Applications with no health or character issues are frequently decided automatically — often in minutes to a few days. There is no service standard that guarantees it.
What causes a longer wait
- A health declaration that requires assessment
- A declared criminal conviction
- Details that do not match the passport
- A previous visa refusal or cancellation
How far ahead to apply
The visa is valid 12 months from grant, so applying early costs nothing — but note that the clock starts at grant, not at travel. Applying a few weeks before departure is the usual balance.
There is no paid priority processing for the eVisitor. Sites offering it are selling a form-filling service.
More on the eVisitor
What is the eVisitor
The eVisitor is a full visitor visa granted electronically to holders of eligible European passports. What it covers and how it differs from the ETA.
How to apply
Applications are made free of charge through ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. The order of the steps and the mistakes that cause delays.
Cost
The Australian government charges AUD $0 for the eVisitor: no visa application charge and no service fee. The ETA for other passports costs AUD $20.
What you need
A valid European passport, an email address and about fifteen minutes. No photo, no payment, no documents to upload for most applicants.
Validity
An eVisitor lasts 12 months from the date of grant, or until your passport expires, and allows as many entries as you like within that period.
Length of stay
Up to 3 months per entry, with conditions: no work for an Australian employer and study limited to 3 months.