Australia visa online: Documents, eVisitor or eTA form
Australia eTA application
Fast: Simplified, efficient process.
Security: information is protected.
Reliability: 98% approval rate.
Assistance: 24/7 customer support.
To travel to Australia, most nationalities must obtain an electronic visa before departure. There are two procedures available depending on your country of citizenship: the Australian eVisitor form, intended for citizens of the European Union, and the Australian eTA form, reserved for other countries such as the United States and Canada. These online visas are easy to obtain, but their successful processing depends on a correctly completed application and the required documents being provided without error. This comprehensive guide explains how to fill out the eVisitor or eTA form for Australia, what information is required, where to submit your application, and what supporting documents are required depending on the type of visa you choose. You will also find practical advice on how to avoid common mistakes, understand processing times, and successfully complete your online visa application for Australia step by step, whether for a tourist, family or business trip.
eVisitor or eTA application for Australia: form and supporting documents
- An electronic visa is required for most travellers to Australia
- The eVisitor is for European citizens, the eTA is for other nationalities (e.g. USA, Canada)
- Both applications are made 100% online via a form
- Documents are required: passport, travel documents, etc.
- Processing usually takes 1 to 3 working days.
Before travelling to Australia, it is essential to identify the type of electronic visa appropriate for your nationality. Two simplified authorizations are available online: the eVisitor visa and the eTA visa. Although similar in appearance, these two systems have specific requirements depending on your country of citizenship. Understanding the difference between the eVisitor and the eTA will allow you to apply online without error.
The difference between eVisitor and eTA for Australia lies primarily in the list of eligible countries. The eVisitor visa (subclass 651) is exclusively reserved for citizens of the European Union and a few other European countries. It is free, valid for one year, and allows for multiple short stays (up to 3 months each).
The eTA (Electronic Travel Authority), on the other hand, is intended for citizens of countries such as the United States, Canada, Japan and Singapore. The eTA is usually subject to a fee (administrative costs), but offers similar conditions: one year validity, multiple entries, maximum stay of 3 months per visit.
Although they serve the same purpose (to authorise entry into Australia for tourism or business), it is important not to confuse eVisitor and eTA Australia. Selecting the wrong option when applying may result in your application being rejected.
→ eVisitor vs eTA Australia: same use, but different procedure, cost and eligible nationalities.
The choice between eVisitor or eTA depends directly on your nationality. Here is a simplified breakdown of eligibility:
If your country is not eligible for either of these two visas, you will need to apply for a standard visitor visa (subclass 600).
→ To ensure your Australian visa application is successful based on your nationality, it is crucial to check the appropriate procedure before you start filling out the form.
* Why are UK citizens eligible for both the eVisitor and the eTA?
UK passport holders are uniquely eligible for both the eVisitor and the eTA Australia due to their long-standing historical and diplomatic ties with Australia. As one of the few countries included in the original eligible lists for both visa types, UK nationals may choose the eVisitor (subclass 651) or the eTA (subclass 601). However, the eVisitor is generally preferred, as it is free and can be applied for directly through the Australian government website. The eTA, by contrast, involves a mandatory mobile app and an application fee.
Note: Additional service fees may apply when using private visa assistance platforms.
The eVisitor visa for Australia (subclass 651) allows citizens of the European Union and certain partner countries to travel to Australia for tourism or business for stays of less than 3 months. This free authorization can only be obtained online, via a simple form to fill out. To avoid rejection or delays in processing, it is essential to understand how to fill in the Australian eVisitor form, where to find it, and what documents to provide to support your application.
The online Australian eVisitor form is available on two types of platforms:
→ Regardless of the method you choose, the application remains 100% digital, with no need to print or send paper documents.
Here are the major steps to follow to complete the Australian eVisitor form without error:
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email. Most applications are processed within 48 to 72 hours.
The eVisitor form requires specific information divided into several categories:
It is essential that you enter this information accurately, as any errors or inconsistencies may result in your application being rejected.
In most cases, the eVisitor Australia form does not require any supporting documents at the time of application. However, the immigration authorities may ask you to provide additional documents at any time to validate your application.
Here are the documents for eVisitor Australia that you must have ready:
These supporting documents for an Australian visa may be requested after the initial application, particularly if your application requires further verification. It is therefore best to prepare them in advance.
The eTA (Electronic Travel Authority) is an electronic travel authorisation required to enter Australia from certain countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan and South Korea. This quick and entirely paperless process can be completed online before departure. The eTA visa allows stays of up to three months for tourism, business or family visits. Here is a comprehensive guide to accessing the Australian eTA form, filling it in correctly, avoiding common mistakes and gathering the right documents.
The Australian eTA form can be accessed in two ways:
→ Whichever method you choose, the application remains 100% online: no paper forms or travel are required.
Here are the key steps to fill in the Australian eTA form in the best conditions:
Most applications are approved within 24 to 72 hours. The visa is sent by email and electronically linked to the passport.
The eTA form has several sensitive fields that must be filled in correctly. Here are the most important ones:
→ Common errors: transposed digits in the passport number, incorrect email address, omission of an optional document, or information that does not match the application and passport.
The document for an Australian eTA depends on your personal situation. In most cases, the initial application can be made without supporting documents. However, some documents may be required during processing.
Here are the major documents to prepare:
These documents for an Australian eTA may be requested on a case-by-case basis. Having all these factors ready will allow you to respond quickly to any requests from the Australian immigration service.
Good to know & Further information
- The eTA or eVisitor application must be made before departure. It is electronically linked to your passport: there is no need to print anything, but remember to check your spam folder and keep a digital copy.
- Make sure you comply with the conditions of your visa, including the length of stay authorised and the purpose of your visit (tourism, business, etc.).
- How long does it take to get an Australian visa? eVisitor and eTA processing times
- eVisitor or eTA Australia: Which authorisation do you need depending on your country of nationality?
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
The Australian eVisitor form is designed to be accessible and quick to complete, but some points may be confusing if you are not comfortable with online procedures or with English. You must ensure that you select the correct type of visa (subclass 651), enter your passport details exactly as shown, and answer the health and security questions accurately. An omission or typing error could result in your application being rejected. If you are unsure, you can use a service provider to check your eVisitor form for you. This will help you avoid mistakes and ensure that your application is complete before you submit it.
An error in an Australian eTA application can have serious consequences. If you notice a mistake after submitting the form (incorrect passport number, first name reversed, incorrect date, etc.), it is not always possible to modify the application once it has been submitted. In this case, you will often have to submit a new application with the corrected information and pay the associated fees again. It is best not to validate the form until you have read everything. If in doubt, you can contact the official support service or use a specialised platform to repeat the procedure with assistance. It is better to lose 24 hours than risk being refused boarding.
The supporting documents for an Australian visa vary depending on the type of visa requested (eVisitor or eTA) and the traveller's personal situation. In most cases, you must have a valid passport, a recent passport photo and proof of your stay (hotel reservation, invitation letter, etc.). Other documents may be required during random checks: return ticket, proof of sufficient funds or proof of insurance. Even if these documents are not always requested when you initially apply, preparing them in advance will enable you to respond quickly to any requests from the Australian authorities and avoid additional processing time.