Australia Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to Australia as a British 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

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

Start Your Application

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

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

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

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

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 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.

Required documents

Valid British Citizen Passport
Apply from Outside Australia
Valid Email Address
Health Requirements
Character Requirements
Genuine Visitor Intent
Sufficient Funds

Valid British Citizen Passport

You must hold a British Citizen passport to apply for the eVisitor visa • Must be valid for the duration of your intended stay; • Only British Citizen passports are eligible; • British National Overseas, British Overseas Citizen, and British Protected Person passports are not eligible] (Tip: Check that your passport type is 'British Citizen' on the coverIf you hold a different type of British passport, apply for the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) instead)

Apply from Outside Australia

You must be outside Australia when you apply for the eVisitor and when the visa is granted • Cannot apply while in Australia; • Cannot be granted while in Australia; • Apply before your travel date] (Tip: Apply at least a few days before travel to allow for processingDo not book non-refundable flights until your visa is confirmed)

Valid Email Address

Provide a working email address to receive your visa grant notification • Visa decision will be sent to this email; • Keep the email for your records] (Tip: Use an email you check regularlyCheck spam/junk folders if you do not receive a response)

Health Requirements

You must meet Australian health requirements and be free of tuberculosis • Must be free of active tuberculosis; • No health examination required for most eVisitor applicants; • Must not pose a risk to Australian public health] (Tip: If you have had tuberculosis or significant health conditions, apply for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) where you can provide health documentation)

Character Requirements

You must meet Australian character requirements with no substantial criminal record • Must declare any criminal convictions in any country; • Criminal convictions totaling 12 months or more make you ineligible; • Includes spent convictions] (Tip: If you have any criminal history, apply for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) insteadBe honest in your application. False declarations can result in visa cancellation and future bans)

Genuine Visitor Intent

You must intend to stay temporarily in Australia and comply with visa conditions • Must intend to leave Australia before your visa expires; • Must not intend to work or provide services; • Must have genuine reasons for visiting] (Tip: Have a clear travel purpose and itineraryBe prepared to show return flight bookings if asked at the border)

Sufficient Funds

You must have enough money to support yourself during your stay and leave Australia • No specific amount required; • Funds should cover accommodation, transport, food, and activities; • Proof is not required during application but may be requested at the border] (Tip: Carry evidence of funds when traveling (bank statements, credit cards)Have accommodation bookings ready to show if requested)

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%	Ineligible Passport Type
15%	Health Concerns
15%	Previous Immigration Issues
10%	Application Errors

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% - Ineligible Passport Type

How to avoid: Check your passport type before applying. Only 'British Citizen' passports are eligible for the eVisitor. Other British passport types must apply for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600).

15% - 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.

15% - 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.

10% - 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.

Frequently asked questions

Do UK citizens need a visa for Australia?

UK 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 UK 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 British citizens?

Yes, the eVisitor visa is completely free for British 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 British citizens stay in Australia?

British 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 UK 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 British and 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. UK citizens are not covered by Australian Medicare. You are personally responsible for all healthcare costs during your visit.

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.

Apply for Australia tourist visa online

Sources

Australian Government - eVisitor

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/evisitor-651

UK Government - Australia Entry Requirements

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/australia/entry-requirements

Australian High Commission UK - Visas and Migration

https://uk.embassy.gov.au/lhlh/visas_and_migration.html

Australian Government - eVisitor Eligibility

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/evisitor-651#Eligibility

Australian Government - Visa Processing Times

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times

At a glance