Australia eVisitor for Dutch Citizens: Everything You Need to Know

The Netherlands and Australia share a surprisingly long history. Dutch sailors were among the first Europeans to chart the Australian coast in the early seventeenth century, and for a time the continent was known as New Holland. Today, Dutch travellers come for very different reasons: the reef, the red desert, the cities and a relaxed outdoor lifestyle. Before you go, you need a travel authorisation, and for Dutch passport holders that is the Australia eVisitor (Subclass 651).

Do Dutch citizens need a visa for Australia?

Yes. Dutch citizens must hold a valid authorisation before travelling to Australia, even for a short stay. As an EU passport holder, you are eligible for the eVisitor, which is issued electronically and linked to your passport. No sticker is added to your passport; your authorisation is checked automatically at check-in and on arrival.

Your Dutch identity card cannot be used to enter Australia: you need a valid passport. With your passport ready, you can apply for your eVisitor online from the Netherlands.

What the eVisitor allows

The eVisitor covers tourism and business visits, including holidays, visiting friends and family, and business meetings or conferences. It allows multiple entries within its validity period, with stays of up to three months each time. That suits the long trips many Dutch travellers take, combining Australia with New Zealand, Indonesia or other parts of Asia.

The eVisitor does not allow paid work. If you want to work during your stay, look at the Working Holiday visa below.

How to apply from the Netherlands

Everything happens online, and you must be outside Australia when you apply. With our assisted application service:

Fill in the online form with your personal and passport details exactly as they appear in your passport.
Answer a few questions about your background and your trip.
Our team reviews your application for errors before it is submitted.
You receive a confirmation by email once your eVisitor is granted.

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

Passport tips for Dutch travellers

Dutch surnames often include prefixes such as “van”, “de” or “van der”. Enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport, including the prefix and the spacing, so your authorisation matches your travel document.
Your passport should remain valid for your whole stay; six months beyond arrival is a safe margin.
Children need their own passport and their own application.
If you renew your passport before departure, apply again with the new details.

Planning your trip from the Netherlands

Getting there. From Amsterdam Schiphol, flights to Australia usually connect through a hub in the Middle East or Asia, such as Dubai, Doha, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. Many Dutch travellers also include a stopover in Indonesia on the way. Allow around 21 to 24 hours of total travel time to the east coast.

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

Seasons. The seasons are reversed, so a Dutch winter is the perfect time for an Australian summer. If you plan a long round trip, spring and autumn often give the best conditions across several regions. See our guide to the best time to visit Australia.

Getting around. Australia is enormous compared with the Netherlands: the drive from Sydney to Melbourne alone is longer than crossing the Netherlands several times. Australians drive on the left, and because a Dutch driving licence is not in English, most states ask visitors to carry an International Driving Permit or an official translation. Cyclists will find excellent paths in the cities, though distances between towns make the bike a local rather than a national option.

Electricity. The voltage is 230V, as at home, but you need a type I plug adapter.

Working Holiday option for Dutch citizens

Dutch citizens aged 18 to 30 can apply for the Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417), which lets you travel and work in Australia for up to a year, with the possibility of further years if you meet the requirements. The age limit applies on the day you submit your application, so do not wait until just before your 31st birthday. Our Working Holiday visa guide explains the details. For a holiday or business trip, the eVisitor remains the simplest option.

Frequently asked questions from Dutch travellers

Can I travel with my Dutch identity card? No. You need a valid passport to travel to Australia.

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

My surname has a prefix. How do I enter it? Exactly as it is printed in your passport. Our team checks this before submission.

I am 32. Can I get a Working Holiday visa? For Dutch citizens, the Working Holiday visa is available to applicants aged 18 to 30.

Can I work on an eVisitor? No. Paid work requires a different 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, read our complete eVisitor guide and our travel precautions guide. Then begin your Australia eVisitor application online and start planning your Australian adventure.