Explained Subclass 651 Visa for Australia 2026

February 19, 2026

If you are planning a short trip, business visit, or family holiday, the 651 visa Australia is one of the easiest and most convenient visitor options available. Officially known as the eVisitor (subclass 651), the 651 visa allows eligible passport holders to travel to Australia multiple times within 12 months and stay up to three months per visit. This detailed guide explains everything about the 651 visa Australia, including eligibility, full country list, criminal record rules, health requirements, processing time, application steps, and important conditions.

What is the 651 Visa Australia?

The Australian visa subclass 651 (eVisitor) is an electronically linked travel authorization designed mainly for passport holders from eligible European countries. It allows short-term visits to Australia for:

  • Tourism

  • Visiting family or friends

  • Business visitor activities

  • Attending conferences or meetings

The Australia visa 651 is completely online and electronically attached to your passport—no physical label is issued.

Key Highlights of 651 Australia Visa

Feature

Details

Visa Type

Visitor (Electronic)

Official Name

eVisitor (Subclass 651)

Stay Duration

Up to 3 months per visit

Validity

12 months

Cost

No government fee (Free)

Processing Time

Usually 1–15 days

Work Rights

Not permitted

Study

Up to 3 months allowed

The subclass 651 Australian visa is one of the most popular short-term visitor visas because it is free and easy to apply.

Who is Eligible for 651 Visa Australia?

To apply for the 651 visa, you must:

  1. Hold a passport from an eligible country (mainly EU countries).

  2. Be outside Australia when applying.

  3. Intend to visit temporarily.

  4. Have no criminal record.

  5. Meet health requirements if requested.

The evisitor subclass 651 Australia is not available to all nationalities. If your country is not eligible, you may need to apply for a visitor visa subclass 600 instead.

Full Eligible Country List for 651 Visa Australia

The following passport holders can apply for the 651 visa Australia:

1. Andorra

2. Austria

3. Belgium

4. Bulgaria

5. Croatia

6. Cyprus

7. Czech Republic

8. Denmark

9. Estonia

10. Finland

11. France

12. Germany

13. Greece

14. Hungary

15. Iceland

16. Ireland

17. Italy

18. Latvia

19. Liechtenstein

20. Lithuania

21. Luxembourg

22. Malta

23. Monaco

24. Netherlands

25. Norway

26. Poland

27. Portugal

28. Romania

29. Republic of San Marino

30. Slovakia

31. Slovenia

32. Spain

33. Sweden

34. Switzerland

35. United Kingdom

36. Vatican City


If your country is not listed, you cannot apply for the 651 visa Australia and may need Visitor Visa Subclass 600.


What Can You Do on a 651 Visa for Australia?

The Australian 651 visa allows you multiple activities, but there are restrictions.

Permitted Activities

  • Tourism and holidays

  • Cruise travel

  • Visiting relatives

  • Attending business meetings

  • Exploring business opportunities

Restricted Activities

  • No full-time work

  • No selling goods/services

  • No long-term study

  • No medical treatment exceeding short duration

Understanding conditions attached to the Australia subclass 651 visa is crucial to avoid cancellation.

651 Visa Australia vs Visitor Visa 600

Many applicants confuse the subclass 651 Australia visa with the visitor visa subclass 600.

Criteria

651 Australia Visa

Visitor Visa 600

Cost

Free

From AUD 190+

Processing Time

Faster

Moderate

Eligible Countries

Limited (EU mostly)

Worldwide

Stay

3 months per visit

3–12 months

Application Mode

Online only

Online

If you are eligible, the Australian visa subclass 651 is often the better option due to zero fees and faster processing.

Documents Required for Australia Visa 651

Although the 651 visa Australia is simple, incomplete documentation can lead to refusal.

Basic Documents:

  • Valid passport

  • Personal details

  • Travel history

  • Contact details

  • Email address

Additional Documents (If Requested):

  • Travel itinerary

  • Proof of funds

  • Invitation letter

  • Character documents

  • Health examination report

Even though the subclass 651 Australian visa is straightforward, immigration authorities may request additional information under risk-based assessment.

Processing Time of 651 Visa Australia

Processing times for the 651 visa Australia vary depending on application volume and individual circumstances.

  • 50% of applications: Processed within 1–2 days

  • 90% of applications: Processed within 7–15 days

However, delays can occur due to:

  • Incorrect details

  • Incomplete forms

  • Character checks

  • High travel seasons (November–January)

Always apply at least 3–4 weeks before travel.

Validity & Stay Conditions of Subclass 651 Australia Visa

The australia subclass 651 visa offers:

  • 12 months validity from grant date

  • Multiple entries allowed

  • Maximum stay of 3 months per visit

Important: You cannot extend the 651 visa for Australia from inside Australia. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply for another visa before your current visa expires.

Step-by-Step Application Process for 651 Australia Visa

Applying for the 651 visa Australia is completely online and does not require you to visit an embassy or submit physical documents. The entire process is digital, simple, and usually fast when completed correctly.

Below is a detailed step-by-step guide to applying for the subclass 651 Australia visa:

Step 1: Check Eligibility for 651 Visa Australia

Before starting your application, confirm that:

  • You hold a passport from one of the eligible countries.

  • Your passport is valid for at least six months.

  • You are outside Australia at the time of application.

  • You meet health and character requirements.

  • You do not have criminal convictions totaling 12 months or more.

If your passport is not eligible, you cannot apply for the 651 visa for Australia, and you may need to consider the visitor visa subclass 600 instead.

Step 2: Create an ImmiAccount

To apply for the 651 visa Australia, you must create an ImmiAccount on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.

  • Visit the official immigration portal.

  • Register using your email address.

  • Create a secure password.

  • Verify your account through email confirmation.

If you already have an ImmiAccount, you can log in directly and start a new application for the Australia subclass 651 visa.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form

Once logged in, select the eVisitor (subclass 651) visa category.

You will be required to enter:

  • Full personal details (exactly as per passport)

  • Passport number and expiry date

  • Nationality and country of birth

  • Contact details (email and phone number)

  • Intended travel dates

  • Purpose of visit (tourism or business)

  • Travel history

  • Health declarations

  • Character declarations

  • Any previous visa refusals

It is very important that all details match your passport exactly. Even small errors in passport numbers or names can delay or affect your 651 visa Australia application.

Step 4: Attach Supporting Documents (If Requested)

In many straightforward cases, no documents are required for the subclass 651 Australia visa. However, immigration authorities may request additional evidence depending on your profile.

Possible documents include:

  • Scanned copy of passport bio page

  • Travel itinerary

  • Proof of accommodation

  • Bank statements (last 3 months)

  • Invitation letter (if visiting family or business)

  • Police clearance (if requested)

Uploading clear and legible documents improves the approval process of your 651 visa Australia.

Step 5: Submit Application

After reviewing all information carefully:

  • Confirm declarations

  • Submit the application

There is no government fee for the 651 visa Australia, although in some cases a small online service fee (around AUD 20) may apply.

Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your application.

Step 6: Wait for Decision

Processing of the 651 visa Australia is usually fast:

  • Many applications are processed within 24–48 hours.

  • Most are finalized within 7–15 days.

You will receive the visa grant notification via email. The grant letter will include:

  • Visa grant number

  • Visa validity period

  • Conditions attached to your visa

  • Maximum stay allowed per visit

Important: No Visa Label Required

The subclass 651 Australia visa is electronically linked to your passport. There is:

  • No physical visa label

  • No passport stamping

  • No need to visit a consulate

Airlines and border officers verify your 651 visa Australia digitally through your passport number.

Common Reasons for 651 Visa Australia Refusal

Although approval rates are high, rejections can occur.

Major Reasons:

  • False information

  • Criminal history

  • Previous visa breaches

  • Insufficient ties to home country

  • Suspicion of work intentions

Even though the evisitor subclass 651 Australia is free, refusal can affect future Australian visa applications.

Benefits of Choosing Australia Visa 651

Here are strong advantages of the 651 visa Australia:

  • Free application

  • Fast processing

  • Multiple entries

  • Simple online process

  • No biometric requirement in most cases

For short-term tourism or business travel, the Australia visa 651 remains one of the easiest visa options globally.

Important Conditions Attached to Subclass 651 Australian Visa

The subclass 651 Australian visa usually carries Condition 8101 (No Work). It may also include:

  • 8201 – Maximum 3 months study

  • 8503 – No further stay (in rare cases)

Always read visa grant conditions carefully.

Study & Volunteer Rights Under 651 Visa Australia

The 651 visa Australia allows:

  • Study for up to 3 months

  • Short training courses

  • Unpaid volunteer work

Long-term education requires a Student Visa.

Can You Convert 651 Visa for Australia to PR?

No, the 651 visa Australia does not lead directly to permanent residency. It is strictly a temporary visitor visa. However, while in Australia, you may explore:

Any new visa must meet eligibility requirements independently.

Health & Character Requirements for Australia Subclass 651

Although most applicants do not require medical checks, immigration may request:

  • Health examination

  • Police clearance certificate

You may be refused if you:

  • Have active tuberculosis

  • Fail health checks when requested

It is strongly recommended to hold private health insurance during your stay. Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements with countries including:

  • United Kingdom

  • Ireland

  • Italy

  • Sweden

  • Finland

  • Norway

  • Malta

  • Netherlands

  • Belgium

  • Slovenia

Without insurance, you are responsible for all medical expenses under the 651 visa Australia.

Financial Requirements for 651 Australia Visa

There is no fixed minimum bank balance requirement. However, applicants should demonstrate:

  • Enough funds for travel and stay

  • Return ticket

  • Accommodation arrangements

Immigration officers may verify financial capacity when assessing the Australian visa subclass 651.

Can Family Members Be Included?

No. Each traveller must submit a separate 651 visa Australia application, including children.

Family members cannot be included in one application.

Can You Extend 651 Visa Australia?

No, the 651 visa Australia cannot be extended.

You must leave Australia before your visa expires. If you need a longer stay, apply for another visa before expiry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the 651 visa Australia free?

Yes, the 651 visa Australia has no government application fee.

2. How long can I stay in Australia subclass 651?

You can stay up to 3 months per visit within 12 months.

3. Can I work on a 651 visa for Australia?

No, work is strictly prohibited.

4. What is the processing time for subclass 651 Australia visa?

Usually 1–15 days.

5. Can I extend my Australian visa 651?

No extension is allowed.

6. Is evisitor subclass 651 Australia multiple entry?

Yes, multiple entries are permitted within 12 months.

7. Can I apply for another visa while on subclass 651 australian visa?

Yes, if you meet eligibility criteria and no “No Further Stay” condition applies.

Expert Tips to Improve Approval Chances

To ensure smooth approval of your 651 visa Australia, follow these tips:

  • Double-check passport details

  • Provide truthful information

  • Avoid incomplete forms

  • Apply early

  • Maintain clean travel history

Even though the Australia subclass 651 visa is simple, minor errors can cause delays.

Why Choose AUM Global for 651 Visa Australia Guidance?

While the subclass 651 australia visa application is online and free, professional guidance helps avoid mistakes.

At AUM Global, we:

  • Review your application

  • Assess eligibility

  • Identify risk factors

  • Provide documentation guidance

  • Offer visa strategy consultation

Our experienced migration experts ensure your 651 visa for Australia application is accurate and compliant.

Final Thoughts on 651 Australia Visa

The 651 visa Australia is one of the most convenient visitor visa options for eligible travelers. With zero fees, online processing, and multiple entry access, the Australia subclass 651 visa is ideal for short tourism and business trips.

However, applicants must strictly follow visa conditions and ensure accurate application details. Even though the Australian visa subclass 651 has high approval rates, compliance with immigration laws is essential.

If you are planning a visit and qualify for the subclass 651 Australian visa, applying early and carefully can ensure a smooth journey to Australia.

For expert support and professional consultation, connect with AUM Global today and travel with confidence.


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