651Temporary
eVisitor (subclass 651)
eVisitor (subclass 651)
Visa Cost
Free (visa application fee NIL)
Applying online through the official ImmiAccount is entirely free, with no Visa Application Charge (VAC=0). It is open only to passport holders of designated European countries; mainland Chinese passports do not qualify, so Chinese applicants should use an ETA (601, if eligible) or a visitor visa (subclass 600) instead.
Processing Time
Most are granted within 1-5 business days
Eligibility
- Hold a passport of a designated European country (such as the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Ireland and about 37 European countries in total); mainland Chinese passports do not qualify.
- Be outside Australia at application.
- The trip is for tourism (holiday, visiting family or friends, cruises), short-term business visitor activities, or, in certain cases, short-term study/training of no more than 3 months.
- No criminal conviction record with a total sentence of 12 months or more (whether or not served).
- Meet health requirements, with no active tuberculosis on entry.
- Holders of only a British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Protected Person or British Subject passport do not qualify.
- Have sufficient funds for the stay and intend to leave within the permitted period.
Key Information
Validity / Stay / Residence
Valid for 12 months from grant, with multiple entries and a maximum stay of 3 months per entry, and a cumulative stay of no more than 12 months within 18 months.
Eligible Dependants
There is no accompanying-family concept; each traveller must apply individually.
Common Visa Conditions
Full explanations of condition codes are in the Visa Conditions Lookup
Application Steps
1
Confirm passport eligibility
Confirm passport eligibility
Check whether your passport is from an eVisitor-eligible European country.
- Passports of about 37 European countries can apply; mainland Chinese passports are not on the list.
- Holders of only special-category British passports such as British National (Overseas) do not qualify.
- Confirm the passport is valid for the entire trip.
2
Create an ImmiAccount
Create an ImmiAccount
Register an ImmiAccount online account on the official website.
- eVisitor is applied for only online through the official ImmiAccount and is entirely free.
- Each applicant (including family members) must apply separately.
- Have your passport and personal details ready.
3
Complete the online form
Complete the online form
Enter personal details, passport data and purpose in Australia.
- Truthfully state the travel purpose (tourism/business/short-term study).
- Answer the health and character declaration questions.
- Check that key details such as the passport number are correct.
4
Attach documents and submit
Attach documents and submit
Upload supporting materials if needed, then lodge the application.
- No application fee; lodgement completes it.
- Keep the application receipt and transaction number.
- It is advisable to apply ahead of your travel plans.
5
Await the outcome
Await the outcome
Wait for the visa outcome; once granted it is electronically linked to the passport.
- Most are granted within 1-5 business days.
- No label or stamp is required.
- You can check the visa status and conditions in VEVO.
6
Travel to Australia under conditions
Travel to Australia under conditions
Multiple entries within the 12-month validity, with a maximum stay of 3 months per entry.
- Each entry allows a stay of no more than 3 months, non-extendable.
- Generally no work (except qualifying voluntary activity incidental to tourism).
- You must leave before the visa expires.
Required Documents
| Document Name | English Name | Required | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible European passport | Eligible European passport | 651 is open only to passport holders of about 37 designated European countries, such as the UK, Germany, France and Italy. | Mainland Chinese passports do not qualify; nor do holders of special-category British passports such as British National (Overseas). | |
| ImmiAccount online account | ImmiAccount online account | The application must be lodged through the official ImmiAccount; it is free with no third-party paid channel. | Each family member must create a separate application; they cannot be combined in one form. | |
| Passport biodata page scan | Passport biodata page scan | For verifying identity and the passport number; the visa is electronically linked to that passport. | Ensure it is clear and legible; if the passport is renewed, the eVisitor ceases and you must reapply. | |
| Statement of purpose of travel | Statement of purpose of travel | Explain that your trip is for tourism, a business visit or short-term study (3 months or less). | Business visitors should prepare an explanation related to the meeting/negotiation; tourists can set out their itinerary. | |
| Return or onward travel itinerary | Return or onward travel itinerary | Corroborate a short-visit intention and departure arrangements; border officials may check. | Not a required submission, but it is advisable to carry the departure ticket for inspection. | |
| Evidence of sufficient funds | Evidence of sufficient funds | Prove you can afford the costs of the stay in Australia, showing you are a genuine visitor. | Bank statements or a screenshot of your credit limit will do; border officials may ask to see them. | |
| Accommodation or host details | Accommodation or host details | Hotel bookings or details of family/friends hosting you in Australia, to corroborate that the trip is genuine. | For visiting family or friends, you can provide their address and contact details in Australia. | |
| Overseas travel health insurance | Overseas travel health insurance | eVisitor holders bear all medical costs in Australia themselves, unless their country has a reciprocal health agreement with Australia. | Travel medical insurance covering the stay is strongly recommended; Medicare generally does not cover it. | |
| Health declaration | Health declaration | Declare your health truthfully; you must not have active tuberculosis on entry. | If there is a significant health history, find out in advance whether additional examinations are needed. | |
| Character declaration | Character declaration | Declare criminal convictions; those with a total sentence of 12 months or more do not qualify for 651. | For those with any criminal conviction, a visitor visa (subclass 600) may be more suitable. |
FAQ
Can mainland Chinese passport holders apply for the eVisitor 651?
No. The 651 eVisitor is open only to passport holders of about 37 designated European countries (the UK, Germany, France, etc.); mainland Chinese passports do not qualify. Chinese applicants can apply for a visitor visa (subclass 600) as appropriate.
Is eVisitor really entirely free?
Yes. The Visa Application Charge for applying online through the official ImmiAccount is NIL (zero), entirely free. Any third-party website that charges a fee is not an official channel.
What is the difference between an eVisitor and an ETA (601)?
Both are visitor electronic authorities valid for 12 months with multiple entries and a maximum stay of 3 months per entry, but 651 is for European passports, entirely free, and applied for via the ImmiAccount web page; 601 is for another group of countries (such as the US, Canada, Japan, Korea, etc.), charges an AUD 20 service fee, and can only be applied for via the mobile app.
Can you work in Australia on an eVisitor?
Generally no work. However, if your main purpose in Australia is tourism, the voluntary work is only incidental to the tourism, and you are not paid (board or incidental living expenses aside), you may undertake such voluntary activity.
Can you include family members in the same eVisitor application?
No. Each accompanying family member must lodge their own separate eVisitor application.
Common Refusal Reasons
- The passport is not from a European country eligible for eVisitor (Chinese passports are not eligible for 651)
- A prior visa cancellation, refusal or adverse record
- Health or character requirements not met
- Assessed as disguised long-term residence through repeated short stays, not a genuine visit
Can you appeal after a refusal? See the Visa Refusal & Review (ART) Guide.