Every non-citizen needs permission to enter Australia. For British citizens, the process is largely digital, with two main electronic visitor visas available: the eVisitor visa (subclass 651), which is free, and the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which carries a $20 AUD service fee. Applications are lodged exclusively through official government channels.
The only official website for lodging visa applications is the Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount portal at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. The Australian High Commission in London directs all applicants to this portal. Paper applications are no longer accepted for most visa types.
- The eVisitor is free and allows stays up to 3 months per visit within a 12-month validity period.
- The ETA costs around $20 AUD and also permits stays up to 3 months per visit.
- All applications must be submitted online; paper applications are no longer accepted for most visa types.
- Processing times vary: eVisitor typically 12–24 hours, ETA often instant to 1 day, Visitor visa 20–50 days.
- The Australian High Commission in London provides consular services but directs applicants to the online portal.
| Visa Type | Max Stay | Cost (AUD) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| eVisitor (subclass 651) | 3 months per visit | $0 (Free) | ~12 hours |
| ETA (subclass 601) | 3 months per visit | ~$20 | Instant–24 hours |
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) | 3, 6, or 12 months | From $190 | 20–50 days |
| Working Holiday (subclass 417) | 12 months | From $510 | 14–30 days |
| Transit visa (subclass 771) | Up to 72 hours | Free (if eligible) | Varies |
For a detailed breakdown of each option, refer to the Australia Visa for British Citizens guide.
What Australia Visa Types Are Available?
For UK citizens, the two most common short-stay options are the eVisitor (subclass 651) and the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601). Both allow stays of up to 3 months per visit and are valid for 12 months from grant. The key difference lies in cost and application channel.
What is an Australia ETA?
The ETA is an electronic travel authority that serves as a visa waiver for eligible passport holders. It costs $20 AUD and must be applied for via the dedicated “AustralianETA” mobile app (iOS or Android), not through the ImmiAccount website. The app requires you to scan your passport and take a photo of your face.
What is the Australia Tourist Visa?
The Visitor visa (subclass 600) is intended for longer stays, including tourism, visiting family, or business visitor activities. It can be granted for 3, 6, or 12 months and costs $195 AUD. Processing times often exceed one month, so early application is advised. This visa is applied for via ImmiAccount.
What is the Difference Between ETA and Tourist Visa?
The ETA is quicker and cheaper but limits stays to 3 months per visit. The Visitor visa allows longer stays but requires more documentation and time. The ETA also cannot be extended while in Australia, whereas the Visitor visa may be eligible for extension under certain conditions.
UK citizens can apply for the eVisitor visa (subclass 651) at no cost. It offers the same stay conditions as the ETA (3 months per visit, 12-month validity) but is processed through ImmiAccount, not the app. Most applications are approved within 12–24 hours.
What Are the Entry Requirements for Australia from the UK?
All travelers must meet standard requirements: a valid passport, a visa or travel authority, and compliance with health and character conditions. Specific requirements vary by visa type.
What Documents Are Needed for an Australia Visa?
- Passport: Must be valid for the entire length of stay.
- Criminal record: You must not have criminal convictions with a total sentence of 12 months or more (served or not).
- Health: Short-term eVisitor/ETA applicants generally do not need a health exam. Longer-stay Visitor visa applicants may be required to undergo a medical examination.
- No sponsorship needed: For eVisitor and ETA, you do not need an employer sponsor.
What Are the Health Requirements for an Australia Visa?
Under the UK government travel advice, you must have a certificate proving yellow fever vaccination if you are coming from a country listed as a transmission risk. For most UK travelers directly from the UK, this does not apply. However, your visa application may require a health declaration if you plan to work, study, or stay longer than six months.
Do I Need a Visa to Transit Through Australia?
If you are transiting through an Australian airport and remain airside for less than 8 hours, you may not need a visa. However, if you need to pass through immigration (e.g., to change airports) or your layover is longer, you will likely require a transit visa (subclass 771) or an ETA. The Australian Department of Home Affairs advises checking transit requirements before booking.
Only use the official ImmiAccount portal (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) or the “AustralianETA” app for your application. Third-party sites often charge extra fees and may not submit your application correctly. The Australian High Commission in London explicitly warns against these services.
How Much Does an Australia Visa Cost and How Long Does It Take?
Costs and processing times depend on the visa type. UK citizens can obtain a free eVisitor, but the ETA has a $20 AUD service fee. Visitor visas start at $190 AUD and can take over a month.
| Visa Type | Cost (AUD) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| eVisitor (subclass 651) | $0 | ~12 hours |
| ETA (subclass 601) | $20 | Instant–24 hours |
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) | $195 | 20–50 days |
| Working Holiday (subclass 417) | $510 | 14–30 days |
| Transit visa (subclass 771) | Free (if eligible) | Varies |
The government does not guarantee processing times. It is recommended to apply at least 10 days before travel for eVisitor or ETA, and 2–3 months in advance for a Visitor visa. Do not submit multiple applications for the same person, including children, as this can slow processing.
While the ETA costs $20 AUD, the eVisitor visa is genuinely free. The claim “free visa for Australia from UK” is partly accurate for the eVisitor, but the ETA does carry a fee. Always check the official website for current costs.
What Is the Typical Timeline for Getting an Australia Visa?
- 1–2 weeks before travel: Confirm visa type needed (e.g., eVisitor or ETA for tourism under 3 months).
- 1–7 days before travel: Apply online via official website or ETA app. ETA is usually approved within minutes.
- For Visitor visa: Apply 2–3 months in advance to allow processing time.
- On approval: Receive email confirmation; visa is linked electronically to your passport.
- At border: Present passport; visa is checked electronically.
Is There a Free Visa for Australia?
Yes, the eVisitor visa (subclass 651) is free for eligible passport holders, including UK citizens. However, the ETA costs $20 AUD. Some transit visas may also be free in specific circumstances.
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| UK citizens can apply for an eVisitor free of charge via ImmiAccount. | The exact processing time for eVisitor can sometimes exceed 24 hours during peak periods. |
| The ETA costs $20 AUD and is applied for via the mobile app. | Whether any third-party site can legitimately process an ETA faster than the official app is not confirmed. |
| All non-citizens need a visa or travel authority to enter Australia. | The specific conditions for free transit visas (subclass 771) depend on route and nationality; not all cases are clearly documented by the Home Affairs website. |
Why Does the Australia Visa System Work This Way?
Australia’s visa system is managed by the Department of Home Affairs. The system prioritises security, health screening, and border control while offering streamlined electronic options for low-risk travelers like UK citizens. The eVisitor and ETA are designed for short-term visitors to facilitate tourism and business without the need for full visa applications. For longer stays or work, more rigorous processes apply.
In 2025, the ETA remains the primary short-stay option for UK citizens, with a low cost and fast processing. The Visitor visa (subclass 600) offers longer stays but requires more documentation and time. Under the A-UKFTA, UK citizens may also access the Innovation and Early Careers Skills Exchange Pilot (IECSEP) for work-related stays, though this requires an employment offer.
Where Can I Find Official Australia Visa Information?
“We can show you visa options that might suit your needs.”
— Australian Department of Home Affairs – Visa Finder
“To enter Australia, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.”
— UK Government – Australia Travel Advice
“All non-citizens need to obtain a visa prior to travelling to Australia.”
— Australian High Commission UK – Visas and Migration
For the most current and authoritative information, use these official resources:
- Australian Department of Home Affairs – Visa Finder
- UK Government – Australia entry requirements
- Australian High Commission, London – Visas and Migration
- ImmiAccount (login for applications and status check)
- Australian ETA official mobile app
What Do I Need to Remember About Australia Visas?
UK citizens have several visa options for Australia, including a free eVisitor visa for short stays. Always apply through official channels—ImmiAccount for the eVisitor and the AustralianETA app for the ETA. Plan ahead, especially if applying for a Visitor visa, and avoid third-party websites that charge extra fees. For a detailed comparison of visa types and requirements, read our Australia Visa for British Citizens guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work on an Australia ETA?
No, the ETA does not permit work. For work purposes, you need a visa with work rights, such as a Working Holiday visa or a skilled work visa.
What if my ETA application is refused?
You may apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) instead, but you must address the reasons for refusal. There is no formal appeal process for ETA refusals.
Do I need a visa for a layover in Australia?
It depends on the length and whether you leave the transit area. For transits under 8 hours within the same airport, you usually do not need a visa. Otherwise, an ETA or transit visa may be required.
Can I extend my ETA while in Australia?
No, the ETA cannot be extended. You must apply for a new visa if you wish to stay longer, such as a Visitor visa, before your ETA expires.
Is the Australia ETA the same as an eVisitor visa?
No. Both allow stays up to 3 months, but the eVisitor is free and applied for via ImmiAccount, while the ETA costs $20 AUD and is applied for via the mobile app. They are separate visa subclasses.
How do I apply for an Australia visa if I am not a UK citizen?
Non-UK citizens should check the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for their visa options based on nationality. The application process is similar but visa types and fees vary.
What is the difference between the ETA app and the official website?
The ETA app (AustralianETA) is the only way to apply for an ETA. The official website (ImmiAccount) is used for eVisitor, Visitor, and most other visa applications.
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Lucy Hartley covers crime, courts and community affairs across Edinburgh and the Lothians.