Do you need a transit visa for Australia?
Australia requires a Transit visa (subclass 771) or other valid visa for most travelers; some passport holders qualify for transit without a visa.
Staying airside (not leaving the airport)
Most travelers need a visa to transit, but eligible passport holders meeting strict conditions can transit without a visa for up to 8 hours without leaving the transit lounge.
Leaving the airport during your layover
To clear immigration you need a Transit visa (subclass 771) or another valid Australian visa.
Key transit schemes & facts
- Transit visa (subclass 771): free of charge, covers up to 72 hours, and — the practical difference — it lets you leave the airport during the layover.
- Transit Without a Visa (TWOV): for eligible passport holders with a layover under 8 hours who arrive and depart by air and stay airside. You cannot leave the transit area on TWOV; if you want to, you need the 771.
- Confirmed onward travel within the time limit is required.
Official source
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a transit visa to connect through Australia?
Australia requires a Transit visa (subclass 771) or other valid visa for most travelers; some passport holders qualify for transit without a visa.
Can you transit airside through Australia without a visa?
Most travelers need a visa to transit, but eligible passport holders meeting strict conditions can transit without a visa for up to 8 hours without leaving the transit lounge.
What if you want to leave the airport during a layover in Australia?
To clear immigration you need a Transit visa (subclass 771) or another valid Australian visa.
Check the visa you'll need at your destination
Beyond transit, you'll need to know the visa rules for where you're actually going.
Open the visa checker →