Australia eVisitor for Swiss Citizens: Everything You Need to Know

For Swiss travellers, Australia offers everything Switzerland does not: endless beaches, tropical reefs and deserts that stretch to the horizon. Its outdoor lifestyle, national parks and hiking trails also feel familiar to anyone who loves the Alps. Before you plan your route, you need a travel authorisation. Although Switzerland is not part of the European Union, Swiss passport holders are eligible for the Australia eVisitor (Subclass 651).

Do Swiss citizens need a visa for Australia?

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

Your Swiss identity card cannot be used for travel to Australia: you need a valid Swiss passport. Once you have it, you can apply for your eVisitor online from Switzerland.

What the eVisitor allows

The eVisitor covers tourism and business visits: holidays, visiting friends and family, and business activities such as meetings, conferences and negotiations. It allows multiple entries within its validity period, with stays of up to three months each time, which makes it easy to combine Australia with New Zealand or Asia.

The eVisitor does not allow paid work. This point matters particularly for Swiss citizens, as explained below.

How to apply from Switzerland

The application is completed online, in English, and you must be outside Australia when you apply. Our assisted service makes it simple:

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 reviews your application before it is submitted.
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 Swiss travellers

Swiss names may be written in German, French, Italian or Romansh and can include umlauts or accents. Follow the spelling in the machine-readable zone of your passport, where these characters are simplified.
If you are a dual national, apply with the passport you will travel on.
Your passport should remain valid for your whole stay; six months beyond arrival is a comfortable margin.
Children need their own passport and their own application.

Planning your trip from Switzerland

Getting there. From Zurich, Geneva or Basel, flights to Australia usually connect through a hub in the Middle East or Asia, such as Dubai, Doha, Singapore or Bangkok. Total travel time to the east coast is typically 21 to 24 hours.

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

Seasons. The seasons are reversed, so the Swiss ski season coincides with the Australian summer. Spring and autumn are ideal for exploring the south, and Australia even has its own ski resorts in the Snowy Mountains and Victoria’s Alpine region between June and September. See our guide to the best time to visit Australia.

Driving and hiking. Australians drive on the left. Because Swiss driving licences are not in English, most Australian states ask visitors to carry an International Driving Permit or an official English translation. On hiking trails, be aware that the sun is far stronger than in the Alps, and carry plenty of water.

Electricity. The voltage is 230V, as in Switzerland, but you need a type I plug adapter, since Swiss plugs will not fit.

Can Swiss citizens work in Australia?

Unlike many European countries, Switzerland does not currently have a Working Holiday arrangement with Australia, so Swiss citizens cannot use the Working Holiday or Work and Holiday visas. If you want to work in Australia, you would need a different visa, such as an employer-sponsored or skilled visa, while studying requires a student visa. Our overview of immigration options introduces these pathways. For a holiday or business trip, the eVisitor is all you need.

Frequently asked questions from Swiss travellers

Switzerland is not in the EU. Am I still eligible for the eVisitor? Yes. Swiss passport holders are eligible for the eVisitor.

Can I travel with my Swiss 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.

Can I get a Working Holiday visa as a Swiss citizen? No. Switzerland does not currently have a Working Holiday arrangement with Australia.

Can I attend business meetings on an eVisitor? Yes. Business activities such as meetings and conferences are covered.

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 ready for a trip unlike any other.