Subclass 771
Transit Visa (Subclass 771) Australia
Transit through Australia for up to 72 hours on your way to another country, or enter Australia to join a ship as crew. The Transit visa is free.
About the Transit Visa (Subclass 771)
The Transit visa (subclass 771) allows you up to 72 hours to transit Australia on your way to another country. You can also use it if you need to join a ship as a crew member and you hold a Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988). If you already hold an Australian visa you may not need a Transit visa, so check VEVO or your ImmiAccount first.
With this visa you can
- Transit through Australia for no longer than 72 hours
- Enter Australia by air before joining the crew of an eligible ship as a Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988) holder, within 5 days of your arrival
You must
- Be outside Australia
- Be transiting Australia, with evidence of a confirmed booking to travel to another country within 72 hours of arriving, and the correct documents to enter that country
- If joining the crew of an eligible ship, hold a Maritime Crew visa and the necessary crew documents, and sign on to your ship within 5 days of your arrival
A Transit visa ends most other Australian visas
If Home Affairs grants you a Transit visa, this will end most other Australian visas that you may hold. If you already hold an Australian visa, check VEVO or your ImmiAccount before applying, as you may not need a Transit visa.
How Outlook Immigration Can Help
Our MARA registered migration agent confirms that this is the right visa for your passport and travel plans, explains the conditions that will apply to you and helps you prepare a complete application, so you can travel with confidence.
Visa information is based on the Department of Home Affairs website (last updated September 2026). Fees, conditions and processing times can change, so always confirm current details using the Visa Pricing Estimator or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
Transit Visa (Subclass 771): Full Details
Everything about this visa, from eligibility to what happens after grant.
About this visa
Transit through Australia for up to 72 hours.
- Transit through Australia on your way to another country
- Enter Australia to join a ship as crew, if you also hold a Maritime Crew visa
No longer than 72 hours.
Free.
Eligibility
What you need to meet.
You must leave Australia within 72 hours, unless you also hold a Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988).
If you are entering by air to join the crew of an eligible ship, you must hold a Maritime Crew visa.
You are personally responsible for any healthcare costs while in Australia, so you should hold adequate health insurance.
You must meet the health and character requirements, and have repaid (or arranged to repay) any debts to the Australian Government. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.
Step by step
How to apply.
Get expert advice first
Book a consultation with Outlook Immigration. Our registered migration agent will assess your eligibility, confirm this is the right visa for you and explain your options before you apply.
Gather your documents
Passport and onward travel details. We will tell you exactly what you need.
Apply
Apply before you travel. We will confirm whether you need this visa for your journey.
After you apply
Respond to any requests for more information. Do not make travel plans until your visa is granted. Home Affairs may also ask for health examinations, police certificates or biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image).
Visa outcome
You will be told the decision in writing. If granted, your letter shows your grant number, visa conditions and how long you can stay.
When you have this visa
Your conditions on this visa.
You can be in Australia no longer than 72 hours while you wait to leave by air, or 5 days if you hold a Maritime Crew visa and are leaving by sea.
You must meet all your visa conditions and obey Australian laws. Your conditions are in your grant letter and in VEVO.
Transit Visa (Subclass 771) FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
Book Appointment- MARA Registered
- QEAC Certified
You may need one if you are transiting Australia on your way to another country within 72 hours. If you already hold an Australian visa, you may not need a Transit visa, so check VEVO or your ImmiAccount first.
No longer than 72 hours.
Yes. The Transit visa (subclass 771) is free.
Evidence of a confirmed booking to travel to another country within 72 hours of arriving in Australia, and the correct documents to enter that country.
Yes. If you hold a Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988), you can enter Australia by air and must sign on to your eligible ship within 5 days of your arrival.
Yes. If you are granted a Transit visa, it will end most other Australian visas that you may hold.
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