Australia beckons travelers with its stunning natural wonders, vibrant cities, unique wildlife, and laid-back culture. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Outback, Sydney Opera House to Uluru, Australia offers experiences unlike anywhere else on Earth.
For citizens of European countries, visiting Australia is easier than ever with the eVisitor visa (Subclass 651) — a free, online visa that allows you to visit for tourism or business. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Australian eVisitor with DoVisa.
What is the Australia eVisitor Visa?
The eVisitor (Subclass 651) is a free electronic visa for citizens of European countries and several other eligible nations. It allows multiple visits to Australia for tourism or business purposes over a 12-month period.
The eVisitor is electronically linked to your passport — you don't get a stamp or sticker. When you check in for your flight, the airline can verify your visa electronically. No paperwork required!
eVisitor at a Glance
Validity: 12 months from issue date
Stay duration: Up to 3 months per visit
Entries: Multiple entries allowed
Cost: FREE
Processing: Usually 24-48 hours
Purpose: Tourism, business visits, family
Eligible Countries for eVisitor
The eVisitor visa is available to passport holders from European countries and a few others. Understanding your eligibility ensures a smooth application process.
- All 27 EU Member States: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Sweden, and more
- European Non-EU: UK, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City
- Other Countries: Andorra, Malta (if not using EU passport)
Not From Europe?
If you're not from an eligible eVisitor country, you may need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) or a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600). Use DoVisa's visa checker to find the right option for your nationality.
eVisitor Requirements
To apply for the Australia eVisitor, you need:
- Passport from an eligible country (valid for duration of stay)
- No tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis or criminal convictions
- Valid email address for confirmation
- Be outside Australia when applying
- Genuine intention to visit temporarily
- Meet health and character requirements
- Not owe money to the Australian government
- No previous visa cancellations or refusals (may affect eligibility)
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Verify eligibility — Confirm your passport is from an eligible country using DoVisa's checker
- Gather your details — Passport number, travel dates, email address
- Start the application — Use DoVisa for guided assistance or the official portal
- Enter personal information — Name exactly as in passport, date of birth, nationality
- Provide passport details — Passport number, issue date, expiry date
- Answer health questions — Confirm you meet health requirements
- Answer character questions — Declare any criminal history
- Submit your application — No payment required (it's free!)
- Receive confirmation — Usually within 24-48 hours via email
- Travel to Australia — Visa is linked to your passport electronically
Costs & Processing Times
eVisitor Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | FREE ($0) |
| Standard Processing | 24-48 hours |
| Validity | 12 months |
| Maximum Stay | 3 months per visit |
| Entry Type | Multiple entries |
Apply Early!
While most eVisitor applications are approved within 48 hours, some may take longer if additional checks are required. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip for peace of mind.
Apply for Your Australia eVisitor
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Errors That Delay Your eVisitor
Even though the eVisitor is free and simple, mistakes can cause delays or rejections. Here's what to avoid:
- Applying from inside Australia: You must be outside Australia when you apply — this is mandatory
- Name mismatches: Enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport
- Incorrect passport details: Double-check passport number, issue date, and expiry date
- Not declaring criminal history: Be honest — undisclosed convictions can result in denial at the border
- Health issues not declared: TB or other conditions must be disclosed
- Email errors: Your approval comes via email — ensure the address is correct
- Applying too late: While fast, allow at least 48 hours before travel
DoVisa Validates Your Application
Our guided application process checks for errors before submission, helping ensure your eVisitor is approved without issues.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply before booking flights: Get your eVisitor approved first to avoid issues
- Use your passport details exactly: Name must match passport perfectly
- Check your email: Approval notification comes via email — check spam folder
- Save confirmation: Keep your grant number for reference at check-in
- Understand the 3-month limit: You can't extend an eVisitor in Australia
- Travel within 12 months: Visa expires one year from issue date
- Multiple entries allowed: Visit as many times as you like within the year
Important Restrictions
The eVisitor does NOT allow you to work in Australia (except unpaid volunteer work or business activities like meetings). You cannot study for more than 3 months. For working holiday, you need a different visa.
Why Apply with DoVisa?
Step-by-step guided application
Automatic error checking
Application status tracking
24/7 customer support
Expert visa assistance
Trusted by thousands of Australia travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the eVisitor really free?
Can I extend my eVisitor while in Australia?
Can I work on an eVisitor visa?
What's the difference between eVisitor and ETA?
Do I need to print my eVisitor?
How long before my trip should I apply?
Can I visit Australia multiple times on one eVisitor?
What if my eVisitor application is refused?
Can I study on an eVisitor?
Do UK citizens still qualify after Brexit?
Ready for Your Australian Adventure?
Australia offers incredible experiences — from snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef to climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, from wine tasting in the Barossa Valley to spotting kangaroos in the wild. The eVisitor makes it easy and free for European travelers to explore this amazing country.
Apply for your eVisitor through DoVisa today and start planning your Australian adventure!
Australia
Capital: Canberra
Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
Language: English
Timezone: UTC+8 to UTC+11 (varies by state)
Processing: 24-48 hours
Quick Facts
- Best time to visit: September - November (spring) or March - May (fall)
- Population: 26 million
- Power: 230V, Type I plugs
- Country code: +61
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Comments(12)
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German here - got my eVisitor approved super fast! Completely free. Australia here I come! Great Barrier Reef was absolutely incredible.
Can I apply for the eVisitor if I'm already in Australia on a different visa?
Spanish passport holder. Applied Monday, approved Tuesday morning. The online system is super easy. Australia is massive - 3 weeks wasn't enough!
Quick question - I'm British. After Brexit, can we still use the eVisitor?
Just did 6 weeks in Australia with the eVisitor. Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns for the reef, and drove the Great Ocean Road. Best trip of my life!
Planning to do Australia and New Zealand - can I use the same eVisitor for both?
The eVisitor lets you enter multiple times which is perfect. We flew into Sydney, then later flew to Bali, then back to Melbourne - no problem at all!
Polish passport holder here. Got approved in 18 hours. The fact that it's free is amazing. Australia's immigration process at Sydney airport was super smooth too.
Be prepared for jet lag! The 24-hour flight from Europe is brutal. But Australia is so worth it. Kangaroo Island was a highlight for wildlife.
Can I do a working holiday in Australia with the eVisitor?
Italian passport - used DoVisa and everything was so easy. Their guide walked me through every step. Visa came through the next day!
Danish here. Australia in December was perfect - escaped the cold Scandinavian winter for summer in Sydney. Highly recommend timing your visit this way!