Australia Visitor Visa

If you are planning a holiday, a family visit or a short business trip, the first question is simple: which Australia visitor visa do I need? The answer depends almost entirely on your passport. A British citizen can often travel on a free electronic visa and never pay a visa application charge. A citizen of another country may have to lodge a full application and pay from A$250. Many travellers also pay unofficial websites that charge extra for forms that are free or cheap on the government site.

This guide, written by the GIEC Global UK immigration consultant team, explains every main visitor option in plain language. It covers the eVisitor (subclass 651), the Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) and the Visitor visa (subclass 600). It also explains costs, processing, documents, what you can and cannot do, and what to do if you want to stay longer. It is based on Department of Home Affairs information. Last reviewed: 30 October 2026. If you are still exploring Australia as a destination, start with our Australia migration.

Quick Answer: Which Australian Tourist Visa Do UK Citizens Need?

UK citizens who hold a British Citizen passport can apply for the free eVisitor (subclass 651), which allows stays of up to three months per visit with multiple entries for 12 months. They can also apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) for a A$20 service charge, but the free eVisitor does the same job for most tourists. If your stay is longer, or your purpose falls outside those visas, you can apply for the Visitor visa (subclass 600), which starts from A$250 when you apply from outside Australia. You always need a valid visa linked to your passport before you board a flight to Australia.

Key Takeaways

• Your passport decides your visa. British Citizen passport holders can use the free eVisitor or the A$20 ETA.
• The Subclass 600 Visitor visa is the standard application route when you cannot use an electronic visa or you need a longer stay.
• From 1 July 2026, the Tourist stream of the 600 starts from A$250 offshore and A$630 if you apply from inside Australia.
• Visitor visas do not allow you to work in Australia. Study is limited to short periods.
• Use the official Home Affairs website or the AustralianETA app. Unofficial sites often charge extra.
• A visitor visa is not a pathway to staying permanently, and it often carries a condition that stops you applying for most other visas while you are in Australia.

The Main Types of Australian Visitor Visa

Australia has several visitor options. Knowing the difference saves money and avoids refusals.

Visa	Who it suits	Cost (2026)	Typical stay
eVisitor (subclass 651)	Citizens of eligible European countries, including UK citizens	Free	Up to 3 months per visit, valid 12 months
ETA (subclass 601)	Citizens of eligible countries, including UK, USA, Canada and Japan	A$20 service charge	Up to 3 months per visit, valid 12 months
Visitor visa (subclass 600), Tourist stream	Anyone not eligible for the above, or needing a longer stay	From A$250 offshore, from A$630 onshore	Usually 3, 6 or 12 months
Visitor visa (subclass 600), Business Visitor and Sponsored Family streams	Business visits, or family visits with an Australian sponsor	From A$250	Varies
Visitor visa (subclass 600), Frequent Traveller stream	Frequent visitors from eligible countries	A$1,845	Longer validity, repeated visits

The eVisitor and ETA are electronic visas. There is no sticker in your passport. The visa is linked to your passport number, and airlines check it before departure.

Tourist Visa for Australia from the UK

UK citizens searching for a tourist visa Australia from UK are usually in the best position of any nationality. A British Citizen passport is on both the eVisitor list and the ETA list. In practical terms:

• eVisitor (651): free, online, normally the first choice for a holiday, a family visit or a short business trip.
• ETA (601): applied for through the AustralianETA app with a passport scan, with a A$20 service charge. It is usually quick, but for most tourists the free eVisitor makes the fee unnecessary.
• Subclass 600: for longer stays or if an electronic visa is refused.

Other British passport types are treated differently. British National (Overseas) passport holders can apply for the ETA but not the eVisitor. British Overseas Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Protected Person and British Subject passports are generally not eligible for either electronic visa and must apply for the Subclass 600. If you hold dual citizenship, apply using the eligible passport and travel on that same passport.

Is an Australian Tourist Visa Really Free?

For eligible passports, yes. The eVisitor (subclass 651) has no visa application charge. This is why search terms such as “free visa for Australia from UK” are common. The danger is that many websites copy the look of the official application and charge service fees that you do not need to pay. If you are asked for a fee on the eVisitor application, you are probably not on the official Home Affairs site. The ETA does have a small A$20 service charge, but you should pay it only through the official AustralianETA app.

Visitor Visa Subclass 600: When You Need It

The Visitor visa (subclass 600) is the full application route. It is available to people of almost every nationality and has several streams. You will usually need it if:

• Your passport is not on the eVisitor or ETA lists.
• You need to stay longer than three months in one visit.
• Your electronic visa application was refused and you want to submit detailed evidence.
• You are visiting family and want to apply under the Sponsored Family stream.
• You hold a British passport type that is not eligible for the eVisitor or ETA.

From 1 July 2026, the base charge for the Tourist stream is A$250 if you apply from outside Australia and A$630 if you apply from inside Australia. The Frequent Traveller stream is A$1,845. A visa may be granted for three, six or twelve months at the discretion of the case officer, and it can carry a condition limiting how long you can stay in any 12-month period, so read your grant notice carefully.

What You Can Do on a Visitor Visa

• Holiday, sightsee and travel around the country.
• Visit family and friends.
• Attend meetings, conferences, trade fairs and negotiate contracts (Business Visitor activities, where the visa type allows).
• Take short courses or study for a limited period, usually up to three months.

What You Cannot Do on a Visitor Visa

• Work for an Australian employer or run a business in Australia. This includes paid and unpaid work that looks like employment.
• Stay beyond the date or period allowed by your visa.
• Study for longer than the permitted period.
• Apply for most other visas while you are in Australia, if your visa has a “no further stay” condition.

If your real goal is to work, the visitor visa is the wrong choice. Young travellers from eligible countries may qualify for the Working Holiday visa, which we explain in our 417 visa guide. Specialist short assignments may fit the subclass 400 short-term work visa, and certain events, programs and cultural activities may fit the Temporary Activity visa.

How Much Does an Australian Tourist Visa Cost in 2026?

Visa	Charge
eVisitor (651)	Free
ETA (601)	A$20 service charge
Subclass 600 Tourist stream (offshore)	From A$250
Subclass 600 Tourist stream (onshore)	From A$630
Subclass 600 Business Visitor and Sponsored Family	From A$250
Subclass 600 Frequent Traveller	A$1,845

Charges are indexed each 1 July, so confirm the current amount on the Home Affairs website before you pay. Other costs to plan for include travel insurance, health cover, flights, accommodation and, if requested, medical examinations or police certificates. Older articles quote A$190 or A$200 for the Tourist stream, which is out of date.

Australia Visitor Visa Processing Time

The eVisitor and ETA are usually processed very quickly, often within minutes or hours, but delays can happen if the system asks for more checks, so do not buy flights the same day you apply. Subclass 600 processing is slower and depends on the stream, your country, the completeness of your evidence and your travel history. Recent published figures have shown that many applications were decided within weeks, but Home Affairs times change, so check the current figures on its website. Apply well before your planned travel date and avoid paying for non-refundable flights until the visa is granted.

How to Apply for an Australian Visitor Visa Step by Step

Applying for the eVisitor (651)

1. Confirm you hold an eligible passport and that it is valid for your whole trip.
2. Go to the official Home Affairs website and select the eVisitor application.
3. Complete the online form with your passport, travel and health details.
4. Submit the application. There is no fee.
5. Check your visa status in VEVO before you travel, and carry the grant details.

Applying for the ETA (601)

1. Download the official AustralianETA app.
2. Scan your passport and take a photo.
3. Answer the questions and pay the A$20 service charge.
4. Wait for the confirmation, which is linked to your passport.

Applying for the Subclass 600

1. Create an ImmiAccount on the Home Affairs website.
2. Choose the correct stream, such as Tourist, Business Visitor or Sponsored Family.
3. Complete the form and upload your documents.
4. Pay the visa application charge.
5. Complete health examinations or provide police certificates if requested.
6. Wait for the decision and read the conditions in your grant notice.

Documents for a Subclass 600 Application

• Valid passport with enough validity for your stay.
• Evidence of funds, such as bank statements, payslips or sponsorship letters.
• Proof of ties to your home country, such as employment, study, property or family commitments.
• Travel itinerary, accommodation details or an invitation letter if visiting family or friends.
• Evidence of previous travel and visa history, if relevant.
• Health insurance details and, if requested, medical examination results.
• Police certificates, if you plan a longer stay or are asked for them.
• Any translations of documents that are not in English.

The key test is whether you are a genuine visitor who will leave Australia before your visa ends. Clear, consistent evidence is more helpful than a large pile of documents.

Why Visitor Visa Applications Are Refused

• Doubt that the applicant will leave Australia, caused by weak ties to the home country.
• Not enough funds for the planned stay.
• Inconsistent answers or documents.
• Previous visa breaches, cancellations or refusals not declared properly.
• Health or character issues.
• Applying for a stay that looks like long-term residence, such as repeated long visits.

If an electronic visa is refused, do not repeat the same application immediately. Understand the reason, and consider a Subclass 600 application with strong supporting evidence. If you are unsure, speak to a professional before you lodge again, because a refusal is recorded and asked about on later applications.

Visiting Family in Australia

A visitor visa is commonly used for family visits. Parents of Australian citizens or residents often ask whether a long visit can lead to permanent residence. A visitor visa does not create that right, and the permanent parent routes have their own rules, costs and long waits. You can read more on our parent visa options page. If your relative is a partner, a different visa category applies, and applying for a visitor visa with the intention to stay can cause problems. Our partner visa guide explains the correct route.

Can You Stay Longer or Apply for Another Visa?

Many visitor visas include a condition known as “no further stay”, which generally stops you from applying for most other visas while you are in Australia. There are narrow exceptions, so do not assume you can switch visas after you arrive. If your plans change and you are in Australia, ask a professional before you do anything that could affect your status. If you lawfully lodge another visa application while onshore, a bridging visa may keep you lawful while it is processed, as explained on our Bridging Visa A page.

For people who want to live and work in Australia in the future, planning ahead from outside the country is the safest approach. Skilled migration is one long-term route, and our General Skilled Migration guide explains how it works.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using an unofficial website and paying fees that are not required.
• Applying for a Subclass 600 when you qualify for the free eVisitor.
• Travelling on a different passport from the one linked to your electronic visa.
• Assuming a visitor visa allows casual or voluntary work.
• Overstaying by a few days, which can affect future applications.
• Buying non-refundable flights before the visa is granted.
• Declaring a short trip but planning to remain long term.

Practical Tips Before You Travel

• Check your passport has at least six months of validity, and meets airline rules.
• Check your visa status in VEVO and keep a screenshot.
• Buy travel insurance that covers medical costs in Australia, because visitors are not usually covered by Medicare.
• Keep your return or onward ticket and accommodation details ready.
• Make sure your stay fits the period shown on your visa.
• Tell airlines about any dual citizenship and use the correct passport.

Why Speak to GIEC Global UK?

Our immigration consultant team helps travellers choose the right visa for their passport, avoid costly mistakes and plan the next step if they want to study, work or live in Australia. We explain the rules in plain language and we do not guarantee outcomes, because every decision is made by the Australian Government. [Add: MARA agent name / MARN and years of experience, only if accurate.] To discuss your situation, contact our team through the Australia section of the site.

Official source used for this guide: Department of Home Affairs. This guide is general information and not legal advice. Eligible passports, fees and processing times can change, so confirm the latest details before you apply.

Frequently asked questions

Do UK citizens need a visa for Australia?

Yes. Every UK traveller needs a visa linked to their passport before flying. British Citizen passport holders can usually use the free eVisitor (651) or the A$20 ETA (601).

What is the easiest Australian tourist visa for UK citizens?

The eVisitor (subclass 651). It is free, applied for online, allows stays of up to three months per visit and is valid for 12 months.

Is the eVisitor visa really free for UK citizens?

Yes, the eVisitor has no visa application charge. If a website asks you to pay for it, you may not be on the official Home Affairs site.

How much does an Australian tourist visa cost in 2026?

The eVisitor is free, the ETA has a A$20 service charge, and the Subclass 600 Tourist stream starts from A$250 offshore and A$630 onshore from 1 July 2026.

What is the difference between the eVisitor, ETA and Visitor visa 600?

The eVisitor and ETA are quick electronic visas for eligible passports, with stays up to three months. The 600 is a full application for other passports, longer stays or special streams.

Can I use the ETA instead of the eVisitor as a UK citizen?

Yes, a British Citizen passport can hold an ETA, but the eVisitor does the same job for free, so most tourists choose the eVisitor.

Which British passports are not eligible for the eVisitor?

British National (Overseas) passport holders can use the ETA but not the eVisitor. Other British passport types, such as British Overseas Citizen or British Subject, usually need a Subclass 600.

How long can I stay in Australia on an eVisitor?

Up to three months on each visit. The visa is valid for 12 months, so you can enter multiple times within that period.

How long does it take to get an Australian visitor visa from the UK?

eVisitor and ETA decisions are usually very quick. The Subclass 600 can take days to weeks. Check the Home Affairs processing times and do not buy non-refundable flights early.

How early can I apply for an Australian tourist visa?

You can usually apply well before travel. For the eVisitor, apply at least a few days before flying. For the Subclass 600, apply several weeks ahead to allow time for questions.

Can I work in Australia on a visitor visa?

No. Visitor visas do not allow employment. For work, you need a suitable work or working holiday visa.

Can I study in Australia on a visitor visa?

Only for short periods, usually up to three months. For longer study you need a student visa.

Can I visit family in Australia on a visitor visa?

Yes. You can use the eVisitor, ETA or Subclass 600, depending on your passport. A Sponsored Family stream exists if you need a sponsor.

What documents do I need for the Subclass 600 visa?

A valid passport, evidence of funds, ties to your home country, travel plans or invitation letter, and any health or character documents requested.

Why was my Australian visitor visa refused?

Common reasons include doubt that you will leave Australia, not enough funds, inconsistent documents, previous visa breaches or health and character issues.

Can I apply for a visitor visa from inside Australia?

Yes, for the Tourist stream of the Subclass 600, for A$630 from 1 July 2026. You must be in Australia, not in immigration clearance, when you apply.

Can I change from a visitor visa to another visa in Australia?

Often not. Many visitor visas carry a "no further stay" condition that blocks most onshore applications. Speak to a professional before taking any step.

Can a visitor visa lead to permanent residency?

No. A visitor visa is temporary and does not give a pathway to permanent residence. You need a separate visa such as skilled, partner or parent.

What happens if I overstay my Australian visitor visa?

You become unlawful, can be detained or removed, and may face a ban on future visas. If you are close to your end date, get advice immediately.

Why should I speak to GIEC Global UK about my Australia visa?

Our team helps you pick the right visa for your passport, avoid scams and costly mistakes, and plan your next move if you want to study, work or settle in Australia.