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🇬🇧UNITED KINGDOM
🇦🇺AUSTRALIAGB-AU

Do United Kingdom passport holders need a visa to visit Australia?

British passports use the free eVisitor (Subclass 651). Apply online before flying. British ordinary passport holders need an eVisitor visa (Subclass 651) before flying to Australia. The eVisitor is free, applied for online via ImmiAccount, valid for 12 months from issue, and allows multiple visits of up to 3 months each for tourism, family visits, or business. Most decisions are automatic and arrive within minutes. UK passport holders are not eligible for the ETA (Subclass 601) — they use the eVisitor instead, which is the EU/UK equivalent stream. For paid work, study, or longer stays, apply for the appropriate visa (Working Holiday 417, student, work) through ImmiAccount.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-27
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
United Kingdom (ILR)Living in United Kingdom as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-27
Visa type
eVisitor Subclass 651 (electronic visa, free)
Maximum stay
Up to 3 months per visit
per entry
Entries
Multiple within 12-month validity
from issue date
Visa fee
Free
consular fee only
Processing time
Usually minutes (can be days)
standard track
Validity
12 months from issue
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Check eligibility
You must hold a UK ordinary passport, be outside Australia when applying, and not have TB or a substantial criminal record. eVisitor is restricted to certain EU/EEA and a few other passports.
· UK passport· outside Australia
/02
Create an ImmiAccount
Sign up at online.immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and start a new visa application. Choose 'eVisitor (subclass 651)'.
· ImmiAccount sign-up
/03
Complete the application
Provide passport details, contact info, travel plans, and answer eligibility questions. No fee.
· free application
/04
Wait for the decision
Most eVisitors are granted within minutes via email. Some need additional review and take days. Apply 1-2 weeks before travel to be safe.
· minutes to days
/05
Travel and clear immigration
The eVisitor is digitally linked to your passport — no printout. SmartGate ePassport gates are open to eVisitor holders. Bring return ticket and accommodation evidence.
· SmartGate
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items
Personalized checklist
0 / 10 complete
UK ePassport
Chip-enabled biometric passport, valid for entire stay
ImmiAccount
Sign up at online.immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Approved eVisitor (Subclass 651)
Linked digitally to passport number
Return or onward ticket
Required at boarding and immigration
Accommodation evidence
Hotel booking, Airbnb, or host invitation
Funds evidence
Bank statements or cards if asked
Travel insurance
Recommended; UK-Australia reciprocal Medicare covers emergency care
Incoming Passenger Card
Filled on the plane; declares biosecurity and customs items
Biosecurity declarations
Mandatory; food, plants, animal products
Working Holiday 417 (if applicable)
Alternative visa for under-36s who want to work
Track your progress · save & email a copy
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
eVisitor (Subclass 651)FreeEU/EEA/UK passport stream; no service fee on official portal
Working Holiday Visa (417)AUD 670UK passports aged 18-35, up to 12 months, work permitted
Visitor visa Subclass 600 (Tourist)AUD 200Alternative if eVisitor refused or longer stay needed
Priority Consideration (600)+AUD 1,000Faster processing
Overstay penaltiesDetention + banStrictly enforced under the Migration Act
Total estimateFree — AUD 1,200+incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

eVisitor decision
Minutes to days
Most are automatic; apply 1-2 weeks before travel for safety.
Working Holiday 417
Days to weeks
For UK passport holders aged 18-35; first WHV must be applied for outside Australia.
Visitor visa Subclass 600
About 11-29 days (Tourist stream)
Apply via ImmiAccount; for longer stays, family sponsored, business cases.
Priority Consideration
Days
Optional +AUD 1,000; available for some 600 streams.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Character declarations
Past convictions (especially involving violence, drugs, or terrorism) trigger refusal under the Migration Act's character test.
Low
/02
Health concerns
Significant medical conditions (e.g., TB) can lead to health-related refusal under the public-cost test.
Low
/03
Suspected paid work
eVisitor covers unpaid business meetings, training, and conferences — not paid employment. Plans to work get the visa refused or entry blocked.
Medium
/04
Prior overstays / visa breaches
Past Australian overstays or breaches trigger Section 48 bars and eVisitor refusals.
Low
/05
Dual nationality issues
Hold a chip-enabled British ePassport. Old non-biometric UK passports won't work; check yours has a chip on the front cover.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-27
United Kingdom to Australia route verified
Confirmed eVisitor Subclass 651 (free) via ImmiAccount, 3-month visits within 12-month validity.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do I need a visa for Australia?—
Yes — but the eVisitor (Subclass 651) is free and electronic. UK passport holders can apply online via ImmiAccount; most decisions are automatic within minutes.
What's the difference between eVisitor and ETA?+
Can I work on an eVisitor?+
How long can I stay per visit?+
What is the Working Holiday Visa (417)?+
Do I need an ePassport?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the United Kingdom passport

🇬🇧⇄
Compare the United Kingdom passport
Stack it up against another passport→
🇬🇧◐
United Kingdom visa-free map
See where this passport goes visa-free→
🇬🇧▤
United Kingdom passport power
Global rank and destination breakdown→
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