The Australia eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651): A Complete Guide

Many European travellers choose the eVisitor (Subclass 651) for tourism or business trips to Australia. The authorisation links electronically to your passport, so you get no stamp or label in your document. Planning a short trip Down Under? This guide explains who the eVisitor is for and what it allows. It also shows how to apply and how to give your application the best chance of success.

Who can use the eVisitor

The eVisitor is available to passport holders from a range of eligible European countries. It covers genuine short visits: holidays, sightseeing and visiting family and friends. It also covers business activities such as meetings, conferences and negotiations. It does not suit people who plan to work for an Australian employer or to stay long term. Do you hold an eligible passport, and does your trip fit these purposes? Then the eVisitor is usually the simplest option. You can start your eVisitor application online whenever you are ready.

What the eVisitor allows

With an eVisitor you can usually travel to Australia as often as you like during its validity period. Each visit can last up to three months. This flexibility suits travellers who combine a longer regional trip with several stops in Australia. Border officers can see your authorisation the moment you arrive, because it sits electronically on your passport record. Remember that the eVisitor covers tourism and business visits only. If you want to work while you travel, our Working Holiday visa guide covers the alternative.

How to apply, step by step

You apply entirely online, and it only takes a few minutes when your details are ready. You provide your passport information and answer some standard questions about your background and the purpose of your trip. It is always best to apply before you book non-refundable flights or accommodation. The easiest way to begin is to complete your online application form and follow the guided steps.

Documents and details to have ready

Before you start, keep your passport within reach. Make sure it stays valid for your whole trip. You will need the passport number, your date and country of birth, and your travel intentions. Use the exact spelling and numbers from your passport, because the authorities match your authorisation to that document. Double-check every field before you submit. A small typo is one of the most common reasons for a correction.

Common causes of delays

The authorities usually handle straightforward applications quickly. However, a few things can slow the process down: mismatched passport details, incomplete answers or a last-minute application. Leave a comfortable time buffer before your trip. Answer every question honestly and completely, and review your information carefully. Applying early means that if anything needs clarifying, there is time to sort it out calmly.

After you apply and at the border

Once you have your authorisation, keep your confirmation handy. Saving a copy on your phone and in your email is a good habit. At check-in and on arrival you generally will not need to show anything special, since the authorisation sits on your passport record. Still, having the confirmation with you brings peace of mind. On arrival you will pass through immigration and Australia’s strict biosecurity checks. Declare any food, plant material or wooden items.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I stay with an eVisitor? You can usually stay up to three months per visit, with multiple visits allowed while the authorisation remains valid.

Can I work on an eVisitor? No. The eVisitor is for tourism and business visits. If you want to work, look at the Working Holiday program instead.

When should I apply? As early as you can before your trip, and always before booking non-refundable travel. You can apply for your eVisitor visa online as soon as your plans take shape.

Ready to start?

Is a short holiday or business trip to Australia on your horizon? If you hold an eligible passport, the eVisitor is the natural first step. When you are ready, start your Australia eVisitor application. Still comparing your choices? Read our visa comparison guide first.