Australia is a popular destination for tourists from around the world, with its beautiful beaches, diverse landscapes, and unique wildlife. If you're planning a trip to Australia, you'll need to apply for the appropriate visa for Australia. There are several different types of visas available, depending on the purpose of your visit, and two of the most common options for tourists are the e-Visitor (651) visa and the Visitor (600) visa.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the e-Visitor (651) and Visitor (600) visas, including their eligibility requirements, the application process, and any fees that may be involved.
So, without further ado, let's get into it!
Introduction to Australian Visas
Before we dive into the specifics of the e-Visitor (651) and Visitor (600) visas, it's important to understand the general visa requirements for visiting Australia.
All foreign nationals who want to enter Australia must apply for a visa, except for certain passport holders who are eligible for the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA-Australia) or the eVisitor visa Australia. These visas allow for short-term stays in Australia for tourism or business purposes, and are generally valid for up to 12 months.
e-Visitor (651) Visa
The Australian eVisitor visa is an electronic visa that allows citizens of certain countries to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to 12 months. It's a simple and convenient way to apply for a visa online, and there are no physical documents required.
To be eligible for the e-Visitor (651) visa, you must meet the following requirements:
You must be a citizen of one of the eligible countries, which include the European Union, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, and Vatican City.
You must hold a valid passport from an eligible country.
You shouldn’t be in Australia while submitting the application.
You should have a valid purpose to enter Australia for tourism or business purposes, and you must not be engaging in any activities that would constitute as work while in Australia.
You need to have sufficient funds while staying in Australia.
You must have a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase a return or onward ticket at the end of your stay.
If you meet these requirements, you can apply for the Australian visa online through the VisaHQ website. The application process is straightforward, and you'll need to provide the following information and documents:
Personal details, including your full name, date of birth, and passport details.
Contact details, including your email address and phone number.
Details of your intended stay in Australia, including your arrival and departure dates and the purpose of your visit.
Evidence of your employment, if you are applying for a business-related e-Visitor (651) visa.
A credit card to pay the Australian visa application fee.
Visitor (600) Visa
The Visitor (600) visa is a temporary travel document that permits holders to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to 12 months. It is similar to the e-Visitor (651) visa, but it is available to citizens of countries that are not eligible for the e-Visitor visa.
To be eligible for the Visitor (600) visa, you must meet the following requirements:
You must be a citizen of a country that is not eligible for the e-Visitor (651) visa.
You must hold a valid passport from an eligible country.
You shouldn’t be in Australia at the time of application.
You need to have a valid purpose to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes, and you must not be engaging in any activities that would constitute as work while in Australia.
You should have sufficient funds to support your stay.
You must have a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase a return or onward ticket at the end of your stay.
If you meet these requirements, you can apply for the Visitor (600) visa online through the VisaHQ website. The application process is similar to that of the e-Visitor (651) visa, and you'll need to provide the same information and documents.
Key Differences Between e-Visitor and Visitor Visas
Now that we've covered the basics of the e-Visitor and Visitor visas, let's take a closer look at some of the key differences between the two.
One of the main differences between the e-Visitor and Visitor visas is the eligibility requirements. The e-Visitor visa is only available to citizens of certain countries, while the Visitor visa is available to citizens of all countries that are not eligible for the e-Visitor visa.
Another difference is the application process. Both visas can be applied for online through the VisaHQ website, but the e-Visitor visa does not require any physical documents to be submitted. The Visitor visa, on the other hand, may require you to provide additional documentation, such as evidence of your employment or a letter of invitation from an Australian host.