Visa Enquiries Telephone: Mon - Thu 1pm to 5pm, Fri 1pm to 4pm - Telephone: +49 (0)30 700 129 129 - Fax: +49(0)30 22 48 92 93
Counter Hours Visa Section: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9am and 11am
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Transit in Australia
Most people transiting Australia to another country or sea crew passing through Australia to join a ship as crew (arrival by air only) must obtain a visa overseas before travelling to Australia.
Note: A transit visa is required even if a traveller remains on the same aircraft in the same airport.
The relevant visa is a Transit Visa, subclass 771, and allows the holder to enter and remain in Australia for 72 hours.
Do I need a Transit Visa?
Some people whom: intend to transit Australia by air within 8 hours of their arrival; and
hold confirmed booking and documentation necessary to enter the country of
their destination;
do not need a transit visa, provided they do not leave the airport transit lounge.
The following link takes you to the list of countries that are covered under this arrangement:
See: Transit without Visa Arrangements (DIAC website)
If your transit is longer than 8 hours or your nationality is not covered by the above arrangement, you will need a Transit Visa.
Information for sea crew arriving by air to join a ship in Australia can be found on the below provided link. Arrivals by air must either be covered by a Business ETA (s/c 977) or a transit visa for passport holders who are not ETA-eligible.
See: Maritime Crew Visa Arrangements (DIAC website)
How do I obtain a Transit Visa?
In most cases, you will be able to obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) automatically and on the spot from your travel agent. Please have your valid passport ready when you make your bookings (sea crew should apply for a Business ETA).
See: ETA - Electronic Travel Authority
If you are not an ETA national you will need to lodge an application with the Australian Embassy in Berlin.
You will need to complete a form 876.
Download form 876 - DIAC Website (PDF)
Please attach to your application one recent passport photograph of yourself (and all family members included in the application).
Visa Application Charge
There is no Visa Application Charge applicable for a transit visa.
Valid Passport and Return Envelope
Your passport must be enclosed with your visa application. It should be valid for the period of proposed stay, and must contain at least one blank page. Please enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope (EUR 3.04 in stamps if in Germany or 3 international postal coupons if outside of Germany) for the return of your passport. Your passport will be returned to you by registered mail.
See: Payment and Postage
Documents for your Application
A copy of your airline ticket.
Where do I apply ?
Please mail your application or deliver personally to the following address:
(Visa Counter Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9.00 - 11.00 hrs):
Australian Embassy
Visa Office
Wallstrasse 76-79
D-10179 Berlin
Germany
Important Information
Visa applications are processed by the embassy as fast as possible and in order of receipt. Processing times can vary greatly (see below for processing times) and you should allow for this when making your travel plans.
See: Target Processing Times
We are not liable for any financial loss incurred by applicants whose applications are late or unsuccessful. You can do the following to help us process your case quickly:
ensure that your application is complete;
limit the contact with your case officer to urgent matters.
See: How to contact the department?
Under the terms of the Australian Privacy Act, we cannot provide information about applications in progress to third parties.