What is the Australian eVisitor?

The eVisitor (subclass 651) is a free electronic travel authorization that allows British citizens to visit Australia for tourism, business visits, or short-term study.1 Unlike a traditional visa, no stamp or sticker is placed in your passport. Your authorization is linked digitally to your passport number and verified electronically when you travel.

British Citizen passport holders are among 36 nationalities eligible for the eVisitor.4 This streamlined process means you can obtain travel authorization in hours without visiting an embassy, paying fees, or submitting extensive documentation.

Application Process

The eVisitor application is completed entirely online through the Australian Government’s ImmiAccount system:1

1. Create an ImmiAccount

Visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website and create a free ImmiAccount. You will use this account to submit your application and receive your visa decision.

2. Start Your Application

Select the eVisitor (subclass 651) visa and begin the application. Have your passport ready to enter your details accurately.

3. Enter Your Details

Provide your personal information exactly as it appears in your passport:

• Full name (including middle names)
• Date of birth
• Passport number and expiry date
• Country of citizenship
• Contact details and email address

4. Answer Eligibility Questions

You will be asked about:

• Criminal history in any country
• Health conditions
• Previous visa refusals or immigration issues
• Other nationalities or passports you hold

5. Submit Your Application

Review all information for accuracy and submit. There is no fee to pay. Most applications are processed automatically and you will receive a decision via email within hours.5

Fees

The eVisitor visa is completely free for British citizens.1 This is a significant advantage over the ETA (subclass 601) that citizens of countries like the USA must pay AUD $20 for.

Warning: Be cautious of third-party websites that charge fees for eVisitor applications. The official service is free when you apply directly through the Australian Government’s ImmiAccount.

What You Can Do on an eVisitor

The eVisitor permits several types of activities during your stay:1

Tourism:

• Sightseeing and holiday travel
• Cruises departing from and returning to Australia
• Visiting family and friends
• Attending events, festivals, and concerts

Business Visitor Activities:

• Attending meetings and conferences
• Negotiating contracts
• Making general business inquiries
• Participating in trade fairs (without payment from organizers)

Short-term Study:

• Courses or training up to 3 months total
• Must not be your main purpose for visiting

You Cannot:

• Work for an Australian employer
• Provide services to Australian businesses
• Sell goods directly to the public
• Undertake paid or unpaid work of any kind

Working or intending to work on an eVisitor visa can result in visa cancellation and removal from Australia.1

Processing Times

The eVisitor has some of the fastest processing times of any Australian visa:5

The majority of British applicants receive their eVisitor approval within hours of submitting their application. Some receive instant approval.

When processing may take longer:

• Information needs verification
• Previous immigration history requires review
• Health or character questions need assessment
• Technical issues with your application

Do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until your eVisitor is confirmed.

Validity and Entry

Once granted, your eVisitor has these conditions:1

Validity Period: 12 months from the date of grant, or until your passport expires (whichever comes first)

Entry Type: Multiple entries allowed during the validity period

Maximum Stay: Up to 3 months (90 days) per entry

Re-entry: Leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you want within the 12-month validity. Each entry allows a fresh 3-month stay period.

Important: If you stay in Australia for extended periods or make frequent visits, border officers may question whether you are a genuine visitor. Spending significant time in Australia while holding only a visitor visa can raise concerns.1

At the Australian Border

When you arrive in Australia:1

1. Complete the Incoming Passenger Card

All arriving travelers must complete this card, declaring any goods and providing your Australian accommodation address.

2. Use SmartGate (if available)

Many Australian airports have automated SmartGate kiosks. UK passport holders with ePassports can often use these for faster processing. The system uses facial recognition to verify your identity and visa status.

3. Traditional Border Control

If SmartGate is unavailable or you prefer, proceed to a border officer who will verify your passport and eVisitor electronically.

What to Have Ready:

• Valid UK passport (the same one used for your eVisitor application)
• Return or onward travel arrangements
• Evidence of accommodation in Australia
• Proof of sufficient funds if requested

Border officers can refuse entry even with a valid eVisitor if they have concerns about your intentions or circumstances.

If Your eVisitor is Refused

If your eVisitor application cannot be approved:1

Do Not Reapply via the Same System

Submitting additional eVisitor applications will produce the same result. The system will continue to identify the same issues.

Apply for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

This is the appropriate pathway if your eVisitor is refused. The Subclass 600 visa:

• Allows you to submit supporting documentation
• Lets you provide evidence about any concerns
• Enables you to explain your circumstances in detail
• Accommodates applicants with criminal history or health issues

The Subclass 600 visa costs from AUD $190 and has longer processing times, but it provides options for applicants who cannot obtain an eVisitor.

Comparing eVisitor vs Visitor Visa

Most British travelers without complications should use the free eVisitor. The Visitor Visa is for those who need longer stays, have criminal history, or have health conditions requiring documentation.

Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement

The UK has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia.1 This means British citizens visiting Australia may be eligible for:

• Medically necessary treatment through Medicare
• Access to public hospital emergency departments
• Subsidized prescription medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

However, this does not cover all situations. Travel insurance is still strongly recommended to cover:

• Private hospital treatment
• Dental care
• Repatriation costs
• Trip cancellation

Travel Tips for British Citizens Visiting Australia

Before You Go:

• Apply for your eVisitor at least a few days before travel
• Do not book non-refundable travel until your visa is confirmed
• Check your passport has adequate validity for your trip
• Consider travel insurance despite the reciprocal healthcare agreement

During Your Stay:

• Track your 90-day limit carefully
• Do not overstay under any circumstances
• Keep a copy of your eVisitor approval email
• Have accommodation and return flight details accessible

Returning to Australia:

• Your eVisitor allows multiple entries within 12 months
• Each entry starts a new 3-month stay period
• Extended stays or frequent visits may be questioned at the border