eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651)
The eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651) is a free short-term visa that allows eligible passport holders to travel to Australia for tourism or business purposes. It is electronically linked to the applicant’s passport and grants multiple entries within a 12-month period.
Key Features
✅ Multiple Entries: Valid for 12 months, allowing multiple visits.
✅ Short Stay Duration: Each visit can last up to 3 months.
✅ Fast Processing: Typically approved within a few days.
✅ No Application Fee: Completely free of charge.
✅ Online Application: Must be applied for through the Australian Government’s website.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must hold a passport from an eligible country (mainly European nations, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and others).
- Travel purpose must be tourism or short-term business activities (such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations, but not for employment).
- Applicants must be outside Australia at the time of both application and approval.
- Must meet health and character requirements.
Application Process
- Apply Online via the Australian Government’s official website.
- Provide Required Details, including passport and personal information.
- Await Processing, which typically takes a few days.
- Travel to Australia – The visa is digitally linked to your passport, so no physical visa is needed.
Comparison: eVisitor (Subclass 651) vs. ETA (Subclass 601) vs. Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
| Feature | eVisitor (Subclass 651) | ETA (Subclass 601) | Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Citizens of select European countries | Citizens of specific non-European countries (e.g., US, Canada, Japan, Singapore) | Open to all nationalities |
| Validity | 12 months | 12 months | Up to 12 months |
| Maximum Stay Per Visit | Up to 3 months | Up to 3 months | 3, 6, or 12 months |
| Application Method | Online (Free) | Online via app (AUD 20) | Online or paper-based (From AUD 190) |
| Processing Time | A few days | Instant to a few days | A few days to several weeks |