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Australia Visa for Germany Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

German citizens need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) for Australia — apply online via the Australian ETA app or immi.homeaffairs.gov.au; fee AUD 20, approval usually within minutes to 24 hours.

Guide last updated September 8, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least the duration of the intended stay, machine-readable biometric passport
  • ETA application via the official Australian ETA mobile app or immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
  • No separate photo requirement for the ETA, but a passport-style photo may be taken via the app during application
  • Proof of onward or return ticket may be requested by the airline or on arrival
  • Sufficient funds for the stay may be checked at the border
  • Biometrics: fingerprints and photo may be collected on arrival at Australian airports (SmartGate for eligible passport holders)
  • Travel health insurance: strongly recommended, not mandatory for tourists

Visa types

  • ETA (subclass 601): tourism and business visitor stays, multiple entries, each stay up to 3 months, valid for 12 months from issue, fee AUD 20
  • eVisitor (subclass 651): free alternative for EU/EEA passport holders including Germans, multiple entries within 12 months, each stay up to 3 months, no fee
  • Visitor visa (subclass 600): for stays longer than 3 months or specific purposes like family visits; fee starts around AUD 190
  • Working Holiday visa (subclass 417): for Germans aged 18-30 (or 35 in some cases); fee around AUD 650

How to apply online

  • Apply via the free ImmiAccount portal for eVisitor (subclass 651), which is the recommended free option for German citizens, or through the ETA app for subclass 601 (AUD 20 fee)
  • Steps: create an ImmiAccount or download the Australian ETA app, enter passport details and personal information, answer health/character declaration questions, submit
  • Fee: eVisitor is free; ETA app costs AUD 20 (approx. EUR 12) via card payment
  • Processing time: most eVisitor and ETA applications are approved within minutes, but can take up to 12-24 hours or a few days if manual checks are needed
  • Approval arrives via email and is electronically linked to the passport; no physical stamp or sticker is issued

Fees & processing time

  • eVisitor (subclass 651): free, recommended for German tourists and short business visits
  • ETA (subclass 601): AUD 20 (~EUR 12) service fee
  • Visitor visa (subclass 600): AUD 190-365 depending on stream
  • No VFS/BLS intermediary needed; all applications are made directly online
  • Standard processing: minutes to 24 hours for eVisitor/ETA; up to 20-30 working days for subclass 600

Tips for Germany travelers

  • Apply for the free eVisitor (651) rather than the paid ETA (601) unless you specifically need the app-based option — both cover tourism and business but eVisitor has no fee
  • Apply at least a few days before travel, though most approvals are near-instant
  • Common rejection reason: entering incorrect passport details or having a passport that will expire before the visa's 12-month validity window causes mismatches
  • No VFS/BLS or embassy visit needed — the entire process is online through Australian government systems
  • Check visa conditions carefully if planning to combine tourism with short business meetings, as both are covered but paid work is not

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.