Australia Visa for France Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing
Complete guide to the Australian eVisitor visa (subclass 651) for French travelers. Apply free online, get approved in less than a day, and stay up to 3 months.
At a glance
Overview
Planning a trip to Australia as a French citizen? The eVisitor visa makes entry straightforward and completely free. Apply online through ImmiAccount, receive approval within hours, and enjoy multiple entries over 12 months with stays up to 3 months each visit. No embassy appointments, no service fees, and minimal documentation required.
Visa Application process
Create an ImmiAccount
Start Your Application
Enter Your Details
Answer Eligibility Questions
Submit Your Application
Visa Application Steps
- 1. Create an ImmiAccount
- 2. Start Your Application
- 3. Enter Your Details
- 4. Answer Eligibility Questions
- 5. Submit Your Application
- 1. Complete the Incoming Passenger Card
- 2. Use SmartGate (if available)
- 3. Traditional Border Control
Visa Fees breakdown
| Item: Cost | eVisitor Application: Free | Visa Application Charge: None | Service Fee: None | The eVisitor visa is completely free for French 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. |
|---|
Required documents
- Valid French Passport
- Apply from Outside Australia
- Valid Email Address
- Health Requirements
- Character Requirements
- Genuine Visitor Intent
- Sufficient Funds
Valid French Passport
Apply from Outside Australia
Valid Email Address
Health Requirements
Character Requirements
Genuine Visitor Intent
Sufficient Funds
Border entry information
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
Comparison
| Feature | eVisitor (Subclass 651) | Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | AUD $190-$405 |
| Processing | Less than 24 hours | 2-8 weeks |
| Application | Online only | Online via ImmiAccount |
| Documentation | Minimal | Comprehensive |
| Criminal history | Not suitable | Can apply with documentation |
| Health concerns | Not suitable | Can provide health evidence |
| Maximum stay | 3 months | 3, 6, or 12 months |
Common rejection reasons
| % | Reason |
|---|---|
| 40% | Criminal History |
| 20% | Health Concerns |
| 18% | Previous Immigration Issues |
| 12% | Application Errors |
| 10% | Non-Genuine Visitor Concerns |
40% - Criminal History
How to avoid: If you have any criminal record, apply for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) instead. The eVisitor is designed for applicants with clean records.
20% - Health Concerns
How to avoid: If you have significant health conditions, apply for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) where you can provide health documentation and undergo required examinations.
18% - Previous Immigration Issues
How to avoid: Be honest about your immigration history. If you have previous issues, the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) allows you to provide explanations and supporting documentation.
12% - Application Errors
How to avoid: Double-check all information matches your passport exactly. The system is automated, so even small discrepancies can cause delays or refusals.
10% - Non-Genuine Visitor Concerns
How to avoid: Ensure you can demonstrate clear ties to France and genuine reasons for a temporary visit. Have return travel plans ready to share.
Frequently asked questions
Do French citizens need a visa for Australia?
French citizens need an eVisitor visa (subclass 651) to visit Australia. This is a free electronic travel authorization that you apply for online before traveling. It is mandatory even for short visits.
How do I apply for an Australian eVisitor as a French citizen?
Apply online through the Australian Government's ImmiAccount portal. Create an account, complete the application form with your passport details, answer the eligibility questions, and submit. Most applications are processed within hours.
Is the eVisitor visa free for French citizens?
Yes, the eVisitor visa is completely free for French citizens. There is no application fee or service charge. Be wary of third-party websites that charge fees for the same service you can get free from the government.
How long does the eVisitor take to process?
Most eVisitor applications are processed in less than one day. According to Australian immigration statistics, 90% of applications are decided within 24 hours. Many applicants receive instant approval.
How long can French citizens stay in Australia?
French citizens can stay up to 3 months (90 days) per visit on an eVisitor visa. The visa is valid for 12 months with multiple entries allowed. Each entry allows a fresh 3-month stay period.
Can I extend my eVisitor visa while in Australia?
No, the eVisitor visa cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer than 3 months, you must apply for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) before your eVisitor expires. You cannot switch to work or study visas from an eVisitor.
Can I work in Australia on an eVisitor?
No. The eVisitor does not permit any work, including remote work for French employers. You cannot be employed by or provide services to Australian businesses. Violation can result in visa cancellation and removal from Australia.
What is the difference between eVisitor and ETA?
The eVisitor (subclass 651) is free and available to French and other European citizens. The ETA (subclass 601) costs AUD $20 and is for citizens of countries like the USA, Canada, and Japan. Both allow similar stays and activities.
What happens if my eVisitor is refused?
If refused, do not reapply through the same system. Instead, apply for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) through ImmiAccount. This allows you to submit supporting documents and address any concerns that caused the refusal.
Can I enter Australia multiple times on one eVisitor?
Yes. The eVisitor allows unlimited entries to Australia within its 12-month validity period. Each entry permits a stay of up to 3 months. You can leave and re-enter as many times as needed.
Do I need travel insurance for Australia?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for the eVisitor visa, but it is strongly recommended. France has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia, but it has limitations. You should consider comprehensive travel insurance to cover all potential medical costs and emergencies.
Can I study in Australia on an eVisitor?
You can study or train for up to 3 months total on an eVisitor. However, if your main purpose is study, you should apply for a Student Visa instead. The eVisitor is primarily for tourism and business visits.
Is there a Working Holiday Visa option for French citizens?
Yes. French citizens aged 18 to 35 can apply for the Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417), which allows you to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months. This is separate from the eVisitor and costs AUD $670.
Sources
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/evisitor-651
https://france.embassy.gov.au/pari/Visas_and_Migration.html
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/evisitor-651#Eligibility
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/character
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times