British citizens need an eVisitor (subclass 651) or Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) visa before travelling to Australia.

• Government fee Set by the destination and charged when you submit the e-Visa application.
• Processing / card charge Some official portals add a small payment-handling charge on top.
• Third-party sites Unofficial sites charge far more for the same application — always apply on the official portal.

We deliberately do not publish fee amounts: they differ by visa type and nationality and change often, and a stale number is worse than none. Check the current amount on the official source.

• Valid United Kingdom passportYour passport must be valid for the entire period of your intended stay in Australia.
• Sufficient fundsYou may need to provide evidence that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Australia.
• Onward or return ticketYou may be asked to provide evidence of your return or onward travel arrangements.

1. 1
   Determine which visa is most suitable for your travel purpose and duration (e.g., eVisitor for tourism up to 3 months).
2. 2
   Gather all necessary documents, including your valid United Kingdom passport.
3. 3
   Apply online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website or the Australian ETA app (for ETA subclass 601).

   Apply for an eVisitor (subclass 651)
4. 4
   Complete the application form accurately, providing all required personal and passport details.
5. 5
   Submit your application. For eVisitor, there is no application fee. For ETA, a service charge applies.
6. 6
   Wait for the visa decision. Most eVisitor and ETA applications are processed quickly.
7. 7
   Once granted, you will receive notification, usually by email. Keep a copy of your visa grant notice.

• Incomplete or inaccurate application

  How to avoid: Ensure all sections of the application form are completed truthfully and accurately. Double-check all details, especially passport information, before submission.

• Previous visa breaches or overstays

  How to avoid: Always adhere to the conditions of any previous visas for Australia or other countries. Overstaying a visa or working illegally can lead to future visa refusals.

• Criminal record or character concerns

  How to avoid: Be truthful about any criminal history. Australia has strict character requirements. Failure to declare relevant information can result in refusal and potential bans.

• Insufficient funds to support stay

  How to avoid: Be prepared to demonstrate that you have adequate financial resources to cover your expenses for the duration of your intended stay in Australia without working.

• Intention to overstay or work illegally

  How to avoid: Ensure your stated purpose of visit (tourism/business) is genuine and consistent with your application. Provide evidence of strong ties to your home country (e.g., employment, family, property) to demonstrate intent to return.

• Ensure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Australia.
• Australia has very strict biosecurity laws. Declare all food, plant material, and animal products upon arrival to avoid penalties.
• Always carry a copy of your visa grant notification and passport when travelling within Australia.
• Consider purchasing comprehensive travel insurance before your trip, as medical costs can be high.

• Can I extend my stay in Australia on an eVisitor or ETA visa?

  eVisitor and ETA visas generally do not allow for extensions. If you wish to stay longer, you would typically need to apply for a new visa, such as a Visitor visa (subclass 600), before your current visa expires. This must be done while you still hold a valid visa.

• Can I work in Australia with an eVisitor or ETA visa?

  No, eVisitor and ETA visas are for tourism or short-term business visitor activities only. They do not permit you to work in Australia. Engaging in work without the appropriate visa can lead to visa cancellation and removal from Australia.

• Do I need a visa if I am only transiting through Australia?

  If you are a British citizen and your transit through Australia is for more than 8 hours or requires you to leave the airport transit lounge, you will generally need a visa. An eVisitor (subclass 651) or ETA (subclass 601) can cover transit purposes, or you can apply for a specific Transit visa (subclass 771).

• What happens if my passport expires while I have a valid eVisitor or ETA?

  If you obtain a new passport after your eVisitor or ETA has been granted, you must update your visa details with the Department of Home Affairs. Your visa is linked to your passport, and you may be refused entry if the details do not match.

• How long does it take to process an eVisitor or ETA application?

  Most eVisitor and ETA applications are processed very quickly, often within minutes or less than 1 day. However, some applications may take longer if additional information or checks are required. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your travel date.

• My passport expires in 5 months - can I still apply for Australia?

  Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Australia. It is generally recommended that your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from your planned entry date. If your passport expires during your trip, you will need to obtain a new one before travelling. Always check the latest requirements on the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website.

• I'm flying to Australia next week, is it too late to apply for a visa?

  eVisitor (subclass 651) and Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) visas are often processed quickly, sometimes within minutes. However, some applications may take longer if additional information or checks are required. It is always recommended to apply as soon as your travel plans are firm to avoid any last-minute issues. You must have a valid visa granted before you depart for Australia.

• How much money do I need to show in my bank account for an Australian tourist visa?

  You must be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Australia. While there isn't a fixed amount, you should have enough to cover your accommodation, food, and other expenses without working. Evidence can include bank statements, payslips, or a letter from your employer. The Department of Home Affairs assesses each application individually based on your circumstances.

• I am self-employed, what documents do I need to provide for my visa application?

  As a self-employed applicant, you will need to provide evidence of your business and financial stability. This can include business registration documents, recent tax returns, business bank statements, and invoices. The aim is to demonstrate that you have strong ties to the UK and sufficient funds to support your trip. Ensure all documents clearly show your name and the nature of your self-employment.

• Can I leave Australia and re-enter on the same tourist visa?

  Yes, both the eVisitor (subclass 651) and Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) visas are typically multiple-entry visas. This means you can leave Australia and return as long as your visa remains valid and you adhere to its conditions. Each stay in Australia is usually limited to a maximum of three months. Always check the specific conditions of your granted visa to confirm its validity and entry allowances.

• How much does an Australia visa cost for British citizens?

  You pay online when you apply. The total is usually the government e-Visa fee plus any card or processing charge. Government fee: Set by the destination and charged when you submit the e-Visa application. Processing / card charge: Some official portals add a small payment-handling charge on top. Third-party sites: Unofficial sites charge far more for the same application — always apply on the official portal. Fees change regularly, so confirm the current amount on the official source linked on this page before you apply.

• Do I need a separate visa for Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney, or does this cover all of Australia?

  You do not need a separate visa for any individual city. Entry rules are set nationally, not city by city, so a Australia visa is valid for the whole country — including Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory and Melbourne's laneways and cultural scene, Victoria. Apply once for Australia and you can travel anywhere inside it, up to the permitted length of stay.