The Transit (Subclass 771) visa is a temporary Australian visa that allows travelers to enter and stay in Australia for up to 72 hours when transiting to another country. It is intended for people who need to clear immigration as part of their travel plans, rather than simply staying in an international transit lounge.
This visa can also be used by travelers arriving by air who plan to join a ship and leave Australia by sea within a short period.
When do you need a Transit Visa?
Not all travelers need a Transit visa. In some cases, you may be able to transit without a visa (TWOV) if you:
- Arrive by aircraft and will leave Australia on a confirmed flight to a third country within 8 hours
- Remain in the international transit lounge and do not clear immigration or leave the airport
- Hold the correct travel documents for your destination country
However, due to airport limitations — such as needing to collect or re‑check luggage or change terminals — you might have to clear immigration and therefore need a visa like the Transit (Subclass 771).
Who can apply for the Transit (Subclass 771) Visa?
You can apply for a Subclass 771 visa if you:
- Will transit through Australia on your way to a destination outside Australia
- Will be in Australia for no more than 72 hours before departing
- Hold required travel documents and confirmed onward travel arrangements
- Are outside Australia when you apply and when the visa decision is made
If you do not meet the criteria to transit without a visa, this visa ensures you can pass through Australia without exceeding immigration restrictions.
How long can you stay on this Visa?
- This visa allows you to stay in Australia for up to 72 hours while you transit to your next destination.
- If you are joining a ship, you may be permitted to enter and sign on within a short time frame before departing by sea.
This is strictly a short‑stay visa and cannot be extended if you plan to stay longer in Australia — a different visa type would then be required.
What you can do with the Transit Visa
With the Transit (Subclass 771) visa, you can:
- Enter Australia and remain for up to 72 hours before departing by air or sea
- Leave the airport and stay temporarily in Australia during your transit period
- Visit family or friends or explore the area briefly (as long as you depart within the visa’s time limit)
This visa does not allow you to work or stay beyond the transit period defined in your visa grant.
Important rules to remember
- You must apply for this visa before you travel and be outside Australia when your visa is granted.
- You must have confirmed onward travel to a third country within 72 hours of arriving in Australia.
- A visa may not be needed if you meet the transit without visa conditions and remain within the international transit area.
Always check your transit arrangements with your airline to confirm whether you will need to clear immigration.
Need expert visa advice?
Travel plans that involve transiting through Australia can be confusing, especially when flights involve airport changes or immigration clearance. For trusted and personalised visa guidance, visit immigrationau.com.au.
At Immigration AU, you can connect with experienced migration agents who understand the Australian visa system and can help you with:
- Transit visas (Subclass 771) and other visitor visa options
- Step‑by‑step support during your application
DISCLAIMER: This disclaimer applies to all content published on immigrationau.com.au and its associated social media channels. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. It is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon for making any visa or migration decisions. Immigration laws and policies are subject to change, and the material may not reflect the most current regulations. For guidance specific to your circumstances, please consult a Registered Migration Agent (MARA) or a qualified Australian lawyer before submitting any applications.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transit (Subclass 771) Visa
You can stay in Australia for up to 72 hours before you must leave for your next destination.
Yes — if you hold a Transit visa, you can clear immigration and exit the airport during your 72‑hour transit period.
Some travelers may be eligible to transit without a visa if they do not clear immigration, hold a confirmed onward ticket within 8 hours, and remain in the transit zone.
No — you must leave Australia within the allowed 72‑hour period or apply for a different visa for a longer stay.
Each person who wants to transit through Australia will generally need their own Transit visa unless they are eligible for transit without a visa.
