Australia eVisitor Visa (subclass 651)

The Australian eVisitor (subclass 651) is a temporary visa that allows visitors to enter and stay in Australia for a maximum of three months per visit. The visa is granted for a period of 12 months from the date it is granted or for the duration of the visitor's passport validity, whichever is shorter. It is a multiple-entry visa, meaning that visa holders can leave and re-enter Australia as many times as they want within the validity period.

In order to be eligible for an eVisitor visa, applicants must meet certain requirements. They must be in good health and of good character to enter or live in Australia. They must also be able to demonstrate that they are genuine visitors, intending to visit Australia for business or tourism purposes only. Additionally, applicants must not have any outstanding debts to the Australian Government, and must not have had a visa cancelled or refused previously.

The eVisitor visa is a popular option for visitors to Australia, as it allows for multiple entries and longer stays than some other visa types. However, it is important to note that the visa does not permit holders to work in Australia, and visitors must ensure that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.

It is also worth noting that if a visitor takes a round trip cruise while in Australia, the time spent on the cruise will count towards their maximum stay period. This means that the visa stay period will not be reset by a round-trip cruise, and visitors should confirm with their cruise operator or travel agent whether the Australian Government considers their cruise to be a round trip.

The Australian eVisitor (subclass 651) is a popular temporary visa option for visitors to Australia. It allows for multiple entries and longer stays, but applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria and comply with the visa conditions during their stay. Visitors should also be aware of how their travel plans may affect their maximum stay period under the visa.

As a business visitor, you are permitted to:

  • Make general business or job inquiries
  • Investigate, negotiate, enter into, or revise a business contract
  • Conduct activities as part of an official visit to the Government
  • Participate in a conference, trade fair, or seminar. However, the organizers cannot pay you to take part.

However, you are not allowed to work or provide services to an Australian-based company or organization that sells goods or services directly to the public.

What is an Australia eVisitor (subclass 651) visa?

The Australia eVisitor (subclass 651) visa is a type of temporary visa that allows eligible visitors to enter and stay in Australia for a maximum of 3 months per visit. This visa is available for citizens of certain countries, including many European countries, who wish to visit Australia for business or tourism purposes.

The eVisitor visa is an electronic visa that is linked to the applicant's passport. It allows the holder to enter and leave Australia as many times as they wish during the visa's validity period, which is usually 12 months from the date of grant or until the passport expiration date, whichever is shorter. The eVisitor visa also permits the holder to study in Australia for up to 3 months, but it does not allow the holder to work in Australia.

To be eligible for the eVisitor visa, the applicant must meet certain requirements, including being in good health, having no criminal convictions, and having sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. The applicant must also intend to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes only.

The application process for the eVisitor visa is entirely online, and there is no visa application fee. The applicant needs to provide personal and travel information, as well as details about their employment, education, and finances. The visa application is processed quickly, and the applicant will usually receive a decision within a few days.

Overall, the Australia eVisitor (subclass 651) visa is a convenient and popular visa option for citizens of eligible countries who wish to visit Australia for short-term stays. It allows for multiple entries and is easy to apply for online.

Eligibility requirements for an Australia eVisitor visa

To be eligible for an Australia eVisitor (subclass 651) visa, you must meet the following requirements:

Citizenship: You must hold a passport from one of the eligible countries, which includes most European countries, as well as a few others such as Canada, the United States, and Japan.

Purpose of visit: You must be visiting Australia for tourism or business purposes, or to visit family and friends. You cannot work in Australia on an eVisitor visa.

Length of stay: You must be planning to stay in Australia for no more than 3 months (90 days) on each visit within a 12-month period.

Health and character requirements: You must meet the health and character requirements specified by the Australian government. This may include a medical examination, a police clearance certificate, or other forms of documentation.

Financial capacity: You must have sufficient funds to cover your travel expenses and any other costs associated with your stay in Australia.

Intent to leave: You must have a genuine intention to leave Australia at the end of your stay.

No previous visa cancellations or refusals: You must not have had a previous visa application refused or a visa cancelled while you were in Australia.

Australia eVisitor (subclass 651) Eligible Countries:

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Monaco
  • The Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • San Marino
  • Slovak Republic
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom – British Citizen
  • Vatican City

Additionally, visa applications can be submitted at Australian embassies/consulates.

However, applications using non-citizen passports, identity certificates or other travel documents are not accepted. Similarly, individuals holding a British National Overseas, British Dependent Territories Citizens, British Overseas Citizens, British Protected Person or British Subject Passport are not eligible to apply

Document requirement for Australia eVisitor visa

When traveling to Australia, it is important to ensure that your passport meets the following requirements:

  • Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your departure from Australia.
  • Signature: Your passport must be signed by you, the bearer.
  • Age: Your passport must not be older than 10 years and should have been issued in the last 10 years.
  • Visa Pages: Your passport must have at least one or three free visa pages, depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
  • Pictures: Your passport photos must be undamaged and securely affixed to your passport.

In addition to your passport, you will also need to provide the following documents:

  • Copy of the Main Page of Your Passport: A clear and legible copy of the main page of your passport must be provided.
  • Health Insurance: You must have health insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay in Australia.
  • Proof of Sufficient Funds: You must show that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Australia.
  • Supporting Documents: Depending on the purpose of your trip, you may need to provide additional supporting documents, such as a letter of invitation, travel itinerary, or proof of employment or study.

By ensuring that your passport and supporting documents meet the requirements, you can help ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience to Australia.

How to apply for an Australia eVisitor visa

Applying for an Australia eVisitor (subclass 651) visa is a straightforward process that can be completed entirely online. Here are the steps to apply:

Check eligibility: Before applying for the eVisitor visa, make sure that you are a citizen of an eligible country, and that you meet the other requirements for the visa.

Gather required documents: You will need a valid passport, a recent passport-sized photo, and other personal information such as your contact details, travel plans, and employment information.

Complete the online application form: The eVisitor visa application can be completed online through the Australian government's Department of Home Affairs website. You will need to create an ImmiAccount and provide your personal information, travel details, and other required information.

Attach supporting documents: You will need to attach scanned copies of your passport biodata page, recent passport-sized photo, and any other supporting documents required for your application.

Pay the application fee: There is no fee for the eVisitor visa application.

Submit your application: After completing the application and attaching all required documents, submit your application online. You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been received.

Wait for a decision: The processing time for the eVisitor visa application is usually very short, and most applicants receive a decision within a few days. You can check the status of your application online through your ImmiAccount.

Once your eVisitor visa is granted, it will be linked to your passport electronically, and you will be able to enter and leave Australia as many times as you wish during the visa's validity period.

Australia eVisitor visa processing time and duration

Processing time and duration for an Australia eVisitor (subclass 651) visa can vary depending on a number of factors. Here's what you need to know:

Processing time:

  • Most eVisitor visa applications are processed within 24-48 hours.
  • However, some applications may take longer to process if additional documentation or information is required.
  • It is recommended that you apply for your eVisitor visa at least 2 weeks before your intended travel date to allow sufficient time for processing.

Duration:

  • An Australia eVisitor visa allows you to stay in Australia for up to 3 months (90 days) on each visit within a 12-month period.
  • The 12-month period starts from the date that your eVisitor visa is granted.
  • If you need to stay in Australia for longer than 3 months, you will need to apply for a different type of visa.
  • An eVisitor visa is valid for 12 months from the date of issue, or until the expiry date of your passport (whichever comes first).
  • You can enter and exit Australia multiple times during the validity period of your eVisitor visa.

Traveling to Australia with an eVisitor visa

If you are traveling to Australia with an eVisitor (subclass 651) visa, here are some important things to keep in mind:

Entry requirements: You must meet all entry requirements for Australia, including holding a valid passport and satisfying health and character requirements.

Travel authorization: Before boarding your flight, you may be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or other travel authorization, depending on your nationality.

Length of stay: You are allowed to stay in Australia for up to 3 months (90 days) on each visit within a 12-month period.

Purpose of visit: Your eVisitor visa allows you to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes, or to visit family and friends. You cannot work in Australia on an eVisitor visa.

Activities allowed: You are allowed to participate in a wide range of activities while in Australia on an eVisitor visa, including sightseeing, visiting friends and family, and conducting business meetings.

Health and character requirements: You must meet the health and character requirements specified by the Australian government, which may include providing a medical examination and a police clearance certificate.

Departure requirements: You must leave Australia before your eVisitor visa expires, or apply for a different type of visa if you wish to stay longer.

Compliance with laws and regulations: You must comply with all Australian laws and regulations while in the country. Failure to do so could result in your eVisitor visa being cancelled and you being deported from Australia.

It is important to carefully read the terms and conditions of your eVisitor visa and ensure that you meet all requirements before traveling to Australia.

Difference between Australia eVisitor (subclass 651) vs Australia Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)

The Australia eVisitor (subclass 651) and the Australia Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) are both electronic visas that allow eligible visitors to enter and stay in Australia for short periods of time. However, there are some key differences between the two visas:

Eligibility: The eVisitor visa is available to citizens of certain European countries, while the Electronic Travel Authority is available to citizens of a wider range of countries, including Canada, Japan, the United States, and several Asian countries.

Purpose of visit: The eVisitor visa is intended for tourism or business purposes only, while the Electronic Travel Authority also permits the holder to engage in certain work-related activities.

Validity period: The eVisitor visa is valid for up to 12 months from the date of grant or until the passport expiration date, whichever is shorter, while the Electronic Travel Authority is valid for up to 12 months from the date of grant.

Length of stay: Both visas permit the holder to stay in Australia for a maximum of 3 months per visit, but the eVisitor visa also allows the holder to study in Australia for up to 3 months, while the Electronic Travel Authority does not permit study.

Application fee: There is no fee for the eVisitor visa application, while the Electronic Travel Authority application fee is currently AUD $20.

Application process: The application process for both visas is online, but the Electronic Travel Authority application process is generally faster, with most applications being processed instantly.

While both the Australia eVisitor (subclass 651) and the Australia Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) are similar electronic visas that allow short-term visits to Australia, they have some key differences in terms of eligibility, purpose of visit, validity period, length of stay, application fee, and application process.

Activities allowed on an eVisitor visa in Australia

An eVisitor visa (subclass 651) allows the holder to engage in a range of activities in Australia, including:

Tourism: eVisitor visa holders are permitted to travel to Australia for leisure purposes, such as visiting friends and family, sightseeing, and exploring Australia's natural wonders.

Business: eVisitor visa holders can also visit Australia for business purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations. However, eVisitor visa holders are not permitted to work in Australia, and any work activities must be limited to attending business meetings or conferences.

Study: eVisitor visa holders can undertake a short-term study course in Australia for up to three months. This can include language courses or short-term vocational courses, but not full-time study.

Volunteer work: eVisitor visa holders are permitted to engage in volunteer work in Australia, as long as the work is for a non-profit organization, is unpaid, and does not displace a paid worker.

Family visits: eVisitor visa holders can visit family members in Australia, including spouses, parents, children, and siblings.

Medical treatment: eVisitor visa holders can travel to Australia for medical treatment, including consultations with doctors, medical tests, and surgery.

Transit: eVisitor visa holders can also use Australia as a transit point to another destination, as long as they do not leave the airport.

It's important to note that eVisitor visa holders are not permitted to work in Australia, and any work activities must be limited to attending business meetings or conferences. Additionally, eVisitor visa holders must not engage in any criminal or unlawful activities while in Australia.

Extending an Australia eVisitor visa

An Australia eVisitor (subclass 651) visa cannot be extended. If you wish to stay in Australia for longer than 3 months (90 days) on each visit within a 12-month period, you will need to apply for a different type of visa.

You may be eligible to apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) or another type of visa that allows for longer stays in Australia. However, the eligibility requirements and application process will be different than for the eVisitor visa.

It is important to apply for a new visa before your eVisitor visa expires, as overstaying your visa can have serious consequences, including being barred from entering Australia in the future.

To explore your options for extending your stay in Australia, you should contact the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent for guidance. They can provide advice on the most appropriate visa for your situation and assist with the application process.

Frequently Asked questions

Citizens of certain European countries are eligible for an eVisitor visa. These countries include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Vatican City.

An eVisitor visa allows the holder to stay in Australia for up to 3 months per visit. The visa is valid for up to 12 months from the date of grant, or until the passport expiration date, whichever is shorter.

No, eVisitor visa holders are not permitted to work in Australia. Any work activities must be limited to attending business meetings or conferences.

Yes, eVisitor visa holders can undertake a short-term study course in Australia for up to 3 months. However, full-time study is not permitted.

No, eVisitor visas must be applied for outside of Australia. If you are already in Australia, you must leave the country and apply for an eVisitor visa from overseas.

The processing time for an eVisitor visa application is usually very quick, with most applications being processed instantly or within a few hours.

To apply for an eVisitor visa, you must complete an online application form on the Department of Home Affairs website. You will need to provide personal information, details of your trip to Australia, and evidence of your health and character. There is no application fee for an eVisitor visa.

No, you should not travel to Australia while your eVisitor visa application is being processed. You must wait until your visa has been granted before traveling to Australia.

 

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