What is the 651 visa?
The 651 visa is designed for EU citizens visiting Australia for non-employment purposes and works in a similar way to the ESTA system in the U.S. Basically, if you're an EU citizen, you can apply for the 651 eVisitor visa before you come to Australia. That way, you don't need to go to an embassy or consulate. British citizens are still currently eligible for this visa.
The 651 visa lets you visit Australia as often as you want over a 12 month period. You can stay for up to 3 months each time you enter the country.
Who is the 651 visa for?
The 651 visa is for individuals who hold a passport from the European Union and plan to visit Australia for up to 3 months. Eligible countries include:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- The Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Republic of San Marino
- Slovak Republic
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom – British Citizen
- Vatican City
It's designed for travellers, but might be suitable for some students and workers in certain circumstances. However. if the main reason for travelling to Australia is to study or work, a student or working holiday visa is probably more appropriate. According to the Department Home Affairs, the 651 visa is suitable for individuals:
- Visiting family or friends
- Going on a cruise or holiday
- Undertaking business visitor activities (a business visitor can make general business enquiries, enter into and review business contracts and take part in a conference)
- Studying for up to 3 months
What are the 651 visa conditions?
To be eligible for the 651 visa, these are the main requirements you will need to meet:
- Have a valid passport (from one of the countries listed above)
- Intend to stay temporarily in Australia. (You can't stay for longer than three months but you can come and go over a 12 month period)
- Meet healthcare requirements. (You may be required to get some form of health insurance depending on your circumstances)
- Meet the character requirement. If you have a criminal conviction in any country, you should apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) instead. Visitors on a 651 visa with a criminal conviction might be refused entry into the country.
- Have enough money to support yourself while you are visiting.
How much does health insurance cost?
We ask hundreds of Australians what they're paying for health insurance every month. Here's what they told us in July 2024.- Basic: $99
- Bronze: $141
- Silver: $183
- Gold: $221
Why does the 651 visa require insurance?
The 651 may require you to have some kind of insurance in order to meet the government's healthcare requirements. These are put in place so that you don't become a burden on the Australian healthcare system. Essentially, you need to look after yourself while you are here. That generally means you need some kind of healthcare cover.
Fortunately, there are plenty of Australian private health funds offering policies specifically designed to meet the cover needs of overseas visitors. These policies are known as overseas visitors health cover (OVHC) and they can protect you for things like surgery, pharmaceuticals and emergency ambulance.
More guides on Finder
-
International students in Australia: What insurance do you actually need?
Insurance can be confusing when you first arrive in Australia but only health insurance is compulsory – others can be good to have depending on your situation.
-
Best OVHC Policies for travel in Australia
We compared dozens of Overseas Visitor Health Cover policies to find some of the best policies for visitors and tourists.
-
590 Student Guardian Visa Health Insurance
Find out what health insurance you need for the 590 Visa and how to get cover for pre-existing conditions.
-
407 Training Visa Health Insurance
Find out who is eligible for 407 Training Visa, what you need, the requirements and the restrictions.
-
Permanent residency health insurance
Have you just got your permanent residency? See how you're covered for healthcare in Australia and compare your options today.
-
ahm Overseas Student Health Cover
ahm offers a range of health cover choices if you’re in Australia to study. See how it stacks up.
-
Insurance for international travel and overseas medical costs
If you incur medical or hospital expenses overseas, will your Australian private health insurance cover the cost? Find out here.
-
Bridging visa health insurance
If you’re in Australia on a bridging visa, it’s important that you choose a suitable level of private health insurance cover.
-
485 visa health insurance
Here’s how to find the right level of private health insurance cover for your needs if you reside in Australia on a 485 Temporary Graduate visa.
-
Health insurance for visitors
Find an adequate level of private health insurance to cover any medical costs incurred during your trip to Australia on a subclass 600 visa.