The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) has expressed disappointment at the Federal Government’s latest increases to visitor visa charges, warning repeated fee rises are making Australia less competitive and risking growth in one of the nation’s most valuable export industries. 

From 1 July 2026, the cost of a Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa increased from $670 to $840, while the Visitor visa (subclass 600) increased from $200 to $250. Since 2022, the cost of a Working Holiday visa has risen by $330, almost 65 per cent, from $510 to $840. 

ATEC Managing Director Peter Shelley said the increases were about far more than a single annual fee adjustment.  “The industry is incredibly disappointed by this decision,” Mr Shelley said. 

“The concern isn’t simply this latest increase, it’s the cumulative impact with the WHM visa increasing by around $200 in the past two years alone. 

“Where is the strategy behind these repeated increases? Where is the consideration of the impact on regional tourism, regional economies and the businesses that rely on international visitors to support demand and seasonal workforce needs? 

“We understand the Government’s focus on managing net migration, but WHM visitors are fundamentally different.  

“They are temporary visitors who come to Australia, travel throughout the country, spend money with local businesses, support regional communities, contribute to seasonal workforce needs and then return home – far from a long-term migration contribution. 

“At the same time, increasing visitor visa costs sends a broader message that Australia is becoming a more expensive destination to visit.” 

ATEC warned that rising costs across both Working Holiday and Visitor visas were steadily eroding Australia’s competitiveness against destinations such as Canada, New Zealand, Japan and the United Kingdom. 

“International travellers compare destinations on value, affordability and ease of access so when visa costs continue to rise, it reinforces the perception that Australia a more expensive and more difficult destination to visit. 

“That limits our ability to grow international visitation, particularly among younger travellers, who deliver significant economic value to tourism businesses and regional communities.” 

Mr Shelley said international visitors play a critical role in supporting Australia’s visitor economy. 

“Whether they’re visiting for a holiday or spending a year working and travelling around Australia, these visitors bring new money into the country, support businesses across our tourism sector, contribute to regional economies and then return home. 

“If Government is serious about growing the visitor economy and supporting regional Australia, policy settings should encourage international visitors, not gradually price Australia out of the global tourism game.”

SOURCE: ATEC (Australian Tourism Export Council)