Australia eVisitor for Italian Citizens: Everything You Need to Know

Italy and Australia are bound by one of the largest migration stories of the twentieth century. Melbourne in particular is home to a vibrant Italian community, and many Italian travellers combine sightseeing with a visit to relatives or friends. Whether you are heading to Lygon Street, the beaches of Western Australia or the outback, you first need a travel authorisation. For Italian passport holders, that is the Australia eVisitor (Subclass 651).

Do Italian citizens need a visa for Australia?

Yes. Italian citizens need a valid authorisation before travelling to Australia, even for a short stay. As an EU passport holder, you are eligible for the eVisitor, an electronic authorisation linked to your passport. There is no sticker to collect: your authorisation is verified automatically when you check in and when you land.

Your Italian identity card (carta d’identità) is not valid for travel to Australia: you need a valid passport. Once you have it, you can apply for your eVisitor online from Italy.

What the eVisitor allows

The eVisitor covers tourism and business visits: holidays, visiting family and friends, 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 Italian travellers take advantage of this to explore Australia in two parts, with a trip to New Zealand or Asia in between.

The eVisitor does not allow paid work. If you want to work while travelling, look at the Working Holiday visa described below.

How to apply from Italy

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

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 you travel and before booking non-refundable flights. When you are ready, start your eVisitor application.

Tips on names and passports for Italian travellers

Many Italian surnames include an apostrophe or a particle, such as D’Angelo, De Luca or Di Stefano. Enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport, following the machine-readable zone where accents and apostrophes are simplified.
Italian passports can show two given names; include them all as printed.
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 Italy

Getting there. Italy has a rare advantage: Qantas operates a seasonal non-stop service between Rome and Perth, one of the few direct links between continental Europe and Australia. Outside that season, and from Milan, Venice, Naples or other cities, flights usually connect through a hub in the Middle East or Asia. Allow around 17 hours on the non-stop flight to Perth and 21 to 24 hours with a connection to the east coast.

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

Seasons. The seasons are reversed: the Italian winter is summer in Australia. For comfortable sightseeing in Melbourne and Sydney, spring and autumn are ideal, while the tropical north is best in its dry season. See our guide to the best time to visit Australia.

Driving. Australians drive on the left. Because an Italian driving licence is not in English, most Australian states ask visitors to carry an International Driving Permit or an official English translation with their licence.

Electricity and food. The voltage is 230V, as in Italy, but you need a type I plug adapter. And you will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the espresso: Italian migrants shaped Australia’s coffee culture.

Working Holiday option for Italian citizens

Italian citizens aged 18 to 35 can apply for the Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417), which lets you travel and work in Australia for up to a year, with further years possible if you meet the requirements. The age limit applies on the day you submit your application. Our Working Holiday visa guide explains the details. For a holiday or family visit without work, the eVisitor is the simpler option.

Frequently asked questions from Italian travellers

Can I travel with my carta d’identità? 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.

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

Is there a direct flight from Italy? Qantas operates a seasonal non-stop flight between Rome and Perth. Check current schedules when booking.

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 guide to arriving in Australia. Then begin your Australia eVisitor application online — buon viaggio!