Skip to main content

Australia Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

UK citizens need an eVisitor (Subclass 651) visa for Australia — apply online for free at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au; stays up to 12 months validity with a maximum of 3 months per visit.

Guide last updated September 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Australia.
  • Specific forms: No separate paper form; apply online via the online immiAccount for an eVisitor (651).
  • Financial proof: No minimum funds requirement for eVisitor; you should have enough funds to cover your stay if asked, but there is no fixed amount.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Not required to present at application; you should have arrangements in case asked, but no explicit requirement.
  • Photo spec: Not required to upload a photo; the passport data page is used for identity; if a photo is requested, ensure it matches passport data page.
  • Biometrics: Biometrics not required for the eVisitor (651) from the UK by default; you will use your passport data page for verification; submission via online portal.
  • Travel health insurance: Recommended but not mandatory.

Visa types

  • eVisitor (Subclass 651) – Official name: eVisitor (651); Validity: up to 12 months from grant; Max stay per visit: up to 3 months; Entry: Multiple entries allowed; Approximate fee: AUD 0 (free).
  • Visitor visa (Subclass 600) – Official name: Visitor visa (subclass 600); Validity: up to 12 months (tourist stream) or as determined at grant; Max stay per visit: up to 12 months (depending on grant); Entry: Single or multiple entries (as granted); Approximate fee: AUD 145.
  • Student visa (Subclass 500) – Official name: Student visa (subclass 500); Validity: duration of course (up to several years, typically up to 5 years); Max stay per grant: as per course duration; Entry: Multiple entries allowed; Approximate fee: AUD 630.
  • Working Holiday visa (Subclass 462) – Official name: Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462); Validity: up to 12 months; Max stay per grant: up to 12 months; Entry: Multiple entries allowed (subject to grant); Approximate fee: AUD 630. Note: Eligibility and availability can vary; check official portal for current criteria.

How to apply online

  • How to apply online: Create or sign in to your ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and select the appropriate visa type (eVisitor 651 is the typical option for UK passport holders); fill in the application, upload the required passport bio page copy if requested, answer health and character questions, and submit. You will receive a grant linked to your passport once approved.
  • Steps: 1) Prepare passport bio-page copy; 2) Create ImmiAccount; 3) Complete online application for the chosen visa; 4) Submit; 5) Receive grant linked to passport; 6) Travel to Australia; 7) Present passport on entry (no visa label).
  • Fee: AUD 0 for eVisitor 651; processing time: typically immediate to within 24 hours; decisions may take longer in atypical cases.
  • How approval arrives: electronically linked to your passport; no physical visa label is placed in the passport.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (local currency) and approximate USD equivalents: eVisitor 651 is AUD 0 (USD ~0); Visitor visa 600 typically AUD 145 (USD ~98); Student visa 500 typically AUD 630 (USD ~420); Working Holiday visa 462 typically AUD 630 (USD ~420).
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for eVisitor 651; may apply if you submit paper-based applications or use a migration agent; check current services if using external assistance.
  • Total cost estimate: Varies by visa type; eVisitor 651 is effectively free; others require payment per grant.
  • Standard processing time: eVisitor 651 often immediate to 1–2 days; Visitor 600 commonly several weeks (varies by stream and circumstances); Student 500 and 462 often several weeks to months depending on documentation; check the official portal for current timelines.
  • Express/priority option and cost: Some non-651 visas may offer priority processing for an additional fee; availability and cost vary by visa and case; consult the visa finder on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: You can apply as soon as travel plans are confirmed; eVisitor 651 is valid for 12 months, so you can apply ahead of time but not too far in advance of planned travel.
  • Common rejection reasons for United Kingdom applicants specifically: In practice, eVisitor rejections are rare; common issues include incorrect passport details or name mismatch with the passport, providing conflicting information, or failure to meet health/character requirements; ensure details exactly match your passport and that you intend genuine temporary stay.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: For Australia eVisitor 651, apply online via ImmiAccount; there is no VFS/BLS submission path for UK citizens.
  • Any current travel advisories or bilateral notes: Always check the Australian government travel advisories and your own UK government travel guidance close to your travel date; verify entry requirements for current health or border controls.
  • Extension options inside Australia: Extensions are not available for eVisitor 651; if you need a longer stay, you must depart Australia and apply for another visa from outside the country or apply for a different visa type before you travel.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

More visa guides for United Kingdom passport holders

FranceGermanyItalySpainUnited StatesJapanView all →

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.