Travelling to Australia from the UK obviously requires some preparation, especially in terms of administration. To travel to Australia, you will need to have some official documents with you, such as a passport, but also a valid residence permit such as a classic visa or an electronic visa (eVisitor or eTA). In this page, we will explain in detail how to quickly obtain a visa for Australia depending on your situation and the purpose of your trip as well as the different procedures to follow to obtain it.
Is a visa required for British citizens wishing to travel to Australia?
Yes, British citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to Australia. There are several types of Australian visas that allow travellers to come to Australia for different reasons, such as tourism, study, work or family reunion.
To obtain a visa, travellers must complete an online application and provide the necessary documents, such as their passport, a completed visa application form, recent photographs and proof of their ability to cover the costs of their travel and stay in Australia. Visa fees may vary depending on the type of visa applied for and the intended length of stay. If you have any questions about the Australian visa application process, you can contact the Australian Embassy in the UK or visit the Australian Government website for more information.
As we will see below, there are different types of traditional visas for Australia, but there is a simpler way to travel to Australia for holiday or other tourism or business purposes with the eTA or eVisitor system.
Australia visa application from UK!
What are the types of visas available to travel to Australia for UK citizens?
There are several different types of visas for Australia, which allow UK citizens to visit Australia for different reasons, such as tourism, study, work or family reunion. Here are some examples of the types of visas for Australia:
- Tourist visa (subdivision 600): This visa allows travellers to visit Australia for holidays, family visits or tourism activities. The tourist visa is valid for up to 12 months from the date of arrival in Australia.
- Student visa (subdivision 500): This visa allows international students to come to Australia to study at a recognised higher education institution. The student visa is valid for the duration of the study in Australia.
- Temporary Work Visa (sub-division 482): This visa allows skilled workers to come to Australia to work for an Australian employer. The Temporary Work Visa is valid for the duration of the employment in Australia.
- Family Reunion Visa (subdivision 300): This visa allows spouses, common-law partners and same-sex partners of Australian nationals or permanent visa holders in Australia to travel to Australia to join their family. The Family Reunion Visa is valid for an unlimited period.
There are also other types of visas for Australia, such as long-term work visas, permanent residence visas and transit visas. If you need more information about the types of visas available for Australia, you can visit the Australian government website or contact the Australian Embassy in the UK.
But as a British citizen, you also have the option of using the eVisitor electronic visa application process.
The electronic visa for travel to Australia from the UK:
The eVisitor is a type of electronic visa that allows travellers to travel to Australia for short stays, mainly for tourism or business. Nationals of certain countries, including the UK, can apply for an ETA online before travelling.
To apply for an eVisa, travellers must have a valid passport, an email address and a credit card to cover the application fee. The cost of applying for an eVisa varies depending on the site you apply to, and we recommend on this page a provider site that offers an eVisa application form and assistance in English. If you need more information about the Australian eVisa, you can visit the Australian Government website or contact the Australian Embassy in the UK.
eVisitor processing times for UK citizens
For UK citizens wishing to travel to Australia, the eVisitor processing time is generally very short. On average, it takes two working days after submitting the online form to receive a response. However, it is important to remember that this time may vary depending on various factors.
- The number of applications the Australian authorities are processing at the time you submit your application.
- Whether the Australian authorities need to carry out additional checks on your application.
- The accuracy and completeness of the information provided on the form.
- The period during which you make your application, some of which are busier than others, such as holidays or certain tourist seasons.
British citizens planning to visit Australia are therefore strongly advised to prepare their eVisitor application early enough to avoid any complications arising from possible delays in processing their application. Ideally, this process should be initiated as soon as the traveller is aware of their planned travel dates.
Duration and validity of the eVisitor tourist visa for British citizens
The eVisitor tourist visa for UK citizens offers an attractive period of validity. Allowing a stay in Australia of up to three consecutive months per visit for one year, it gives travellers the opportunity to explore the country-continent without pressure.
The eVisitor is distinguished by its multi-entry nature. During its year of validity, it authorises unlimited entry to and exit from Australia. This means you can not only discover Australia at your leisure, but also combine various trips within the country or to nearby destinations.
It should be noted that a new visa must be applied for after expiry of the eVisitor before any other project on Australian soil. In addition, although each visit can last up to three months, this period cannot be extended once in Australia. A return to the UK or travel outside Australia is required before re-registration on another valid eVisa.
Australia visa application from UK!
How do I get an eVisa for Australia online?
Here are the steps to follow to obtain an e-visa for Australia online:
- Make sure you are eligible for an eVisa. Citizens of some countries, including the UK, can apply for an eVisa online before travelling to Australia.
- Access the Australian government's website for eVisa applications or, more simply, a partner eVisa provider site such as the one we recommend on this page. You can also use an authorised service provider to submit your eVisa application.
- Follow the instructions on the website to complete the eVisa application online. You will need to provide personal information, such as your name, date of birth and passport number.
- Pay the eVisa application fee using a credit card or other electronic payment method such as Paypal. This payment is mandatory for your application to be processed in time.
- Submit your eTA or eVisitor application online. You should receive confirmation of your application by email within 24 to 72 hours of this validation, directly by email.
- There is no need to print your eTA or eVisitor authorisation once obtained as it will be automatically and electronically attached to your passport.
It is important to note that the eTA or eVisitor is not a permanent residence visa and does not allow you to work in Australia. If you need to stay in Australia for a longer period of time or wish to work in Australia, you will need to apply for a different type of visa. If you have any questions about the process of applying for an eVisa for Australia, you can contact the Australian Embassy in the UK or visit the Australian Government website for more information.
Australia visa application from UK!
Australia visa refusal for UK citizens
It is important to note that most eVisitor visa applications are generally approved without difficulty for UK citizens. However, certain cases may result in a refusal. A poorly completed or incomplete application is often the cause of such a situation. To avoid this, applicants are advised to ensure that the information they provide when submitting their application is accurate and complete.
Criminal record can influence the final decision. Convictions for certain serious offences may make a person ineligible to enter Australia on an eVisitor visa.
A health-related problem that could pose a risk to the Australian community or place an undue burden on the applicant's health services may be another reason for refusal.
If there is a suspicion that the original purpose of the trip is being diverted - for example, if the authorities believe that an individual may be seeking employment during their tourist stay - this is also a potential cause.
If the visa is rejected, you may wish to consider another category of visa or appeal to the relevant Australian authorities. Scrupulously assessing your situation before taking any further steps will avoid any further disappointment.
Is there a visa on arrival in Australia from the UK?
The answer to this question is clear: there is no possibility of obtaining a visa on arrival in Australia for UK citizens. It is essential to have obtained a visa prior to departure, otherwise travellers risk being rejected or even deported on arrival in Australia.
Various categories of visa are available to British citizens from the Australian authorities, with conditions and durations varying according to the nature of the stay (tourism, work, etc.). The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA or eVisitor) remains a popular alternative for short visits, allowing tourists to stay in the country for up to three months.
There are several ways of acquiring this official passport, which is essential for travel to Australia from the UK: via the Internet on the Australian government's official portal, or through an authorised agency. Particular care must be taken to check the documents requested and to ensure that deadlines are strictly adhered to in order to avoid any inconvenience when travelling.
Australia visa application from UK!
Adeline HARMANT
As a web writer and globetrotter with a passion for travel and tourism, I have acquired in-depth knowledge of the procedures that are essential for travellers. I help travellers to complete all the formalities required for a successful trip, particularly when it comes to obtaining a visa online. With several years' experience in this field, I'd like to offer you some valuable advice to help you discover the world with complete peace of mind.