• Australia Entertainment Visa Lawyers

Australia Entertainment Visas

Whether you are heading out on tour, joining a theatre or dance company or working in film or television production in Australia, non-citizens/permanent residents of Australia will require a visa or other travel authorization for the duration of their stay.

The most common entertainment work visa for Australia is the Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408). A limited range of activities may also be possible on a Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist – subclass 400) Visa, or on a visitor visa or travel authorisation such as the Visitor Visa (subclass 600), Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) or eVisitor (subclass 651).

Discuss your options with an advisor

Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Visa – Entertainment Stream

Most non-residents wishing to work in the entertainment industry in Australia on a temporary basis will need to apply for and be granted a Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Visa. This is the most commonly-issued visa for foreign workers on television, film and live productions in Australia.

This visa gives holders permission to:

  • work in the entertainment industry in Australia for a maximum of two years
  • travel freely to and from Australia for the duration of the visa
  • bring eligible family members with them to Australia for the duration of the visa (additional fees apply)

In order to be eligible to apply for a Temporary Activity Visa, each individual or group applying must have a sponsor or supporter in Australia who can provide assurances that the reasons for applying for the visa are genuine. Usually, this will be an Australian business, working in conjunction with the relevant Australian creative industries union or guild. Typically, supporters and sponsors will work with either:

  • the Musician’s Union of Australia;
  • the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA); or
  • the Australian Directors Guild (ADG)

Supporters can only assist with stays of less than three months and are not required to submit as much evidence to back up an application. Sponsors must go through a more rigorous process and have extra responsibilities (such as making sure the visa holder does the work they have been approved to do in their application), but can sponsor more people and will retain sponsor status for five years once approved by the Department of Home Affairs.

Temporary Activity (subclass 400) Visa – Short-Stay Specialist

A limited number of individuals intending to work in the entertainment industry in Australia may be able to utilise the Temporary Activity (Short-Stay Specialist – subclass 400) visa. However, prospective applicants should carefully note that most entertainment activity is not permitted on a 400 visa, and a subclass 408 visa will be a more appropriate option for most entertainment industry workers.

The following entertainment activities are permitted on a Subclass 400 visa:

  • directing, producing or otherwise working on a production that will not be shown in Australia
  • promotional activity e.g. a promo tour not including actual performances; attending a premiere

Subclass 400 visa holders are not permitted to perform or provide support to a performance in Australia, nor to take any part in a production that will be broadcast, performed or shown in Australia.

Applicants for this visa will need to prove that:

  • they have an offer of work lasting less than six months
  • they have the skills, knowledge or experience to undertake this work
  • they do not expect or intend to stay in Australia once the work is completed
  • they have adequate finances to support themselves and any family members who will be joining them during their stay
  • they meet the Australian government’s health and good character requirements

Applications for a subclass 400 visa must be submitted from outside Australia. It is not possible to extend this visa.

Alternative Australian Visas for Entertainment Workers

In some circumstances, it may be possible to undertake work in the entertainment industry in Australia without a Subclass 400 or Subclass 408 visa.

If you are intending to undertake strictly amateur activity, you may be permitted to do so on the same basis as a tourist visit. Similarly, if your visit could be classified as business travel rather than work (for example, if you are attending a conference or making an exploratory visit), you may be able to do this on a visitor visa.

Which visitor visa you require depends primarily on your nationality and the length of time you wish to spend in Australia. If eligible, you may be able to travel to Australia on a free eVisitor visa (subclass 651) or an Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601). Otherwise, you will have to submit an application for a regular Visitor Visa (subclass 600).

Please ensure that you apply for the right visa for the activity you are intending to carry out in Australia. If you fail to secure the right visa before you arrive, you may be turned away at the border.

Fees and processing times

The fee for the Subclass 408 and Subclass 400 visas starts from AUD $405 per applicant. Most applications for these visas are processed within less than 28 days.

Visitor visas (subclass 600) cost from AUD $190 and are typically processed within 18 days. eVisitor visa applications are free and usually processed in less than one day.

Electronic Travel Authority visas carry a charge of AUD $20 for use of the Australian ETA app, but no other fees. Most applications receive a decision immediately.

Book a visa consultation or check your eligibility

Entertainment Visa (Subclass 408) 

Entertainment Activities in Australia

Australia offers a pathway for performers, artists, and entertainment professionals to come to Australia for short-term engagements. This includes:

  • Performers involved in live or recorded shows

  • Artists working in music, theatre, film, or stage productions

  • Production crew and technical specialists supporting entertainment activities

Journalists working for overseas media and seeking a stay of up to 6 months may be eligible to apply for a Short Stay Specialist (Subclass 400) visa.

Who Can Apply Under the Entertainment Stream?

The entertainment stream of the Temporary Activity (Subclass 408) visa is designed for a variety of roles in the entertainment industry. You may be eligible if you are coming to Australia to:

Perform in Film or Television

Including:

  • Lead actors

  • Major supporting actors

  • Cameo appearances

  • Performers needed to meet special cultural or ethnic requirements

These opportunities must be linked to a contracted production.

Perform in Live Productions

Such as:

  • International music tours

  • Live theatre

  • Stage comedy

  • Classical performances

  • Viral or online video productions

Applicants usually need an engagement contract and a clear itinerary of dates and venues.
Performances in bars, clubs, hotels, and restaurants are typically only supported for headline or special event acts.

Production & Technical Crew

This includes non-performing professionals involved in:

  • Directing, producing, or filming

  • Camera, sound, or lighting work

  • On-screen presenting for factual or documentary work

  • Individuals appearing as themselves in commercials

Support Staff

Support personnel may also be eligible, including:

  • Backing musicians or vocalists

  • Coaches, stylists, dressers, hair and makeup artists

  • Personal assistants or staff supporting performers

Support roles normally need to be linked to the performer’s contract and itinerary.

Non-Profit Entertainment Events

This category applies to performers or support crew participating in non-profit events such as:

  • Charity fundraisers

  • Cultural festivals

  • Events funded by government or community organisations

  • Performances with no admission fees

Non-profit organisations may need to demonstrate their status (e.g., cultural or religious groups, community organisations).

Competitions & Celebrity Participation

Those invited to participate in short-term competitions—such as dance or music competitions—may be eligible under an invited-participant pathway.

If the individual is appearing as a celebrity performer under contract, the entertainment stream of the Subclass 408 visa may be more appropriate.

Documentary or Commercial Productions for Overseas Audiences

Professionals involved in producing documentaries or commercials intended primarily for overseas distribution may be eligible under this stream or may consider the Subclass 400 visa for shorter stays.

Domestic Workers Supporting an Entertainment Professional

Full-time domestic workers employed in the private household of an eligible visa holder (for example, performers who require household support during major projects) may be eligible if employment is full-time and duties are clearly outlined.

Net Employment Benefit to the Australian Entertainment Industry

Some entertainment categories require that the activity brings a net employment benefit to the Australian entertainment industry.
This generally means:

  • The project leads to greater employment opportunities for Australian workers

  • The activity supports local industry—such as hiring Australian support acts or technical crew

Employers typically provide information showing how the event or performance benefits Australians.

Itineraries and Contracts

Applicants generally need to provide:

  • A contract or written agreement

  • A detailed itinerary listing performance or production dates and venues

This ensures activities match the purpose of travel.

Visa Conditions

Holders of the Subclass 408 Entertainment visa must follow conditions attached to their visa, which may include:

  • Working only in the activities for which the visa was granted

  • Not changing performance dates, venues, or schedules without approval

  • Complying with Australian workplace and licensing requirements

Alternative Visa Options

If an applicant does not meet the entertainment stream requirements, other options may include:

  • Subclass 400 (Short Stay Specialist visa) – suitable for short-term, highly specialised work or media assignments

  • Invited Participant activity type (Subclass 408) – ideal for competitions, events, and short-term engagements not primarily for entertainment purposes