Australia eVisitor for UK Citizens: Everything You Need to Know

Australia has long been one of the favourite long-haul destinations for British travellers. Shared language, familiar driving habits and a large British community make it feel welcoming from the moment you land, yet the landscapes, wildlife and lifestyle are a world away from home. Before you pack for Bondi, the Great Barrier Reef or Uluru, there is one essential step: arranging your travel authorisation. For most UK visitors, that means the Australia eVisitor (Subclass 651).

Do UK citizens need a visa for Australia?

Yes. Every British visitor needs a valid authorisation before travelling to Australia, even for a short holiday. Holders of a full British citizen passport are eligible for the eVisitor, an electronic authorisation linked directly to your passport. There is no stamp or label to collect: once it is granted, airline and border systems can see it automatically when you check in and when you arrive. If you hold a different category of British nationality passport, check that it qualifies before you apply, as some categories need a different authorisation.

If your passport qualifies, you can apply for your eVisitor online from the UK in a few minutes.

What the eVisitor allows British travellers to do

The eVisitor covers tourism and business visits. You can holiday, visit friends and family — something many British travellers do, given how many Brits have settled in Australia — and attend business meetings, conferences or negotiations. It allows multiple entries within its validity period, with stays of up to three months each time. That makes it ideal if you want to combine Australia with New Zealand or South-East Asia and come back through Australia on the way home.

What it does not allow is working for an Australian employer. If you want to fund an extended stay by working, look at the Working Holiday option described below.

How to apply from the United Kingdom

The whole process happens online, and you must be outside Australia when you apply. With our assisted application service, the steps are simple:

Complete the online application form with your personal details and your passport information, exactly as they appear in your passport.
Answer the short questions about your background and the purpose of 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, but we recommend applying at least two weeks before departure and before booking non-refundable travel. When you are ready, start your eVisitor application.

Passport checklist for UK travellers

Make sure your passport remains valid for the whole of your stay; six months beyond your arrival date gives you a comfortable margin.
Apply with the passport you will actually travel on. If you renew it before your trip, your authorisation will not transfer to the new document.
Every traveller, including children, needs their own passport and their own application.
Dual British nationals should apply with the passport they will use to enter Australia.

Planning your trip from the UK

Getting there. Flights from London, Manchester, Edinburgh and other UK airports to Australia usually involve one stop, most often in the Middle East or Asia, with total journey times of around 22 to 24 hours to the east coast. Breaking the journey with a stopover in Singapore, Dubai or Hong Kong is a popular way to arrive feeling fresher.

Time difference. Sydney and Melbourne are between 9 and 11 hours ahead of the UK, depending on daylight saving on both sides. Perth is closer, at 7 to 8 hours ahead. Expect jet lag for the first few days and keep your first plans light.

Seasons. The seasons are reversed: a British winter is an Australian summer, which is why Christmas on the beach is such a draw. If you prefer milder weather in the south, spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are ideal. Our guide to the best time to visit Australia covers each region.

Practical details. Australians drive on the left, just like in the UK, which makes road trips feel natural. The electricity supply is also 230V, but plugs are different (type I), so pack an adapter. English is the everyday language, although you will quickly pick up some local slang.

Working holiday option for British citizens

If you are between 18 and 35, you may prefer the Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417), which lets you travel and work in Australia for up to a year. British citizens benefit from particularly flexible rules: since July 2024 they no longer need to complete specified regional work to apply for a second or third year. Our Working Holiday visa guide explains how it works. For a holiday or business trip without work, the eVisitor remains the simplest choice.

Frequently asked questions from UK travellers

Is the eVisitor still available to British citizens? Yes. Holders of a British citizen passport remain eligible for the eVisitor.

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

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

Do I need to print anything? No. Your eVisitor is linked to your passport electronically, but keeping a copy of your confirmation on your phone is a good habit.

What if my passport details were entered incorrectly? Contact us straight away. Our review before submission is designed to catch these errors, and correcting them early avoids problems at check-in.

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 first-timer’s guide to Australia. Then begin your Australia eVisitor application online and get your trip from the UK off to a smooth start.