If you are a German citizen thinking of travelling to Australia, you should be aware of the different Australian entry and visa requirements. These depend on how long you plan to stay and your motive for visiting.
On this page, we break down the different Australian visas for German citizens and the other travel documents you may need to obtain.
Do German Passport Holders Need a Visa for Australia?
Yes, all foreigners travelling to Australia are required to acquire a visa before arriving in the country.
Australia has a reciprocal agreement with 35 European countries, including Germany, which allows the citizens of these countries to apply for an online visa before arrival.
This arrangement makes it convenient for citizens of Germany and other European nations to apply for and obtain the necessary visa for their visit to Australia.
If you’re visiting for business, tourism, or other short-term purposes, you can apply for an Australian eVisitor visa for German nationals.
This visa is valid for up to 90 consecutive days during a single entry.
However, in total, you will have a 12-month time frame to make use of your visa. You can use your eVisitor visa (subclass 651) for multiple entries into Australia.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply for an Australia Visa from Germany?
In order to apply for most Australian visas from Germany, you generally need to have a passport, a valid email address, and credit/debit card information to pay a visa fee.
Your German passport needs to have at least 3 months of validity from the date of arrival in Australia.
However, additional supporting documents are required depending on the visa type you request. Therefore, you should check the Australian visa requirements for Germans before you start to apply.
Australian Visa Application for German Citizens
Australia made most of its visa types electronic in 2015. This means that you can easily apply for the majority of Australian visas online from Germany though a simple digital application form.
The information requirements vary depending on the visa type, but you generally need to fill in basic personal, passport, and travel details.
When entering all the information into the online form, it is vital that it matches the information on your passport exactly.
Otherwise, you risk having the visa application denied, the visa invalidated at the airport, or possibly being turned away at the Australian border.
Once you receive your approved visa via email, you should save a copy on your electronic device and take a print-out of the visa with you to the airport. You will need to present it along with your passport to the Australian Border Force to be granted entry into the country.
Australia visa application in German
Travellers from Germany who do not speak English should note that Australia online visa applications are available in a variety of languages, including German.
It is, however, possible to apply for an Australian visa from Germany in English, should applicants prefer to do so.
eVisitor Application in German
Documents Required to Enter Australia from Germany
When travelling to Australia from Germany, it’s important that you travel on the same passport you used to obtain your visa.
Once you arrive at the airport, you simply need to present the visa-linked passport to get through immigration controls. In some cases, border officers may also ask to see a digital or paper copy of the visa.
On your flight to Australia, you will also be asked to complete an Incoming Passenger Card (or IPC) where you will have to list your address in Australia, your contacts in Australia, declarations of cash and customs, etc.
You also need to present this card at Australia border control alongside your visa and passport.
Conditions to Travel to Australia from Germany
Visas are granted to German applicants by the Australian government to applicants based on certain health and character requirements.
These include:
- Being free of any disease or condition that may become a threat to the Australian public.
- Not requiring costly health care or community services that can burden the Australian population.
- Not having a criminal record or having served a cumulative jail-time equivalent to a period of 1 year or more.
In some rare cases, the Australian Home Office may require some applicants to undergo medical testing to ensure they fulfill the necessary health requirements.
In case, an applicant is found to be suffering from a serious disease or condition, they might have to sign an Australian Health Undertaking requiring them to meet regularly with a doctor in Australia to monitor their illness/condition.
In some cases, you may be required to provide documents ascertaining their good character. Such documents include a police clearance certificate or a letter from an employer verifying good standing.
FAQ about German citizens travelling to Australia
How long can German citizens stay in Australia? Toggle faqs
German passport holders need a visa to stay in Australia for any length of time. Fortunately, you can take advantage of Australia’s online visa application system and do not need to go to an Australian embassy or consulate in person.
What documents do Germans need to travel to Australia? Toggle faqs
German citizens need a visa to travel to Australia. To obtain the visa, you need a passport valid for at least 3 months from the date of arrival in Australia. Other supporting documents are required depending on the visa type.
How do I get a visa for Australia from Germany? Toggle faqs
German citizens can get a visa for Australia online. You simply need to complete an online visa application form. On approval, you receive the visa by email and digitally linked to your passport.
Can I work in Australia as a German citizen? Toggle faqs
Not all Australian visa types allow you to work in Australia as a German citizen. To do so, it is necessary to apply for a visa linked to a work permit.