Filipinos Can Now Stay in Australia for Up to Three Months Per Trip
- Joanna Garingarao
- Dec 27, 2024
- 2 min read
Filipinos now have a more convenient way to visit Australia with the introduction of the Australian Frequent Traveller Stream (FTS) Visitor Visa (subclass 600). This new visa option, designed for tourism, family visits, or short-term business activities, allows travelers to stay for up to three months per visit, with a maximum of 12 months within any two-year period.
The visa, which costs AUD$1,435 (approximately PHP 53,620), is valid for up to 10 years. Details about the length of stay for each visit will be outlined in the visa grant letter. This long-term option is expected to help strengthen ties between the Philippines and Australia, especially as over 320,300 Filipinos currently reside in Australia, making them the fifth-largest migrant community in the country.
How to Apply
Applying for the FTS Visitor Visa is straightforward and done entirely through the Australian Governmentâs ImmiAccount portal. Applicants must meet health and character requirements, settle any outstanding debts to the Australian Government, and submit key documents, such as:
A valid passport
Proof of sufficient funds
A travel itinerary
Additional documents, like employment certificates or invitation letters, may be required for verification.
After submitting the application, applicants must provide biometrics at the Australian Biometric Collection Centre (ABCC) in Makati City. This process includes a PHP 557 service fee, with an extra PHP 1,000 fee for walk-ins. The ABCC operates Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Other Visa Options
Filipino travelers also have access to various visa types, including the Visitor Visa (subclass 600), Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462), and Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601), among others.
With its flexible terms, the FTS Visitor Visa is expected to benefit many Filipinos by making travel to Australia more accessible and efficient, whether for leisure, reconnecting with loved ones, or pursuing business opportunities.
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