Subclass 771 Transit Visa

Overview

The Transit Visa (Subclass 771) allows travelers to transit through Australia for up to 72 hours. It is primarily used by:

• International travelers stopping over in Australia en route to a third country
• Crew members (maritime workers or aircrew) transiting through Australia to join a vessel or aircraft

This visa is free of charge, must be applied for from outside Australia, and is generally processed quickly if all documentation is provided correctly.

Key Features

• Cost: Free
• Length of Stay: Maximum 72 hours (3 days)
• Application Location: Must be outside Australia
• Entry: Single-entry only
• Work Rights: None, except for approved maritime crew
• Must Leave: Australia within 72 hours of arrival

What You Can Do on This Visa

You can:

• Transit through Australia on your way to another country
• Stay in Australia for up to 72 hours while waiting for a connecting flight
• For maritime crew: enter Australia to join a ship as a crew member (with appropriate evidence)

You cannot:

• Extend this visa or apply for another visa onshore
• Work or study
• Stay longer than 72 hours

Who Should Apply

This visa is suitable for:

1. Travelers with Stopovers in Australia

   • Example: Traveling from South Africa to New Zealand via Sydney.

2. Seafarers Joining a Ship in Australia

   • Crew members flying into an Australian port to board an international vessel.

3. Aircrew Members

   • In some cases, foreign aircrew members transitioning between flights.

4. Passengers of Nationalities Not Eligible for Transit Without Visa (TWOV)

   • Some nationalities must hold a 771 visa to transit through Australia, even if they do not leave the airport.

Who Doesn’t Need This Visa (TWOV Eligible)

Nationals from certain countries may be eligible for Transit Without Visa (TWOV) if:

• They are staying in Australia for less than 8 hours
• They do not leave the airport
• They hold confirmed onward bookings and visas for their next destination

TWOV eligibility rules change frequently. Check the official list here:
🔗 TWOV Information – Australian Home Affairs

Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

You’ll need:

• Valid passport
• Confirmed onward ticket (within 72 hours of arrival)
• Visa for next destination (if applicable)
• For crew: evidence of employment, shipping documents, letter from shipping company

Step 2: Apply via ImmiAccount

• Create or log in to your ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
• Select Subclass 771
• Complete application form
• Attach all supporting documents
• Submit (no fee required)

Step 3: Wait for a Decision

• Processing is typically fast (1–7 days)
• You must be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted

Processing Times

Delays may occur if:

• Documents are missing or unclear
• You are from a country with additional security screening
• Your transit involves complex maritime arrangements

Visa Conditions

• You must not stay longer than 72 hours
• No work (unless you’re approved as crew)
• No study
• Must leave Australia within visa timeframe
• Cannot extend or apply for another visa onshore
• You must meet health and character requirements

Common Use Cases

1. Short Airport Layovers

   • Travelers from India flying to New Zealand via Sydney
   • Vietnamese nationals transiting to Canada via Melbourne

2. Maritime Workers

   • Filipino seafarers joining an international cargo ship docking in Fremantle

3. Connecting Flights with Different Airlines

   • Where rechecking baggage or immigration clearance is required

4. Non-TWOV Nationals

   • Citizens from countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, or Sri Lanka who cannot transit without a visa

Common Hurdles and Rejection Reasons

1. No Proof of Onward Travel

   • Lack of a confirmed onward flight ticket is a key reason for rejection

2. Visa Required for Final Destination Not Supplied

   • For example, transiting to the US but not showing a valid US visa

3. Application Made Too Late

   • Travelers applying within 1–2 days of travel may face delays and miss connections

4. Incorrect or Incomplete Crew Documentation

   • Missing employer letters or ship details lead to delays for maritime workers

5. Health or Character Concerns

   • Prior visa overstays, criminal history, or TB flags can lead to refusals

FAQs

Can I leave the airport on a 771 Visa?

Yes, but only for up to 72 hours. You must depart Australia within that time.

Can I apply for another visa while in Australia on a 771?

No. This visa is strictly for transit purposes. You must leave Australia.

Can I work while on this visa?

Only if you are approved as a maritime crew member joining a ship. No other work is permitted.

Is this visa really free?

Yes. There is no government fee for the Subclass 771 visa.

What if I miss my connecting flight?

You must still leave within 72 hours of arrival. Contact your airline and Home Affairs immediately to avoid breaching visa conditions.

Can I use this visa to wait for another visa to process?

No. This visa is not intended for bridging or staging for other visa applications.

Trends & Insights

• High usage among South and Southeast Asian travelers flying through Australia to New Zealand, Canada, or the USA.
• Frequently used by international seafarers managed by global maritime recruitment agencies.
• Post-COVID, transit visa scrutiny has increased, especially for nationalities with high visa risk scores.
• Many travelers unaware of TWOV eligibility incorrectly apply for this visa, or vice versa.

Helpful Resources

• Apply for Subclass 771 via ImmiAccount
• Official 771 Visa Page – Home Affairs
• TWOV Eligibility Information

Need Help?

Whether you're unsure about TWOV rules, documentation for your ship assignment, or eligibility for a simple stopover — Aus Visa Library can help. We provide structured guides, up-to-date insights, and trusted migration agent listings.

👉 Contact Us or explore the rest of our growing visa library at ausvisalibrary.com

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