Australia eVisitor for French Citizens: Everything You Need to Know

Australia has become a dream destination for French travellers: road trips along the east coast, diving on the Great Barrier Reef, surfing, wine regions and vibrant cities with a thriving French community, especially in Sydney and Melbourne. Before you set off, there is one step you cannot skip: your travel authorisation. For French passport holders, that is the Australia eVisitor (Subclass 651).

Do French citizens need a visa for Australia?

Yes. French citizens need a valid authorisation before travelling to Australia, even for a short holiday. As an EU passport holder, you are eligible for the eVisitor, an electronic authorisation linked to your passport. Nothing is stamped or stuck into your passport: your authorisation is checked automatically at check-in and at the border.

Your French national identity card cannot be used to travel to Australia. You need a valid French passport. Once you have it, you can apply for your eVisitor online from France.

What the eVisitor allows

The eVisitor is designed for tourism and business visits: holidays, road trips, visiting friends and family, and business activities such as meetings, trade shows and conferences. It allows multiple entries within its validity period, with stays of up to three months each time. That makes it easy to combine Australia with New Zealand, New Caledonia, French Polynesia or South-East Asia and come back through Australia.

The eVisitor does not allow paid work in Australia. If you want to work during your trip, the Working Holiday visa (known in France as the PVT) is the right route.

How to apply from France

The application is completed online, and you must be outside Australia when you apply. The form is in English, which is exactly where our assisted service helps:

Complete the online form with your personal and passport details, exactly as they appear in your passport.
Answer the short questions about your background and your trip.
Our team checks every answer before submission, so a misunderstanding of an English question does not become a problem.
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 you travel and before booking non-refundable flights. When you are ready, start your eVisitor application.

Tips on names and passports for French travellers

French names often contain accents (é, è, ç) or hyphens (Jean-Pierre, Marie-Claire). Follow the spelling in the machine-readable zone at the bottom of your passport photo page, where accents are removed.
If your passport shows a married name or a usage name, use the names exactly as printed in the passport.
Your passport should remain valid for your whole stay; six months beyond arrival is a comfortable margin.
Every traveller, including children, needs their own passport and their own application.

Planning your trip from France

Getting there. From Paris, Lyon, Nice or other French airports, flights to Australia usually connect through a hub in the Middle East or Asia, such as Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Singapore or Hong Kong. Total travel time to the east coast is typically 21 to 24 hours. A stopover in Asia is a pleasant way to recover halfway.

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

Seasons. The seasons are reversed: while France is in winter, Australia is enjoying summer. For a road trip covering several regions, spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer the most comfortable conditions. See our guide to the best time to visit Australia.

Driving. Australians drive on the left, which takes some getting used to. Because a French driving licence is not written in English, most Australian states ask visitors to carry an International Driving Permit or an official English translation with their licence.

Electricity and daily life. The voltage is 230V, as in France, but sockets are type I, so bring an adapter. Tipping is not expected as it is in some countries, and café culture is excellent, which makes most French visitors feel right at home.

Working Holiday option for French citizens

French citizens aged 18 to 35 can apply for the Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417), often called the PVT in France. It allows you to travel and work in Australia for up to a year, with further years possible if you meet the requirements. Australia is one of the most popular PVT destinations for young French people. The age limit applies on the day you submit your application. Our Working Holiday visa guide explains how it works. For a holiday or business trip without work, the eVisitor is simpler.

Frequently asked questions from French travellers

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

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

My English is limited. Can I still apply? Yes. The form is in English, and our team reviews your answers before submission.

Is the eVisitor the same as a PVT? No. The eVisitor is for tourism and business visits; the PVT (Working Holiday visa) is for travelling and working.

Can I visit New Caledonia and come back to Australia? Yes. The eVisitor allows multiple entries within its validity period.

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 visa comparison guide. Then begin your Australia eVisitor application online — bon voyage!