Australian visa for UK citizens

Apply for eVisitor

British tourists need to apply for an electronic visa (e-Visa) to travel to Australia. This e-Visa is called the eVisitor visa (Subclass 651). It is a short-stay Australian visa for business or tourism.

Before applying for the eVisitor visa, it is important to check the Australia visa requirements and eligibility criteria provided on this page.

Do citizens of the UK need a visa for Australia?

Yes, citizens of the UK need a visa to visit Australia, even for short stays.

The UK is one of more than 30 European countries whose citizens can apply for the Australian eVisitor visa.

It is not possible to include family members on the same AustraliaGoVisa application, even if listed on the same passport.

Applicants must also be outside of Australia to apply for the eVisitor Visa and hold an eVisitor eligible passport (Source: Migration Regulations 1994, Item 1218AA (3) (a) of the Migration Act 1958).

Applicants must be outside of Australia at the time of the visa grant (Source: Sch 2 651.411 of the Migration Regulations 1994 of the Migration Act 1958).

What you can do in Australia with the eVisitor visa

British citizens with an eVisitor visa can go to Australia:

  • As a tourist—including holidays or to take a cruise
  • Visiting family or friends
  • On business

If you are travelling on business, make sure you meet your visa conditions. General business inquiries, negotiating a contract, and attending conferences are among the permitted activities.

As per Sch 2 651.212 of the Migration Regulations 1994 of the Migration Act 1958, “the applicant genuinely intends to visit Australia temporarily as a tourist or to engage in a business visitor activity”.

You can find a full definition of “business visitor activity” on AustraliaGoVisa’s eVisitor (subclass 651) information page.

Your eVisitor visa is generally issued for 12 months and you can stay for up to 3 months at a time.

Requirements to apply for an Australia eVisitor visa from the UK

British nationals applying for an eVisitor Visa for Australia must meet the following requirements as per Sch 2 651.211 of the Migration Regulations 1994 of the Migration Act 1958:

Document requirements

  • Valid UK passport

Health requirements

  • Free from diseases that could be harmful to Australian public health
  • Free from diseases that could bring about significant healthcare or community costs

These requirements are outlined in Sch 2 651.212 of the Migration Regulations 1994 of the Migration Act 1958, in Public Interest Criteria 4005 (1).

In certain cases, a traveller might be required to undergo a medical exam to determine whether they fit the health requirements. Individuals suffering from significant health issues may be required to sign an Australian Health Undertaking, to monitor their condition with a doctor in Australia.

Good character requirements

  • No criminal record or served a cumulative jailtime of 12 months or more
  • Must have a good character in general, which can be proved using official documents

The applicant(s) visa grant must not be contrary to Australia’s foreign policy interests and not assessed by Australian Securities Intelligence Organisation as a security risk, according to Sch 4 Public Interest Criteria and Related Provisions (Part 1 to Part 4) 651.212 of the Migration Regulations 1994 of the Migration Act 1958, in Public Interest Criteria 4005 (1).

Some individuals can also be required to submit documentation verifying their good character, such as a police clearance certificate or a letter from an employer.

How long does it take to get a visa for Australia from the UK?

British passport holders can benefit from fast Australia visa processing.

Standard service: using this service, applicants receive their approved eVisitor visa within 2 days.

Priority service: for urgent requests, British nationals can get their visa in just 1 hour using the priority service.

Travellers are advised to apply for their visas as soon as possible in case of any unexpected delays.

Australia eVisitor Visa for British Citizens

Apply for an eVisitor visa for Australia

The Australia eVisitor visa application process for UK citizens is a simple 3-step process:

  • 1. Complete the online application form
  • 2. Pay the eVisitor visa processing fees and submit the application
  • 3. Receive the approved eVisitor visa by email

Information required to fill out the form includes basic personal details, passport data, and some travel information.

The information provided must match the UK passport exactly. The application may be denied if there are any mistakes on the form. May also get a ban for providing false and misleading information.

What you need to apply for an Australia eVisitor Visa from the United Kingdom

Here’s what you need to complete your eVisitor visa application from the United Kingdom:

  • UK passport
  • Valid email address
  • Phone number
  • Credit/debit card

You must travel to Australia with the passport you used to apply for a visa. If your passport expires or you get a new passport, you need to apply for a new eVisitor visa.

eVisitor Application for UK Citizens

Travelling to Australia as a British citizen with the eVisitor Visa

Before arriving in Australia, visa holders must complete an Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) while onboard the flight.

You must list the following on your IPC:

  • Contacts in Australia
  • The address where you will be staying
  • Any cash you are carrying above $10,000
  • Customs and quarantine declarations
  • Flight details
  • Intention to live in Australia

You will present your documents to Australian Border Force on arrival in the country.

British Embassy registration for UK citizens

British citizens are advised to register with the British embassy in Australia for their trip.

Registering allows the government to send the visitor important travel updates and security information. The embassy can also easily contact the traveller in an emergency.

Some advantages of using this service, include:

  • Up-to-date travel and security information
  • Easy location of the registered citizen in case of an emergency
  • Quick contact from friends and family if needed urgently

British nationals travelling to Australia can register for this service when they apply for the Australia ETA or eVisitor visa.

FAQ About UK citizens travelling to Australia

Can UK citizens travel to Australia without a visa? Toggle faqs

Citizens of the UK need a visa to enter Australia. British passport holders must apply for a visa before departure; visas on arrival are not available.

Fortunately, British citizens can obtain a visa for Australia online. The Australia eVisitor is available to UK citizens visiting Australia for business or on holiday.

To apply for the visa, UK nationals should submit the online application form at least 1 or 2 days before departure. Most requests are approved almost immediately but some may take up to 24 hours.

The permit is valid for 12 months from the issue date, British eVisitor visa holders can enter Australia multiple times during the 1-year validity period.

How long can British citizens stay in Australia? Toggle faqs

UK passport holders must have a visa to travel to Australia. The Australian eVisitor visa is the best option for short business trips and tourist activities as the application is fully online.

British nationals can stay in Australia for up to 90 days with an eVisitor visa. The visa is valid for 12 months from the date of issue and can be used to travel to Australia multiple times. Each stay in the country must not exceed the 3-month limit.

UK citizens who wish to stay in Australia for longer than 90 days require a different type of visa or permit.

Can UK citizens apply for an eVisitor visa online? Toggle faqs

British passport holders can apply online for an Australia eVisitor visa. UK citizens do not need to go to an Australian embassy or consulate and can instead complete the application from home.

To request a visa for Australia, UK citizens must complete the online application form. Applicants are asked to provide personal details, passport data, and other travel information.

Apply for eVisitor

Visitors are advised to check all information carefully before sending the form as any mistakes could lead to delay or rejection.

Although most eVisa requests are approved within the same day, British applicants are advised to submit a request at least 1-2 days before departure.