What Is the Difference Between eVisitor 651 and Visitor Visa 600? (2026 Guide)

The eVisitor 651 is a free electronic visa for eligible European passport holders visiting Australia for up to 3 months. The Visitor Visa 600 is a paid visa open to a much broader range of nationalities, with options for stays of 3, 6 or 12 months. That is the core difference — but choosing the right one depends on your passport, travel plans and personal circumstances.

Planning a trip to Australia and not sure whether the eVisitor 651 or the Visitor Visa 600 is the right option? Many travellers search for “eVisitor 651 vs Visitor Visa 600” or “difference between eVisitor 651 and Visitor Visa 600” and find conflicting information.

This guide compares both visas side by side — including 2026 fees, processing times, eligible countries and when each option is more appropriate — so you can make an informed decision before you apply.

The information below is general only and based on Department of Home Affairs guidance as of 2026. Visa rules can change, and your personal history can affect your options. If you are unsure which pathway is safer for you, consider speaking with a registered migration agent for tailored advice.

Quick Comparison — eVisitor 651 vs Visitor Visa 600

Before looking at the details, here is a quick comparison of the main differences between the eVisitor 651 and the Visitor Visa 600 Australia.

Note: Processing times and fees are indicative and based on Department of Home Affairs published data as of 2026. Always confirm the latest figures on the official Home Affairs website before applying.

What Is the eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651)?

The eVisitor visa 651 Australia is an electronic visitor visa for citizens of certain European countries and a small number of other eligible passports. It is often used as a convenient tourist visa for Australia from Europe.

As of 2026, typical features include:

• You must hold a passport from an eligible country listed by the Department of Home Affairs (see full list below).
• You must be outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is decided.
• Stays are generally up to 3 months per visit within 12 months.
• You can visit for tourism, to see friends or family, or for limited business visitor activities (such as attending meetings or conferences).
• You cannot work in Australia, and only very short periods of study (up to 3 months) are allowed.
• Applications are lodged online through ImmiAccount, and there is currently no government visa application charge (free).
• Processing is fast — 90% of eVisitor applications are processed within 1 day. However, some applications selected for manual processing may take 1 to 14 days or occasionally longer.

eVisitor 651 Eligible Countries — Full List

You can only apply for the eVisitor 651 if you hold a valid passport from one of the following countries:

Important: You cannot apply with a British National Overseas, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Protected Person, or British Subject passport. If your passport type is not accepted for the eVisitor 651, you will need to apply for the Visitor Visa 600 instead.

Post-Brexit note: UK British Citizen passport holders remain eligible for the eVisitor 651.

What Is the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)?

The Visitor Visa 600 Australia is a more flexible option that can be used by a wider range of travellers, including those from non-European countries who are not eligible for the eVisitor 651.

The Visitor 600 has several streams, including:

• Tourist stream: For holidays, visiting friends or sightseeing. Fee: approximately AUD $190 (offshore) or AUD $490 (onshore).
• Sponsored Family stream: For people whose eligible family in Australia is prepared to sponsor their visit. Fee: approximately AUD $190. A security bond of AUD $5,000 – $15,000 may also be required.
• Business Visitor stream: For short business trips such as attending conferences or negotiating contracts. Fee: approximately AUD $190.
• Other streams: Including Approved Destination Status (for organised tour groups from China) and Frequent Traveller (for eligible nationalities with strong travel history).

Key points as of 2026:

• Depending on the stream and your circumstances, you may be granted a stay of 3, 6 or 12 months.
• For some applicants, multiple entries are allowed within the visa validity period.
• Processing times for the Tourist stream are approximately 20 to 33 days for 90% of cases, but can vary depending on nationality, travel history and seasonal demand.
• You cannot work in Australia on a Visitor 600, although certain business visitor activities and limited study (up to 3 months) may be permitted.

If you are visiting family in Sydney or Melbourne and hold a non-European passport, the Visitor Visa 600 is often the pathway used — particularly where you are seeking a longer visit or where your situation is more complex. For guidance on preparing your application, see our guide on invitation letters for Tourist Visa 600.

Fees and Processing Times — Side by Side

One of the most common questions is how much each visa costs and how long it takes. Here is a direct comparison:

Note: Fees are based on published Department of Home Affairs rates as of 2026 and are subject to change. Always confirm the latest fee using the Visa Pricing Estimator on the Home Affairs website before applying.

Key Differences Between eVisitor 651 and Visitor Visa 600

Nationality and Eligibility

The eVisitor 651 is restricted to citizens of specific countries, mainly within Europe (see the full list above). If your passport is not on the eligible list, you generally cannot use the eVisitor 651 and may need to consider the Visitor 600 instead.

The Visitor Visa 600 has much broader eligibility and can be used by a wide range of nationalities, including travellers from Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas.

Application Process and Cost

Both visas are usually applied for online through an ImmiAccount. For many eligible applicants, the eVisitor 651 currently does not attract a government application charge, making it a cost-effective option. The Visitor 600 always has a government charge, and fees can be higher for longer stays, onshore applications or certain streams. Always check the latest charge on the Department of Home Affairs website before applying.

Length of Stay and Flexibility

On an eVisitor 651, you can generally stay up to 3 months at a time within 12 months. This suits travellers planning shorter holidays, business trips or multiple short visits.

The Visitor 600 can offer more flexibility. Depending on the stream and decision, you may be able to stay for 3, 6 or 12 months. In some cases, you can hold a visa that allows multiple entries during its validity. For long-term visitors, see our guide on the 3-year multiple entry visa in Australia.

eVisitor 651 vs ETA 601 vs Visitor Visa 600 — What’s the Difference?

Many travellers also confuse the eVisitor 651 with the ETA 601 (Electronic Travel Authority). Here is how all three compare:

In short: If you hold a European passport, the eVisitor 651 is your primary option for short visits. If you hold a passport from the USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea or other ETA-eligible countries, the ETA 601 is your equivalent. If you hold a passport from any other country — or you need a longer stay — the Visitor Visa 600 is typically the pathway to explore.

Can I Switch From eVisitor 651 to Visitor Visa 600?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions — and one that most comparison guides do not answer clearly.

If you are already in Australia on an eVisitor 651 and realise you need to stay longer than 3 months, you may be able to apply for a Visitor Visa 600 (Tourist stream, onshore) before your eVisitor expires. However:

• Check your visa conditions — if your eVisitor has a “No Further Stay” condition (Condition 8503), you generally cannot apply for another visa while in Australia.
• Applying for a new Visitor 600 onshore attracts a higher fee (approximately AUD $490).
• You will need to demonstrate genuine temporary intent — the Department will want to understand why you need to stay longer and that you plan to leave Australia at the end of your extended visit.
• Approval is not guaranteed. Each application is assessed on its merits.
• If your new visa application is lodged before the eVisitor expires, you will typically be granted a Bridging Visa that allows you to stay lawfully in Australia while the new application is processed.

If you think you may need more than 3 months, it is generally safer to apply for a Visitor Visa 600 from the outset rather than relying on the ability to switch later. For more details on extending your stay, see our guide on how to extend Visitor Visa 600 in Australia.

When You Should Choose eVisitor 651

The eVisitor 651 may be more suitable when:

• You hold a passport from an eligible European country (see list above).
• You plan short tourist or business visitor trips of up to 3 months per visit.
• Your circumstances are straightforward — for example, no complex visa history or recent refusals.
• You want a free, fast visa — most are processed within a day.
• You are comfortable with an online, largely self-service application.

When You Should Choose Visitor Visa 600

The Visitor Visa 600 may be more appropriate when:

• You are not eligible for the eVisitor 651 (non-European passport).
• You want the option of a longer stay — for example, 6 or 12 months — to visit family or spend extended time in Australia.
• You are visiting children or relatives who live in Sydney or Melbourne and wish to apply under the Sponsored Family stream.
• Your circumstances are more complex — for example, previous refusals, health issues or a need to explain strong ties to your home country.
• You have a criminal conviction in any country — the Department of Home Affairs recommends applying for a Visitor 600 rather than an eVisitor if you have any criminal record, as you may be refused entry at the border on an eVisitor.

Common Scenarios — Which Visa Should I Apply For?

Here are some common scenarios to help illustrate which visa may be more appropriate:

Tourist from Germany visiting Australia for three weeks: If you hold an eligible European passport and simply want a short holiday, the eVisitor 651 is often the starting point to consider, provided you meet all requirements.

Parent from India visiting family in Melbourne for six months: A Visitor Visa 600 (Tourist or Sponsored Family stream) is usually the pathway explored, as it can allow a longer visit and is open to non-European passports.

Business visitor from the USA attending a conference in Sydney: A USA passport holder would typically use the ETA 601 (not the eVisitor 651, which is for European passports). If the ETA does not suit the situation, the Business Visitor stream of the Visitor 600 is the alternative.

British citizen wanting to stay 4 months with family in Brisbane: Although UK passport holders are eligible for the eVisitor 651, the maximum stay is 3 months per visit. For a 4-month visit, a Visitor Visa 600 would be the more appropriate option.

French citizen with a previous visa refusal: Even though France is an eligible eVisitor country, if you have a previous refusal or complex visa history, it may be safer to apply for a Visitor 600 where you can provide more supporting documents and explanations. Professional guidance is recommended in this situation.

These examples are general only. The visa that best fits you depends on your passport, travel history, reasons for visiting and overall risk profile.

How The Migration Helps With Your Visitor Visa

Choosing between the eVisitor 651 and the Visitor Visa 600 can look simple on paper, but feel confusing once you factor in your passport, travel history, family plans and timing.

At The Migration, our registered migration agents in Sydney and Melbourne:

• Review your circumstances, passport and goals to confirm whether the eVisitor 651 or Visitor Visa 600 (and which stream) is more appropriate.
• Identify any risk factors such as previous refusals, long absences from your home country or complex family situations, and advise how to address them.
• Prepare or review your application forms and supporting documents so they clearly explain your reasons for visiting and your ties to home.
• Advise on realistic stay options and conditions so you understand what you can and cannot do on your chosen visa.

We provide consultations online and in person, so whether you are already in Australia or planning a trip from overseas, you can get tailored guidance before you apply. While we cannot guarantee an outcome, we can help you put forward a stronger, well-supported visitor visa application.

Conclusion

As of 2026, the key difference between the eVisitor 651 and Visitor Visa 600 is who they are designed for and how flexible your stay can be.

• The eVisitor 651 suits eligible European passport holders taking shorter trips (up to 3 months), with the benefit of being free and fast to process.
• The Visitor 600 offers broader eligibility, more streams and potential for longer visits (up to 12 months), but comes with a government fee and longer processing time.
• The ETA 601 is the equivalent of the eVisitor for non-European countries like the USA, Canada and Japan.

If you are unsure which visa fits your situation, our migration team can review your circumstances, explain the pros and cons of each option and help you prepare a well-supported application.

Book a consultation with a registered migration agent to discuss your visitor visa options and avoid costly errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better — eVisitor 651 or Visitor Visa 600 for my trip to Australia?

Neither visa is automatically better. The right choice depends on your passport, how long you want to stay, your purpose of travel and any prior visa history. Many European tourists use the eVisitor 651, while others rely on the Visitor 600. A migration agent can assess which stream is safer for you.

Can I work in Australia on an eVisitor 651 or Visitor Visa 600?

No. Both the eVisitor 651 and the Visitor Visa 600 are visitor visas and do not allow you to work in Australia. Limited business visitor activities and short periods of study may be permitted, but paid employment and long-term study generally require a different visa type.

How long can I stay in Australia on Visitor Visa 600 compared with eVisitor 651?

On an eVisitor 651 you can usually stay up to 3 months at a time within a 12-month period. Under the Visitor Visa 600, you may be granted a stay of 3, 6 or 12 months depending on the stream and your circumstances. Always check the visa grant notice for your specific conditions.

How much does the eVisitor 651 cost compared to Visitor Visa 600?

The eVisitor 651 is free (no government visa application charge). The Visitor Visa 600 fees range from approximately AUD $190 to $490+ depending on the stream and whether you apply from inside or outside Australia. Always confirm the latest fee on the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.

Can I switch from an eVisitor 651 to a Visitor Visa 600 while in Australia?

In some cases, yes. If you are already in Australia on an eVisitor 651 and need to stay longer than 3 months, you may be able to apply for a Visitor Visa 600 onshore before your eVisitor expires — provided you do not have a No Further Stay condition. Approval is not guaranteed, and professional advice is recommended. See our guide on extending your Visitor Visa 600 for more details.

What is the difference between eVisitor 651, ETA 601 and Visitor Visa 600?

All three are visitor visas for Australia. The eVisitor 651 is free and for eligible European passport holders. The ETA 601 costs AUD $20 and covers other eligible countries including the USA, Canada, Japan and South Korea. The Visitor Visa 600 is for all other nationalities and for anyone needing a longer stay, with fees starting from AUD $190.

Do I need a migration agent to apply for eVisitor 651 or Visitor Visa 600?

You can lodge either application yourself, but professional guidance can be helpful if you have complex circumstances, previous refusals, or are seeking a longer stay with family in Sydney or Melbourne. A registered migration agent can help you understand the rules, prepare documents and reduce common refusal risks.