Australia entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders can enter Australia for tourism or business visitor activities with an eVisitor visa (subclass 651). It's free, valid for 12 months, and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit. You must apply online before traveling — there's no visa-on-arrival option.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisitor (subclass 651) visaYou need this visa to enter Australia; it's linked electronically to your passport. Electronic visa for Swiss citizens | Swiss passport holders must apply for an eVisitor (subclass 651) visa online before travel. The visa is free and valid for 12 months from grant, allowing stays of up to 3 months per visit. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. Minimum 6 months from arrival | Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of arrival in Australia. Ensure it meets this requirement before applying for the eVisitor. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesAustralian border officials need a blank page for stamps. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps or visa labels. Most Swiss passports have ample pages, but verify before travel. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou need to show you'll leave Australia within your visa's allowed stay. Proof of departure from Australia | You must hold a return or onward ticket to leave Australia before your eVisitor visa expires. This is checked at check-in and may be requested by border officers. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsHaving proof of money helps show you can support yourself during your visit. For your stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as bank statements or credit cards. While not always requested, it's a condition of the eVisitor visa and may be checked on arrival. | Recommended |
| Australian Travel DeclarationYou can skip any arrival declaration step. Not required for Swiss citizens | No arrival declaration is required for Swiss citizens entering Australia. You do not need to complete any pre-arrival online form. | Not required |
Don't use third-party visa websites
Some sites charge €50–€100 for eVisitor applications that are actually free. Always apply directly through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website. The official process takes 15 minutes and costs nothing.
eVisitor is valid for 12 months
Once approved, your eVisitor allows multiple entries for 12 months, with each stay up to 90 days. If you plan multiple trips within a year, you don't need to reapply.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisitor online
Go to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website and complete the eVisitor application. You'll need your passport details, contact info, and answers to health/character questions. It takes about 15–20 minutes.
2
Wait for approval (usually 1–2 days)
Most applications are approved within 1–2 business days. You'll receive an email confirmation. Check your spam folder. If it takes longer, you can check status online with your application ID.
3
Check in and fly
At the airport, the airline will verify your eVisitor electronically. Show your Swiss passport as usual — no need to print anything, but keep a copy of the approval email on your phone just in case.
4
Arrive in Australia and clear immigration
On arrival, use the SmartGate kiosks (ePassport gates) if available — Swiss passports are eligible. Scan your passport, answer a few questions, and proceed to the officer if prompted. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready if asked.
Download Australia Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visitor visa (subclass 600)
Max stay3 months
Validity12 months
CostAUD 190
For business activities like meetings, conferences, or negotiations.
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from first entry
CostAUD 650
For Swiss citizens aged 18–30; allows work and study up to 4 months.
Student visa (subclass 500)
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostAUD 710
For enrolled students; requires Confirmation of Enrolment.
work visa
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
Permanent residency
AUD 4,240 (~USD 2,830)
For skilled workers with occupations on the skilled occupation list. Requires points test, English proficiency, and skills assessment. Grants permanent residency and work rights.
Apply student visa
Student visa (subclass 500)
Up to 5 years (course duration)
AUD 620 (~USD 415)
For full-time study at a registered Australian institution. Requires enrolment, sufficient funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work (40 hours per fortnight).
Apply investor visa
Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188)
4 years, renewable, leading to permanent residency
AUD 5,735 (~USD 3,830)
For investors and business owners with significant assets (AUD 2.5 million+). Requires state nomination and investment in complying investments. Pathway to permanent residency.
Apply retirement visa
Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405)
4 years, renewable
AUD 1,045 (~USD 700)
For retirees aged 55+ with substantial assets (AUD 750,000+ for regional areas, AUD 1.5M+ for non-regional). Requires designated investment and health insurance. No work rights.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa application charge (if applying for subclass 600 outside eVisitor)Standard visitor visa application fee, if applicable. | AUD 190 |
| Visa extension (onshore application for subclass 600)For extending stay while in Australia; subject to conditions. | AUD 455 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Australia
No transit visa needed
Swiss citizens transiting through Australia are generally exempt from a transit visa if they hold a valid visa or are eligible for eVisitor. However, if you are not eligible for eVisitor or hold a different nationality, a Transit visa (subclass 771) may be required.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Swiss citizens are eligible for eVisitor, which covers transit stays.
- If you have a criminal record or other visa refusal history, you may need a transit visa.
Transit hubsSydney (SYD) · Melbourne (MEL) · Brisbane (BNE)
Health & vaccines for Australia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Ross River virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in rural and coastal areas; risk is seasonal.
Murray Valley encephalitisLow risk
Rare but serious mosquito-borne disease in northern regions.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid peak sun.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Sydney
Department of Home Affairs – Sydney Office
26 Lee Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
For visa applications and inquiries. Appointments recommended.
Melbourne
Department of Home Affairs – Melbourne Office
2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions and immigration matters. Bring all relevant documents.
Practical information for CH travellers
Country basics
CapitalCanberra
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 3 months. IDP recommended.
Money
CurrencyAustralian Dollar (AUD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.45 AUD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+10
vs New York+15h to +16h depending on state
vs Los Angeles+18h to +19h depending on state
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
IType I — unique Australian plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink everywhere in Australia.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Australia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Most are approved within 1–2 business days, but the official processing time can be up to 2 weeks. Apply at least 2 weeks before your flight to be safe.
Yes, the eVisitor (subclass 651) is completely free. There are no application fees. Beware of third-party websites that charge a fee — use the official Department of Home Affairs site.
No, the eVisitor is not extendable. You must leave Australia before your 90 days are up. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa (like a visitor visa subclass 600) before your eVisitor expires.
No, the eVisitor does not allow paid work. You can do business visitor activities (meetings, conferences, negotiations) but not actual employment. For work, you need a work visa like the subclass 482.
No, the eVisitor is linked electronically to your passport. Just show your Swiss passport at check-in and at immigration. It's wise to have a copy of the approval email on your phone in case of any system issues.
If you have a substantial criminal record (e.g., a sentence of 12 months or more), you may be refused an eVisitor. You'd need to apply for a visa that allows a character assessment, which can take months. Be honest on the application — false declarations lead to bans.
Yes, Swiss passport holders can use Australia's SmartGate kiosks at major airports (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, etc.). Scan your passport, answer a few questions, and you'll get a ticket to present to an officer. It's usually faster than the regular queue.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.