Australia is a popular destination for tourists, business travelers, and visitors looking to experience its vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes. To facilitate short-term visits, the Australian government offers several types of visas, one of which is the eVisitor 651 visa. This visa allows eligible travelers from certain countries to enter Australia for short-term stays without undergoing the lengthy application processes required for other types of visas.
In this article, we will explore what the eVisitor 651 visa is, who is eligible, how to apply, and what the benefits and limitations of this visa are.
What Is an eVisitor 651 Visa
The eVisitor 651 visa is a short-term visa that allows individuals from eligible countries to enter Australia for tourism, business, or visiting family and friends. It is designed for people who wish to stay in Australia for a short period, typically up to three months per visit, within a 12-month period.
This visa is part of the Australian government’s electronic visa system, which simplifies the process of visiting Australia by allowing eligible travelers to apply for their visa online. The eVisitor 651 visa is linked to the traveler’s passport, which means there is no need for a physical visa label in the passport.
The eVisitor 651 visa is suitable for individuals who want to:
Visit Australia for holidays or recreation
Visit family or friends
Participate in short business trips, such as attending meetings or conferences
Engage in tourism-related activities, such as sightseeing or cultural events
Who Is Eligible for an eVisitor 651 Visa?
Eligibility for the eVisitor 651 visa is limited to citizens of specific countries, primarily from the European Union (EU) and a few other European nations. It is essential to verify whether your country is on the list of eligible nations before applying for this visa.
Some of the countries eligible for the eVisitor 651 visa include:
European Union member countries
United Kingdom
Norway
Switzerland
Iceland
If you hold citizenship in an eligible country, you can apply for the eVisitor 651 visa. However, you must also meet certain other requirements:
Valid Passport: You must have a valid passport from an eligible country at the time of application. The visa is electronically linked to this passport, so you must travel with the same passport you used to apply.
Health Requirements: In some cases, applicants may be required to meet specific health requirements, especially if they have spent time in countries with high risk of certain diseases.
No Criminal Record: You must not have a criminal conviction for which you have served 12 months or more in prison. If you have such a conviction, you may not be eligible for the eVisitor 651 visa.
No Debt to the Australian Government: You should not have any outstanding debts to the Australian government. If you do, you must arrange to repay the debt before applying for the visa.
How to Apply for an eVisitor 651 Visa
Applying for the eVisitor 651 visa is a straightforward process that can be completed entirely online. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying:
1. Check Eligibility
Before applying, confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria, including holding a passport from an eligible country and meeting health and character requirements. If you are not from an eligible country, you may need to apply for a different visa, such as the Visitor (subclass 600) visa.
2. Create an ImmiAccount
To apply for the eVisitor 651 visa, you must first create an account on the Australian government’s immigration portal, known as ImmiAccount. This account will allow you to complete the visa application, upload necessary documents, and track the status of your application.
3. Complete the Application
Once you have an ImmiAccount, you can begin your eVisitor 651 visa application. The form will ask for your personal details, including your full name, date of birth, passport information, and travel plans. You may also be asked about your health, travel history, and criminal background.
4. Submit the Application
After completing the form, you can submit your application online. In most cases, no additional documents are required, but if the Australian immigration authorities request further information, they will notify you through your ImmiAccount.
5. Receive the Visa Decision
The processing time for the eVisitor 651 visa is usually very quick, with many applications being approved within a few days. Once approved, the visa is electronically linked to your passport, and you will receive notification via email. There is no need for a visa label in your passport.
What Can You Do on an eVisitor 651 Visa?
The eVisitor 651 visa is designed for short-term stays in Australia, and there are several permitted activities under this visa category:
Tourism: You can visit Australia for leisure, including sightseeing, exploring cultural attractions, or participating in recreational activities.
Visiting Family or Friends: The visa allows you to visit family or friends living in Australia.
Business Purposes: You can travel to Australia for business-related purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or seminars. However, you cannot work or provide services to Australian businesses during your stay.
Study or Training: You may participate in short-term study or training courses in Australia, as long as the course lasts no longer than three months.
What You Cannot Do on an eVisitor 651 Visa
While the eVisitor 651 visa allows for a range of activities, there are some important restrictions:
No Work: You are not permitted to work or provide paid services to any Australian business while on an eVisitor 651 visa. If you plan to work in Australia, you must apply for a work visa.
Limited Study: You cannot enroll in a long-term study program. If you wish to study for more than three months, you will need a student visa.
No Long-Term Stay: The eVisitor 651 visa is designed for short stays of up to three months. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa before your current one expires.
Duration and Validity of the eVisitor 651 Visa
The eVisitor 651 visa is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. During this period, you can enter and exit Australia multiple times. However, each visit is limited to a maximum of three months. This means that if you stay for three months, you must leave the country and then re-enter if you wish to continue visiting Australia under the same visa.
It is important to note that overstaying your visa can lead to significant penalties, including future visa refusals. Therefore, you should always leave Australia before your visa expires or apply for a new visa if you wish to extend your stay.
Benefits of the eVisitor 651 Visa
The eVisitor 651 visa offers several advantages for eligible travelers:
Free Application: There is no application fee for the eVisitor 651 visa, making it a cost-effective option for short-term visitors.
Fast Processing: Most applications are processed within a few days, allowing for quick travel planning.
Multiple Entries: The visa allows for multiple entries into Australia during its validity, providing flexibility for travelers who may need to visit several times in one year.
Convenience: The entire application process is conducted online, and the visa is electronically linked to your passport, so there is no need for physical paperwork or visa labels.
See also: Is It Easy To Get An Austria Visa
Conclusion
The eVisitor 651 visa is an excellent option for travelers from eligible countries who wish to visit Australia for tourism, business, or to see family and friends. With its simple online application process, fast processing times, and flexibility, this visa provides a convenient way to experience all that Australia has to offer. However, it is important to remember the limitations of the visa, such as the prohibition on working and the maximum three-month stay per visit.
If you are eligible for the eVisitor 651 visa and meet the necessary requirements, applying for this visa can be a straightforward and cost-effective way to visit Australia.
Related topics:
