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Australia eVisitor for Irish Citizens: Everything You Need to Know

Few countries have a connection with Australia quite like Ireland. Generations of Irish people have made the journey, and today there is hardly a family in Ireland without a cousin, friend or neighbour Down Under. Whether you are visiting loved ones in Perth, exploring Sydney or road-tripping along the Great Ocean Road, the first thing to organise is your travel authorisation. For Irish passport holders, that is the Australia eVisitor (Subclass 651).

Do Irish citizens need a visa for Australia?

Yes. Irish citizens need a valid authorisation before travelling to Australia, however short the trip. As an EU passport holder, you are eligible for the eVisitor, which is issued electronically and linked to your passport. Nothing is stamped or glued into your passport: airline and border systems check your authorisation automatically.

If you are ready to go, you can apply for your eVisitor online from Ireland in a few minutes.

What you can do with an eVisitor

The eVisitor is designed for tourism and business visits. That includes holidays, visiting family and friends — by far the most common reason Irish travellers head to Australia — and business activities such as meetings and conferences. It allows multiple entries within its validity period, with stays of up to three months on each visit. This flexibility suits long trips that combine Australia with New Zealand, Bali or South-East Asia.

The eVisitor does not allow you to work for an Australian employer. If working is part of your plan, the Working Holiday visa is the route to look at.

How to apply from Ireland

You apply entirely online, and you must be outside Australia when you submit your application. Through our assisted service, it works like this:

  1. Fill in the online application form with your details exactly as they appear in your Irish passport.
  2. Answer a few questions about your background and your travel plans.
  3. Our team checks your application for mistakes before it is lodged.
  4. You receive your confirmation by email once the eVisitor is granted.

Most applications are processed within a few business days. Apply at least two weeks before you travel and before you commit to non-refundable bookings. When you are ready, start your eVisitor application.

Passport tips for Irish travellers

  • Travel with a passport that stays valid for your entire stay; six months beyond arrival is a sensible margin.
  • The Irish passport card is not enough: your eVisitor is linked to your passport booklet, so apply with the booklet you will travel on.
  • If you renew your passport before departure, apply again with the new passport details.
  • Children need their own passport and their own eVisitor application.

Planning your trip from Ireland

Getting there. There are no direct flights between Ireland and Australia. Most travellers fly from Dublin, Shannon or Cork with one or two connections, typically through a Middle Eastern hub or via London and then Asia. Door to door, allow around 24 hours to reach the east coast.

Time difference. Sydney and Melbourne are 9 to 11 hours ahead of Ireland, depending on daylight saving in each country. Calling home is easiest in your early morning or late evening in Australia.

Seasons. The Australian summer runs from December to February, so an Irish Christmas can easily become a Christmas barbecue on the beach. For cooler, more comfortable sightseeing in the south, aim for spring or autumn. See our guide to the best time to visit Australia.

Practical details. Australians drive on the left, as in Ireland, so hiring a car feels familiar. The power supply is 230V, like at home, but you will need a type I plug adapter. And you will almost certainly find an Irish pub in every Australian city.

Working holiday option for Irish citizens

Irish citizens aged 18 to 35 can apply for the Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417), which allows you to travel and work in Australia for up to a year, with the possibility of further years if you meet the requirements. It is one of the most popular routes for young Irish people. Our Working Holiday visa guide explains the details. If you are simply visiting, the eVisitor is quicker and simpler.

Frequently asked questions from Irish travellers

Can I visit family in Australia on an eVisitor? Yes. Visiting family and friends is one of the main purposes of the eVisitor.

How long can I stay? Up to three months per visit, with multiple visits allowed while your eVisitor is valid.

Can I switch to working once I am in Australia? The eVisitor does not allow work. If you want to work, choose the Working Holiday route from the start.

Do I need to carry a printed confirmation? It is not required, since the authorisation is linked to your passport, but a copy on your phone gives peace of mind.

Can I apply if I am already travelling in Asia? Yes, as long as you are outside Australia when you apply.

Guides for other nationalities

Travelling with friends or family who hold a different passport? Our country guides explain what applies to them:

Start your application

For more background, read our complete eVisitor guide and what to expect on arrival. When you are ready, begin your Australia eVisitor application online and look forward to that long-awaited reunion.