Home Affairs has reminded fans that anyone travelling to Australia for the Rugby League World Cup 2026 must hold a valid Australian visa before they fly. There is no special event visa. You use the normal visitor visas, and the right one depends on your passport and your plans.
What Home Affairs said
In its notice of 27 July 2026, the department said the visa you need depends on:
- how long you want to stay
- whether you will enter Australia more than once
- the nationality of your passport
- what you plan to do while you're here
It also said it is processing a high number of visa applications, and asked applicants to "check twice, and submit once" so their application isn't delayed by mistakes.
Who it affects: every overseas fan or supporter travelling to Australia for the tournament.
The three visitor options
| Option | Who can use it | Cost to apply | How you apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETA (subclass 601) | 34 passports, including the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia | AUD20 service charge | Australian ETA app only |
| eVisitor (subclass 651) | 36 European passports, including UK British Citizen and Ireland | Free | Online through ImmiAccount |
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) | Everyone else, and anyone who can't use the ETA or eVisitor | From AUD250 per applicant | Online through ImmiAccount |
Some passports (for example UK British Citizen and Ireland) are on both the ETA and eVisitor lists. Fans from Pacific nations such as Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Fiji are not on either list and need the Visitor visa (subclass 600), so apply early. Not sure which applies to you? The visa finder tells you in about a minute.
Watching matches in New Zealand or Papua New Guinea
Home Affairs points out that matches in New Zealand or Papua New Guinea need a visa for that country. Your Australian visa does not cover them. Check Immigration New Zealand or Papua New Guinea's Immigration & Citizenship Service Authority.
Changing planes in Australia
If you only pass through Australia on the way to or from New Zealand or Papua New Guinea, you may need a transit visa (subclass 771). Home Affairs also says to check the transit rules of any other country you fly through.
What to do now
- Find your visa with the visa finder or our entry requirements checklist.
- Apply now. ETAs are often granted quickly, but Home Affairs says some take longer, so don't book travel until your visa is granted.
- Double-check your passport details before you submit. Mistakes slow applications down, which is why Home Affairs asks you to check twice.
Official source: Rugby League World Cup 2026 – visas for fans and supporters, Department of Home Affairs, 27 July 2026. Visa costs and passport lists checked against Home Affairs pages in September 2026; notice re-checked on 8 October 2026.
FAQ
Is there a special visa for the Rugby League World Cup?
No. Fans use the normal visitor visas: the ETA, the eVisitor or the Visitor visa (subclass 600), depending on their passport and plans.
Does my Australian visa let me watch games in New Zealand?
No. Matches in New Zealand or Papua New Guinea need a visa for that country. Check Immigration New Zealand or Papua New Guinea's Immigration & Citizenship Service Authority.
How early should I apply?
As soon as you know your travel dates. Home Affairs says it is processing a high number of applications, and Visitor visa (subclass 600) applications take longer than ETAs.
