EU passport holders need either a free eVisitor (Subclass 651) or an AUD 20 ETA (Subclass 601) to enter Australia. Both allow multiple entries over 12 months with stays up to 90 days per visit. Most eTA Australia for Europeans applications are approved within minutes. This guide is for informational purposes only; verify current rules on the Department of Home Affairs website (guidelines last updated September 2024).
ETA vs eVisitor: Which Visa Do EU Citizens Need?
EU travellers qualify for either the free eVisitor (Subclass 651) or the AUD 20 ETA (Subclass 601). EU passport holders choose between two visa-waiver pathways. The eVisitor (Subclass 651) is free via a browser-based ImmiAccount, while the ETA (Subclass 601) costs AUD 20 via the AustralianETA app with NFC scanning. The core difference between eTA Australia for Europeans vs eVisitor is cost and channel: both allow multiple entries for a 12-month validity period with 90-day stays.
| Feature | ETA (Subclass 601) | eVisitor (Subclass 651) |
|---|---|---|
| Government fee | AUD 20 | Free |
| Application channel | AustralianETA mobile app (iOS 13+ / Android with NFC) | ImmiAccount (browser) |
| Validity period | 12 months from grant date | 12 months from grant date |
| Max stay per entry | Up to 3 months (90 days) | Up to 3 months (90 days) |
| Entries | Multiple | Multiple |
Both are visa-waivers linked electronically to the traveller’s passport number under the eTA Australia for Europeans scheme, not traditional visas.
Step-by-Step Application Process for EU Passport Holders
EU citizens apply for an eVisitor via ImmiAccount or an ETA via the mobile app (requires biometric passport, ICAO 9303). The eTA Australia for Europeans process differs by channel but both require valid travel documents and health and character declarations.
Applying for eVisitor (Subclass 651) via ImmiAccount
Create an ImmiAccount
Create an ImmiAccount on the immigration portal.
Select eVisitor (Subclass 651)
Select eVisitor (Subclass 651) and complete the online form.
Upload your passport data page scan
Upload your passport data page scan and enter travel details.
Complete health and character declarations
Submit
Approval typically arrives within minutes to 48 hours.
Applying for ETA (Subclass 601) via the AustralianETA App
Download the AustralianETA app
Download the AustralianETA app (iOS 13+ or Android with NFC).
Scan your passport NFC chip
Scan your passport NFC chip (takes under 10 seconds in practice).
Complete facial scan
Complete facial scan (selfie within the app).
Fill in personal and travel details
Pay AUD 20 and submit
Pay AUD 20 via credit or debit card and submit; most approvals arrive within minutes.
After Approval: How to Verify Your Visa with VEVO
Use VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) to verify your eTA Australia for Europeans grant details before departure.
Specific Rules for German, French, and Italian Passport Holders
German, French, and Italian biometric passports (ICAO 9303-compliant) are fully compatible with both the AustralianETA app NFC scan and the eVisitor online application. All three passport types feature NFC-enabled biometric chips recognized by the app on iOS 13+ and Android devices. For the eTA Australia for Europeans scheme, these nationalities share identical conditions: AUD 20 ETA fee or free eVisitor, 12-month validity, 90-day stays.
| Country | Passport Type | ETA App (NFC Scan) | eVisitor Eligible | Consular Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇩🇪 Germany | Biometric ePassport (ICAO 9303) | ✅ Compatible | ✅ | German Embassy Canberra |
| 🇫🇷 France | Biometric ePassport (ICAO 9303) | ✅ Compatible | ✅ | French Embassy Canberra |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | Biometric ePassport (ICAO 9303) | ✅ Compatible | ✅ | Italian Embassy Canberra |
For consular assistance, EU citizens can contact the Australian High Commission (Australia House, Strand, London, WC2B 4LA; phone +44 (0) 20 7379 4334) for immigration guidance. Emergency consular assistance is available 24 hours via +61 2 6261 3305 (overseas) or 1300 555 135 (within Australia) through the DFAT Smartraveller service. eTA Australia for Europeans travellers should declare biosecurity items on arrival: commonly confiscated goods from Europe include dairy, cured meats, wooden items, and soil under DAFF regulations.
Fees, Validity, and Visa Conditions for EU Travellers
The eVisitor is free; the ETA costs AUD 20; both grant 12-month multiple-entry validity with up to 90 days per visit and prohibit employment. The eTA Australia for Europeans fee is payable by credit or debit card through the app; the eVisitor carries no government charge. Australia does not impose a 6-month passport validity rule: your passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay, per Department of Home Affairs rules (updated September 2024).
eTA Australia for Europeans conditions prohibit employment, selling goods, and freelance work for Australian clients. Permitted activities include conferences, negotiations, inspections, and contract signing. Study or training is capped at 3 months; longer study requires a Student Visa (Subclass 500).
Condition 8503 (“No Further Stay”) may appear on your grant notice, blocking in-country visa extensions. EU travellers can request a waiver using Form 1449 under compelling or compassionate circumstances only. If your application is refused, reapply with corrected information or lodge a merits review with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) within 28 days. A Subclass 600 Visitor Visa is the standard alternative. Third-party services such as CIBTvisas (0844 8004650) are not affiliated with any government body; their fees are additional to government charges. The AU-EU Free Trade Agreement, concluded March 2026, includes 4-year professional visa provisions for future work-related travel.
Common Mistakes EU Applicants Make and How to Avoid Them
Common eTA Australia for Europeans application errors by EU citizens include name-field mismatches, incorrect passport numbers, selecting the wrong subclass, expired passports, and incomplete character declarations. eTA Australia for Europeans applicants should double-check every field against their passport before submitting.
| Common Mistake | What Happens | How to Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| Name mismatch (umlauts, accents) | Application rejected | Enter name exactly as printed in passport |
| Wrong passport number | Visa not linked to passport | Verify letter and digit combinations carefully |
| Wrong subclass selected | Wrong visa type granted | Confirm eligibility before applying |
| Expired passport | Application cannot proceed | Renew passport first; processing takes minimum 6 weeks |
FAQ
Do EU citizens need an eTA to visit Australia in 2026?
Yes. For eTA Australia for Europeans entry, EU passport holders need an eVisitor (free) or ETA (AUD 20). Both allow multiple entries over 12 months with stays up to 90 days.
What is the difference between eTA and eVisitor for European travellers?
The eVisitor is free via ImmiAccount; the ETA costs AUD 20 via the AustralianETA app with NFC scanning. Both grant multiple entries over 12 months with 90-day stays.
How long does it take to get an Australian eTA as a European citizen?
eTA Australia for Europeans processing: ETA app approvals arrive within minutes; eVisitor via ImmiAccount typically 24 to 48 hours. Complex cases may take weeks for additional character or health checks.
Can I work in Australia on an eTA or eVisitor as a European citizen?
No. Both prohibit employment. Business meetings, conferences, and negotiations are permitted; study up to 3 months.
What is condition 8503 No Further Stay on my Australian eVisitor or ETA?
Condition 8503 blocks in-country visa extensions. You must depart before your stay expires; waiver via Form 1449 in compelling circumstances only.
Is the Australian eTA the same as ETIAS for Europe?
No. ETIAS is for entering the EU or Schengen Area (launching Q4 2026, EUR 20, 3-year validity). The Australian eTA is for entering Australia. They are unrelated systems.
Do I need a biometric passport to apply for an Australian eTA as a European?
Yes for the ETA app (NFC, ICAO 9303). Modern German, French, and Italian passports since 2006 are biometric. The eVisitor requires a passport bio page scan upload.
What happens if my Australian eTA or eVisitor application is refused?
Reapply with corrected information for errors. For complex refusals, lodge an AAT merits review within 28 days, or apply for a Subclass 600 Visitor Visa.
