Australia eVisitor for German Citizens: Everything You Need to Know

Germans are among the most enthusiastic travellers to Australia. Every year, thousands head Down Under for a round trip along the east coast, a campervan adventure through the outback or a visit to friends who have settled there. Australia rewards careful planning, and the first item on the list is your travel authorisation. For German passport holders, that is the Australia eVisitor (Subclass 651).

Do German citizens need a visa for Australia?

Yes. German citizens need a valid authorisation before travelling to Australia, even for a short holiday. As a German passport holder, you are eligible for the eVisitor, an electronic authorisation linked to your passport. No sticker or stamp is involved: when you check in and when you arrive, your authorisation is verified automatically.

Important: your German identity card (Personalausweis) cannot be used to travel to Australia. You need a valid German passport, and it is this passport that your eVisitor is linked to. If you have yours ready, you can apply for your eVisitor online from Germany.

What the eVisitor allows

The eVisitor covers tourism and business visits: holidays, round trips, visiting friends and family, and business activities such as meetings, trade fairs and conferences. It allows multiple entries within its validity period, with stays of up to three months each time. Many German travellers use this flexibility to combine Australia with New Zealand or Asia and return to Australia before flying home.

The eVisitor does not allow paid work in Australia. If you want to work while you travel, the Working Holiday visa is the right option.

How to apply from Germany

The application is completed online, and you must be outside Australia when you apply. The form is in English, and our assisted service makes sure every detail is correct before submission:

Complete the online form with your personal and passport details, transcribed exactly as they appear in your passport.
Answer the short questions about your background and your trip.
Our team checks your application before it is lodged, which is especially helpful if you are not comfortable filling in official forms in English.
You receive a confirmation by email once your eVisitor is granted.

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

Tips on names and passports for German travellers

Enter your name exactly as it appears in the machine-readable zone of your passport. Umlauts and the letter ß are usually written there as AE, OE, UE and SS, so follow that spelling.
Your passport should remain valid for your whole stay; six months beyond arrival gives a comfortable margin.
Every traveller, including children, needs their own passport and their own application.
If you get a new passport before your trip, apply again with the new document.

Planning your trip from Germany

Getting there. Flights from Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin or Düsseldorf usually connect through a hub in the Middle East or Asia, such as Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Singapore or Bangkok. Total travel time to the east coast is typically 21 to 24 hours. A stopover of a night or two in Asia is a popular way to break up the journey.

Time difference. Sydney and Melbourne are 8 to 10 hours ahead of Germany, depending on daylight saving in both countries. Perth, on the west coast, is 6 to 7 hours ahead.

Seasons. The seasons are reversed. When Germany is cold and grey, Australia is enjoying summer, which makes December to February very popular with German travellers. For round trips that combine the south and the north, spring and autumn often offer the best balance. See our guide to the best time to visit Australia.

Driving and renting a campervan. Australians drive on the left, which takes a few days to get used to. Because a German driving licence is not written in English, most Australian states ask visitors to carry an International Driving Permit or an official English translation together with their licence. Plan fuel stops carefully on outback routes, where distances between towns can be very long.

Electricity. The voltage is 230V, as in Germany, but sockets are type I, so bring an adapter.

Working Holiday option for German citizens

The Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417) is hugely popular with young Germans. There is good news for anyone who thought they were too old: since 1 July 2026, German citizens can apply up to the age of 35, instead of 30 previously. The visa lets you travel and work in Australia for up to a year, with further years possible if you meet the requirements. Note that the age limit applies on the day you submit your application. Our Working Holiday visa guide explains how it works. For a holiday without work, the eVisitor is the simpler route.

Frequently asked questions from German travellers

Can I travel to Australia with my identity card? No. You need a valid passport, and your eVisitor is linked to it.

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

Is the application form available in German? The form is in English. Our team reviews your answers before submission to make sure everything is correct.

I am 33. Can I still get a Working Holiday visa? Since 1 July 2026, German citizens can apply until the age of 35, as long as they meet the other requirements.

Can I work on an eVisitor? No. Paid work requires a different visa, such as the Working Holiday visa.

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, see our complete eVisitor guide and our Australia packing checklist. Then begin your Australia eVisitor application online and get your journey from Germany off to a perfect start.