Australia vs 
United Arab Emirates: tourist visa
Australia or United Arab Emirates for a tourist visa? ₹17,074 vs ₹6,275 all-in, 21–37 days vs 2–6 working days decision, funds and process compared.
Verdict
- United Arab Emirates is cheaper (₹6,275 vs ₹17,074 all-in)
- United Arab Emirates decides faster (2–6 working days)
- United Arab Emirates asks for less money in the bank (₹94,620 vs ₹3.31 lakh)
Australia vs United Arab Emirates: tourist visa side by side
| Australia | United Arab Emirates | |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist visa route | Visitor visa | Tourist visa |
| Visa format | E-visa | E-visa |
| Process | e-visa | e-visa |
| Biometrics | No | No |
| Interview | No | No |
| Government fee | ₹16,569 | ₹5,410 |
| Vistolane filing fee | ₹505 | ₹865 |
| All-in per traveller (sum of the lines above) | ₹17,074 | ₹6,275 |
| Route page fee (official) | AUD 250 per person | AED 210 per person (30-day single entry, incl. VAT) |
| Processing (route page) | 50 percent in 21 days, 90 percent in 33 days (Home Affairs, 29 Sep 2026) | 48 hours to 4 working days; express 24 hours |
| Decision window | 21–37 days | 2–6 working days |
| Validity | 6–12 months in practice (up to 12 months, decided at grant) | 60 days |
| Stay | 3, 6 or 12 months per visit, decided at grant | 30 or 60 days |
| Entries | Decided at grant | Single or multiple |
| Funds to show (tourist visa) | ₹3.31 lakh | ₹94,620 |
Which is cheaper?
Australia costs ₹17,074 all-in (₹16,569 government fee plus ₹505 filing) and United Arab Emirates ₹6,275 (₹5,410 government fee plus ₹865 filing). United Arab Emirates is cheaper by ₹10,799 per applicant. Neither figure includes optional attention plans or airport transfers.
Which is faster?
Australia: 50 percent in 21 days, 90 percent in 33 days (Home Affairs, 29 Sep 2026). United Arab Emirates: 48 hours to 4 working days; express 24 hours. Both windows are the authority's own published figures as read on the route pages; a complete file at submission is the single biggest lever on either.
Which needs less money in the bank?
Australia asks for about ₹3.31 lakh and United Arab Emirates about ₹94,620 for a tourist visa. United Arab Emirates is the lower bar. In both, statements must be seasoned for three months and match the plan you describe.
How the processes differ
Australia: e-visa. United Arab Emirates: e-visa. The steps are the same shape, so documents prepared for one largely serve the other.
Which should you pick for a tourist visa?
For a short trip, weigh speed and entries: United Arab Emirates decides in 2–6 working days, and United Arab Emirates gives multiple entries. If you are choosing purely on cost, United Arab Emirates wins.
