Overview

The Australian eVisitor Visa (subclass 651) is a short-term visa designed for nationals of specific countries, predominantly from Europe, who wish to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes. This visa allows multiple entries into Australia over a 12-month period, with each stay lasting up to three months. The eVisitor Visa is an efficient and cost-effective way for eligible travelers to explore the diverse landscapes and vibrant cities of Australia or conduct short-term business activities without the need for a more complex visa application process.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the eVisitor Visa, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria. The primary requirement is that the applicant must hold a passport from one of the eligible countries, which are mostly within the European Union. These include: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom (British Citizen).
Additionally, applicants must meet health and character standards set by Australian immigration authorities. This involves undergoing health assessments and providing a clean criminal record to ensure that the applicant poses no threat to the Australian community. Financial stability is also a crucial criterion, with applicants needing to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Australia.

Application Process

Applying for the eVisitor Visa is straightforward, thanks to the online application process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application:

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, including holding a passport from an eligible country, meeting health and character requirements, and having genuine intentions for visiting Australia.

2. Gather Required Documents: Prepare essential documents such as passport details, travel itinerary, and proof of financial stability. These documents will support your application by proving your identity and your ability to sustain yourself during your stay.

3. Complete the Online Application: Visit the Australian immigration website to fill out your application. Provide accurate and detailed information as prompted, ensuring all the information matches the details in your documents.

4. Submit Application and Pay the Fee: Review your application details and proceed to payment. The visa fee is approximately $42.92, which can be paid using a debit or credit card.

5. Wait for Approval: After submitting your application, monitor your email and the status of your application through the immigration website. Processing times are typically fast, with many applicants receiving their visa confirmation via email within a few days.

Duration and Conditions

The eVisitor Visa is valid for 12 months from the date it is issued, allowing for multiple entries into Australia within that period. Each stay must not exceed three months at a time. This flexibility is perfect for tourists who want to explore different parts of Australia or for business visitors needing to come and go over a year.

However, the visa comes with certain conditions. You cannot work in Australia on an eVisitor Visa, although you can engage in business visitor activities such as attending conferences or conducting negotiations. Additionally, you must not study for more than three months. Long-term study requires a different visa category. Health insurance is recommended to cover any medical expenses during your stay.

Activities Allowed and Restrictions

The eVisitor Visa permits various activities but also has some restrictions:

• Allowed Activities: The visa allows for tourism, visiting family or friends, and short business activities such as attending meetings and conferences or negotiating contracts. You can also undertake research or make general business inquiries.

• Restrictions: The visa does not permit any form of paid work or services provided to Australian businesses. Business activities are limited to meetings, conferences, or negotiations, and direct selling of goods or services to the public is prohibited. Moreover, participation in short-term courses or training is limited to three months.

Applying through Offvisa Service

For a hassle-free application process, consider using the Offvisa service. Offvisa streamlines the application by offering a user-friendly platform that guides you through each step. Here’s how to apply through Offvisa:

1. Visit the Offvisa Website: Navigate to the Australia eVisitor application page and clicking on the “Apply for eVisitor” button.

2. Fill Out the Order Form: Enter your personal details, including name, email address, phone number, nationality, and billing address.

3. Pay the Visa Fee: Use a debit or credit card to pay the visa fee. Review your application details before proceeding to payment.

4. Complete the Intake Forms: Provide your passport information, travel details, and any additional information required.

5. Upload Required Documents: Upload a recent passport-sized photograph and any other necessary documents.

6. Submit Application: After reviewing all information, submit your application. Offvisa ensures that your application is correctly filled out and submitted on time.

7. Receive Your eVisitor Visa: Once approved, you’ll receive your eVisitor Visa via email within 24 hours. Print the eVisitor and carry it with you during your travel.

Using Offvisa simplifies the process, ensuring that all steps are correctly followed and reducing the likelihood of application errors or delays.

Differences with the Australian ETA (Electronic Travel Authority)

While both the eVisitor Visa and the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) are designed for short-term visits to Australia, there are some key differences between the two:

• Eligibility: The eVisitor Visa is available to passport holders from specific European countries, whereas the ETA is available to nationals of a broader range of countries, including the United States, Canada, and some Asian countries.

• Application Process: The eVisitor Visa application is completed online through the Australian immigration website or services like Offvisa. The ETA can be applied for online, through travel agents, airlines, or using the Australian ETA app.

• Cost: The eVisitor Visa has a lower application fee compared to the ETA. As of now, the eVisitor Visa costs approximately $42.92, whereas the ETA fee can be higher depending on the method of application.

• Validity and Conditions: Both visas allow for multiple entries within a 12-month period, with each stay not exceeding three months. However, the conditions regarding activities permitted and restrictions are similar, with neither visa allowing for paid work or long-term study.

Understanding these differences can help applicants choose the visa that best suits their needs based on their nationality and travel plans.


After Receiving Your eVisitor Visa

Once your visa is granted, it is automatically linked to your passport. Ensure you carry a copy of your visa approval email when traveling, although it is electronically linked to your passport. This can be helpful if any issues arise at the border.

Complying with Visa Conditions

It is essential to comply with all visa conditions to avoid complications. These include leaving Australia before your visa expires or your 90-day stay limit is reached, adhering to the no-work condition unless you have a separate work visa, and maintaining good health and character throughout your stay.

Renewing Your Visa

If you wish to visit Australia again after your visa expires, you will need to apply for a new eVisitor Visa from outside Australia. Ensure you plan ahead to avoid any travel disruptions.

Conclusion

The Australian eVisitor Visa (subclass 651) offers a convenient and cost-effective way for eligible travelers to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes. By meeting the eligibility criteria and following the straightforward application process, applicants can enjoy the flexibility of multiple entries over a 12-month period. For an even more seamless experience, using services like Offvisa can ensure that your application is correctly filled out and submitted, reducing the likelihood of errors or delays. Whether you’re planning to explore Australia’s stunning landscapes or attend important business meetings, the eVisitor Visa provides a practical solution for your travel needs.