Get your Australia visa

Australia visa policy

Australia offers several visa options, some of them electronic: the ETA (subclass 601) and the eVisitor (subclass 651). Both are usually multiple-entry and let you stay up to 3 months per visit over a 12-month validity window, as long as you’re travelling for tourism, visiting family/friends, or limited business activities (like meetings or conferences - no paid work). Which one you can use depends on your passport; many European passports (including UK) are eligible for eVisitor, while some other countries use ETA, which has a small app service fee.

If your nationality isn’t on the ETA/eVisitor lists, or you want a longer or more flexible stay, you’d apply for the Visitor visa (subclass 600) instead. This can allow 3, 6, or sometimes 12 months, and is also the fallback for travelers with more complex situations.

Whatever visa you hold, Australia applies a “genuine visitor” test: you may be asked to show a return/onward ticket, proof of funds, and accommodation plans. Visitor visas don’t allow work in Australia.

Australia is serious about biosecurity. You must declare foods, plant items, animal products, and even muddy hiking boots; fines for non-declaration can be hefty. Passport validity should cover your whole stay, and you’ll need to meet standard health and character requirements.