Australia eVisitor Visa Guide 2023
Australia eVisitor Visa Guide: The eVisitor is a visa-like travel authorization that allows the holder to visit Australia. You can apply for an eVisitor online and will receive an email confirmation. Your confirmed eVisitor is then saved on an online database that can be accessed using your passport number, which is how Australian immigration knows you have a visa.
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Because it is a facilitated visa, you can usually expect to receive the eVisitor within a few days.
Who is Eligible for an eVisitor?
Citizens of the following European countries are eligible for the Australia eVisitor visa:
Andorra | Austria | Belgium |
---|---|---|
Bulgaria | Croatia | Cyprus |
Czechia | Denmark | Estonia |
Finland | France | Germany |
Greece | Hungary | Iceland |
Ireland | Italy | Latvia |
Liechtenstein | Lithuania | Luxembourg |
Malta | Monaco | Netherlands |
Norway | Poland | Portugal |
Romania | San Marino | Slovakia |
Slovenia | Spain | Sweden |
Switzerland | United Kingdom | Vatican City |
How to Apply for an eVisitor for Australia?
You can apply for an eVisitor visa online at Australia’s official visa application portal:
- Set up an ImmiAccount.
- Enter your personal information, passport information, and the reason for your trip.
- Please include any required documents.
- Send in your application.
- Wait for a response. Within one to two days, you will receive an email confirming your visa application. The letter includes your visa grant number, the start date, and the length of validity.
eVisitor Requirements
When applying for an eVisitor visa, you will need the following documents:
- The passport is valid for at least another six months.
- A working email address.
- To pay the fee, you’ll need a credit or debit card.
Although the eVisitor visa is a type of Australian visa, it is a facilitated visa, which means the requirements are much less stringent than those for a regular tourist visa. However, the visa officers reviewing your application may determine that you need to submit additional documents, in which case you may be asked to submit electronic copies of the following documents:
- The bio page of your passport. Your picture and name appear on the page.
- a copy of your identification card (front and back).
- Evidence of your reason for visiting Australia.
- A travel schedule.
- Proof of lodging in Australia, such as a hotel reservation or a letter from a friend or relative who will host you.
- Your flight booking.
- Evidence that your trip is only temporary. This could be a letter from your employer or school stating the expected return date. It can also demonstrate that you have family responsibilities and dependent family members back home.
- Your last three months’ bank statements.
- Your travel companions’ names.
Who Assesses the eVisitor Application?
The Australian Department of Home Affairs is in charge of processing your eVisitor application.
Regardless of how you apply – online or through a visa or travel agency – your application is routed to the Department of Home Affairs, which has the final say on the outcome.
How Much Does the eVisitor Cost?
The eVisitor for Australia is provided at no cost. In some cases, you may be required to pay a processing fee of AUD 20.
After Getting the eVisitor
You will receive an email confirmation once your application has been approved. Make a copy of this email, print it out, and keep it with you when you travel. This contains all of the pertinent information about your eVisitor.
When you arrive in Australia, the immigration officer at the entry point will request your passport and check your eVisitor on the online database where it is recorded before allowing you to pass.
How Long Can I Stay in Australia with an eVisitor?
Your eVisitor Visa is valid for a period of 12 months from the date of issue. You can enter the country as many times as you want during this time and stay for up to three months per visit. You are not permitted to work during this time.
Can I Extend my Stay?
If you are in Australia and your eVisitor visa is about to expire, you can go to the nearest immigration or visa office and apply for a new eVisitor (Subclass 651) Visa. Make sure to do so at least two weeks before the expiration of your current eVisitor.
If you are about to reach the end of your 3-month-per-trip stay, you could simply leave the country and re-enter in a few days, giving you another three months if your eVisitor is still valid.
What If I Overstay My eVisitor Visa?
It is critical to keep track of the validity of your visa and how long you have been in Australia. If you overstay without good reason, even for a few days, it may affect your chances of receiving another eVisitor in the future. If you overstay your eVisitor by more than 4 weeks, you may be stopped by immigration as you leave the country and are questioned. In some cases, you may face a three-year travel ban.
Normally, if you have compelling reasons for overstaying, such as a sudden illness or accident, you can notify the Department of Home Affairs and receive guidance on how to proceed.
How Can I Check My Visa Validity?
You can check the validity of your eVisitor using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO). You can get to VEVO by using one of the following methods:
- Transaction Reference Number (TRN) – This is the number you will be given when you begin the online visa application process.
- When your eVisitor visa application is approved, you will be given a Visa Grant Number.
- Your Immigration Document (ImmiCard).
You must also provide your birthdate, passport number, and country of nationality when creating a VEVO account.
Can I Work With an eVisitor Visa?
No, you are not permitted to work in any paid capacity while in Australia on an eVisitor permit. You are only permitted to engage in business activities such as attending meetings, signing contracts, holding or attending seminars and presentations, and so on.
Can I Study With an eVisitor?
You can take a three-month short-term study course with an eVisitor. If you intend to study in Australia for more than three months, you will need to apply for an Australian student visa.
Can I Volunteer With an eVisitor Visa?
You can do volunteer work as an eVisitor in Australia as long as it is truly voluntary and you do not receive a salary or wages for it. Accommodation, food, and living expenses may be reimbursed.
Do I Need an eVisitor If I Enter Australia on a Cruise?
Yes, if you are on a cruise that will visit Australia at some point, you must obtain an eVisitor.
What If My eVisitor Visa is Denied?
If your eVisitor application is denied, the Department of Home Affairs will usually notify you via email. They will also notify you whether you have the right to appeal or request a review of the decision, as well as whether you need to go to a visa office or the Australian Embassy to submit a paper application. In some cases, they may simply ask you to submit additional documents before issuing you a visa.
What If I Gave the Wrong Information?
If you entered incorrect information during your application, you may be able to update it by logging back into your ImmiAccount. You must do the following:
- Select the ‘Update details’ option on the portal
- Select ‘Notification of incorrect answer(s)’.
- Add the correct information.
- Confirm.
If the Department of Home Affairs is already assessing your application or has completed its evaluation, your application may be rejected, and you may be required to submit a new application.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is an eVisitor visa for Australia?
This visa category allows you to visit Australia as a tourist, on a cruise, or to visit family and friends.
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Is an eVisitor visa for Australia free?
This is a free visa that allows you to visit Australia for tourism or business for up to three months at a time within a 12-month period. This visa is only available to citizens of a few European countries and cannot be extended.