Australia vs United Kingdom: tourist visa
Australia or United Kingdom for a tourist visa? Side by side: $377 vs $239 all-in, About 30 days vs 3 weeks decision, funds to show, process type, biometrics and which one fits your plan.
Verdict
- United Kingdom is cheaper ($239 vs $377 all-in)
- United Kingdom decides faster (3 weeks)
- United Kingdom asks for less money in the bank ($2,500 vs $3,500)
Australia vs United Kingdom: tourist visa side by side
| Australia | United Kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Visa format | E-visa | Sticker |
| Process | e-visa | sticker visa |
| Biometrics | No | Required |
| Interview | No | No |
| Government fee | $178 | $180 |
| vistolane filing fee | $199 | $59 |
| All-in per traveller | $377 | $239 |
| Decision window | About 30 days | 3 weeks |
| Validity | 12 months | 6 months |
| Stay | Up to 3 months per visit | Up to 6 months |
| Entries | Multiple | Multiple |
| Funds to show (tourist visa) | $3,500 | $2,500 |
| tourist visa route | Visitor 600 | Standard Visitor |
Which is cheaper?
Australia costs $377 all-in ($178 government fee plus $199 filing) and United Kingdom costs $239 ($180 plus $59). United Kingdom is cheaper by $138 per traveller. Neither figure includes optional attention plans or airport transfers.
Which is faster?
Australia: About 30 days (Visitor (600): 75% within about 30 days). United Kingdom: 3 weeks (3 weeks (15 working days)). vistolane quotes a guaranteed decision date for both before you pay.
Which needs less money in the bank?
Australia asks for about $3,500 and United Kingdom about $2,500 for a tourist visa. United Kingdom 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 Kingdom: sticker visa with biometrics. An e-visa needs no appointment; a sticker visa holds your passport for the decision window; an embassy visa adds an interview and a decision at the window.
Which should you pick for a tourist visa?
For a short trip, weigh speed and entries: United Kingdom decides in 3 weeks. If you are choosing purely on cost, United Kingdom wins.