not work in the country. If you are applying for an ETA, you need an eligible passport and watch the ETA video guides.

How to Apply for Australia ETA for Singaporeans 2025

The application process for Australia ETA is very simple. Here are the steps:

Check your eligibility

The first thing you do is to check your eligibility. See the below requirements:

1. Have an eligible passport

You need to hold a passport of the countries in the following table. If you hold more than one passport, you need to provide the relevant details in the application. Australian passport holders can not apply for an ETA.

✨Countries Eligible for an ETA

• Andorra
• Austria
• Belgium
• Brunei
• Canada
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hong Kong (SAR of China)
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Liechtenstein
• Luxembourg
• Malaysia
• Malta
• Monaco
• Norway
• Portugal
• Republic of San Marino
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan (excluding official or diplomatic passports)
• The Netherlands
• United Kingdom—British Citizen
• United Kingdom—British National (Overseas)
• United States of America
• Vatican City

2. Abide by the rules attached to your visa

You should only stay temporarily in Australia for the period allowed.

3. Meet the health requirement

Different health examinations may be required based on your age and other conditions.

4. No criminal record

If you have a criminal record in any country, you may not be able to meet the character requirements. Please be truthful about your criminal history.

5. No debt to the Australian government

You or your family members should not owe money to the Australian government. If you do, you need to pay it back.

6. Best interest of child

If you are applying for a visa for a child and it is not in the child’s best interest, the visa will not be granted.

Watch the ETA video guide

If you have met all the above requirements, go to the Australia Department of Home Affairs website and watch the ETA video guide, learning how to put in your information online, including taking a photo of yourself, scanning passport data, etc.

Download the ETA App

The ETA app can be downloaded on the Apple Store or Google Play Store, depending on your smartphone system. It is completely free.

Apply for the ETA

After you have downloaded the ETA app, you can follow the instructions on the app and scan your data.

1. Agree to terms and conditions and set your passcode.

2. Answer the question on if you are a travel agent.

3. Then, you can start an ETA application.

4. Scan your passport.

5. Read the ePassport chip. You may need to try scanning the front and back cover of your Singapore passport.

6. Confirm the data that has been put into the system.

7. Take a live photo for confirmation of your identity.

8. Add another passport if you are a dual national.

9. Add personal information, including alias and home address.

10. Provide your email address for verification.

11. Confirm and save your profile.

12. Answer some questions truthfully and click “next” to proceed with payment.

13. Pay for the ETA app service fee and the whole application process is done.

Wait for the result

Whether your application is approved, you will receive a notice. If your visa is granted, you will get a visa grant number, the date your visa is issued and visa conditions in writing. If your application is rejected, you will still get a notice telling you the reason why. Just wait for the result patiently.

How to Apply for Long Validity Visitor Visa for Singaporeans 2025

Different from ETA, an application for long validity visitor visa requires you to visit the Australian visa application centre in person. Here are the steps:

Check your eligibility

The requirements are similar to ETA. See the list below:

1. A valid passport.
2. Meet the health requirement.

Health examinations will be required depending on your age and condition.

3. No criminal record.

You must meet the character requirements for the visa, and if you have a substantial criminal record, you may not meet the requirements.

4. No debt to the Australian government.

You and your family members can not owe money to the Australian government.

5. Prove your financial status.

You need to prove you have enough money to support your life in Australia.

6. Be a genuine visitor.

You have to stay in Australia only for the period attached to your visa.

7. Best interest of the child.

The visa will not be granted if it is not in the best interest of a minor applicant.

Gather necessary documents

If you are eligible to apply for the visa, gather the necessary documents as follows:

1. A valid passport.
2. National identity card. (if you have)
3. Proof of name change. (if applicable)
4. Proof that you have enough money to stay in Australia, such as:
   • Personal Bank Statements for 3 months
   • Pay slips
   • Audited accounts
   • Tax records
   • Term deposits
   • Credit card statements
5. A letter of invitation from a relative or friend in Australia. The content should include:
   • Their relationship with you
   • The purpose of your visit and how long you will stay
   • Whether you are staying with them and whether they will pay for your stay. If they will cover your cost, provide proof of their funds.
6. Traveling plan in Australia.
7. Proof that you have reasons to return to Singapore, such as:
   • A letter from your employer expecting your return to your job.
   • Proof that you are studying in a school or university in Singapore.
   • Proof that you have close family members in Singapore.
   • Proof that you own a house or major assets in Singapore.
   • Proof that you can return home.
8. Military service records or discharge papers. (if applicable)

Make an appointment

Once you have prepared all the documents needed, you can make an appointment online through VFS Global as follows:

1. First, log in or create an account with your e-mail address. Then activate your account through the email you received.

2. Click “Start New Booking” and select the appointment details. You can choose the assistance you need and the service fee will apply accordingly.

3. Enter your personal details.

4. After your appointment is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation letter by email.

Pay the visa fee

The service fee and visa fee will be charged by VFS Global online. The total amount is based on the visa and service category you selected. There is no refund.

Visit the Australian Visa Application Centre

Visit the Australian Visa Application Centre in Singapore on the scheduled date and time. Make sure you bring all the required documents with you.

Submit documents

Submit the documents to the staff at the centre and follow other instructions, such as taking a photo, scanning fingerprints, etc.

Collect the visa

After you have completed all the steps for application, you can wait for your long validity visitor visa. Usually, a visitor visa for a temporary stay will be issued within 1 day.

Australia Tourist Visa Fee

Australia tourist visas mainly include the ETA and long validity visitor visa. To obtain an ETA, you don’t need to pay a visa fee, but there is a service fee charged by the Australian ETA App, which is AUD20.00. As for long validity visitor visa, the visa fee is AUD195.00. Other cost may occur, including the cost of health checks, police certificates, biometrics, etc.

When Should I Apply for the Australia Tourist Visa?

The processing time for an Australia tourist visa can vary for different reasons, such as whether you have submitted all the necessary documents or how quickly you respond to a request for more information. That is why you should always apply in advance. In most cases, an ETA will be approved immediately. You can apply 2 days ahead to avoid delay. For a long validity visitor visa, the processing time may take much longer. 90% are processed in 29 days. To make sure you get your visa before you travel, it is best you start the process at least 2 months in advance.

Bonus Tips on Preparing for Your Trip to Australia in 2025

Other than getting a tourist visa, here are some bonus tips to help you better prepare for your trip to Australia:

• Plan your trip early.

Planning your trip early can help you decide what kind of tourist visa you should apply for. If you are going on a quick holiday, you can get an ETA. If you want to stay for a year, you can consider a working holiday visa.

• Plan travels between destinations.

Australia is a large country. It takes a long time to drive from one city to another. For example, it takes 10 hours to drive from Sydney to Brisbane, but if you take a plane, it only takes 1 hour. So pick your destinations and then plan how you can travel between them wisely.

• Stay sun-safe.

Australia is known for great weather with lots of sunshine. Remember to wear sunscreen with high SPF all the time.

• See wildlife up close

Some of the most unique wildlife are in Australia, such as koalas, kangaroos and so on. Take the opportunity to see the wildlife in their natural habitat.

• Buy a local SIM card

When you arrive in Australia, it is important to buy a local SIM card or activate an international roaming plan so that you can stay connected with your friends and family.

• Beware of danger when swimming

Enjoying the beach in Australia is what most tourists would do, but not every beach is patrolled by lifeguards. If you are not confident in your swimming skills, it is best not to swim in the sea.

FAQ

Which countries can enter Australia without a visa?

Only citizens of New Zealand can enter Australia without a visa.

Can Singaporeans apply for an ETA on arrival in Australia?

No. Singaporeans need to obtain an ETA before they enter Australia.

Can Singaporeans travel to Australia for study purposes with an ETA?

Yes. You can study for up to 3 months on an ETA. 

Can Singaporeans extend Australia ETA?

No. An Australia ETA can not be extended.

What happens if Singaporeans overstay in Australia?

If a Singaporean overstays in Australia, he/she will become an unlawful non-citizen and may be removed from Australia.

Where can Singaporeans travel without a visa?

There are 177 countries all across the world that Singaporeans can travel to visa-free, such as France, South Africa, Japan, etc. Click here to learn more about visa-free travel for Singaporeans.

Conclusion

To sum up, Singaporeans need to apply for a tourist visa to enter Australia. ETA is a visa option for short-term visits which can be obtained online while long validity visitor visa also allows the visa holders to stay for up to 12 months, but you need to apply at the Australian Visa Application Centre. If you are traveling to Australia for a vacation within 3 months, an ETA would be a convenient and cost-effective choice.