Australia Tourist Visa from the UK: Everything You Need to Know
Planning a trip to Australia? Learn about eTA vs visitor visa options, documents, health checks and processing times for UK applicants.
Australia's visa system is largely digital, but choosing the right visa subclass and preparing the correct supporting evidence still matters — especially for longer stays or visits with family. Here's what UK travellers need to know.
Which Visa Do You Need?
Most eligible passport holders, including British citizens, apply for the eVisitor visa (subclass 651) for tourism or visiting family, which is free and largely automated. Non-eligible passport holders, or those wanting stays longer than three months, typically need the Visitor visa (subclass 600), which involves more detailed documentation.
Required Documents for Subclass 600
- Valid passport and passport-style digital photo
- Evidence of financial capacity to support the trip
- Travel itinerary and accommodation details
- Evidence of ties to the UK: employment, property, family
- Health and character declarations
- Invitation letter, if visiting family or friends
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Create an ImmiAccount on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
- Select the correct visa subclass based on your passport and travel purpose.
- Upload all required documents and pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Complete health and character requirements if requested.
- Wait for a decision — most eVisitor visas are processed quickly, while subclass 600 can take several weeks.
Processing Times and Peak Periods
eVisitor visas are often processed within days, while Visitor visa (subclass 600) applications can take several weeks depending on individual circumstances and time of year. Applying at least 6–8 weeks before travel is recommended during Australian summer (December–February), a particularly high-demand period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do children need their own visa to enter Australia?
Yes, every traveller, including infants, needs their own individual visa or eVisitor authorisation, even when travelling with parents.
Can I extend my stay once in Australia?
In some cases, yes, but it requires a separate application before your current visa expires — we recommend planning stay duration carefully before applying.
What if I've previously overstayed a visa in another country?
This must be disclosed and can affect your application. Our consultants can help present this honestly alongside evidence of your changed circumstances.
Heading Down Under? See our Australia and New Zealand guides, or check your Australia visa eligibility.