Australia entry requirements for Germany 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
German passport holders can travel to Australia without a traditional visa, but you'll need to apply for an eVisitor visa online before you fly. The eVisitor is free, valid for 12 months, and lets you stay up to 90 days per visit. You must have your eVisitor approved before boarding your flight to Australia.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisitor visa (subclass 651)You need this visa to enter Australia. Apply online before you travel. Electronic visa for German citizens | German passport holders must obtain an eVisitor visa before travelling to Australia. Apply online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs. The visa is free and valid for 12 months from the date of grant, allowing stays of up to 3 months per visit. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must be valid for 6 months after you leave Australia. At least 6 months beyond intended stay | Your German passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of departure from Australia. Ensure your passport meets this requirement before applying for the eVisitor visa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a blank page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps and visa labels. Check that you have a blank page available before you travel. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketShow that you plan to leave Australia before your visa expires. Proof of departure from Australia | You must hold a return or onward ticket to a country you are eligible to enter. This is a standard requirement for entry as a visitor. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsIt's wise to carry proof of funds in case an officer asks. For your stay in Australia | You may be asked to show evidence that you have enough money to cover your stay, such as bank statements, credit cards, or cash. The amount is not fixed but should be sufficient for your planned activities and duration. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceProtect yourself against unexpected costs. Recommended for medical and travel coverage | While not mandatory, travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen events during your stay in Australia. | Recommended |
| Australian Travel DeclarationYou can skip this step – it's not needed for your nationality. Not required for German citizens | No arrival declaration is required for German citizens entering Australia. You do not need to complete any pre-arrival health or customs declaration. | Not required |
eVisitor is free — don't pay third parties
The official eVisitor application costs nothing. Some websites charge a 'service fee' to submit the form for you. Always use the Australian Department of Home Affairs website directly.
Apply before booking non-refundable flights
While approval is almost certain for German passport holders, it's not instant. Wait for your eVisitor confirmation before booking flights or hotels that you can't cancel.
SmartGates speed up arrival
German passports are eligible for Australia's SmartGates at major airports. Use the automated kiosks to skip the queue — just scan your passport and follow the prompts.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisitor online
Go to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website and fill out the eVisitor (subclass 651) application. It takes about 15-20 minutes. You'll need your passport details and contact information. There's no fee.
2
Wait for approval
Most applications are approved within 1-2 business days, but it can take up to 2 weeks. You'll receive an email confirmation. Check your spam folder if you don't see it.
3
Check your visa status before flying
Before you leave for the airport, use the VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) system to confirm your eVisitor is active and linked to your passport.
4
Arrive in Australia
When you land, go through passport control. German passports are eligible for SmartGates at major airports like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane — use the automated kiosks for faster processing. Have your passport ready.
5
Present your passport at immigration
If you're not using SmartGates, present your passport to an officer. They may ask about your stay, accommodation, and return plans. Answer honestly and have your return ticket handy.
Download Australia Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Tourist stream
Max stay12 months
ValidityUsually 12 months from grant date
CostAUD 190
For longer stays or if not eligible for eVisitor. May include conditions.
Business visitor visa (subclass 600) – Business stream
Max stay3 months per visit
ValidityUsually 12 months
CostAUD 190
For business activities such as meetings, conferences, or negotiations.
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from first entry
CostAUD 635
For German citizens aged 18–30 (or 35 for some). Allows work and study.
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
Max stayUp to 4 years
ValidityUp to 4 years
CostAUD 1,455
Requires employer sponsorship and occupation on skilled list.
work visa
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
Up to 4 years
AUD 1,330 (~USD 890)
For skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer. Requires relevant qualifications and English proficiency.
Apply student visa
Student visa (subclass 500)
Duration of course (up to 5 years)
AUD 710 (~USD 475)
For full-time study at a registered Australian institution. Allows part-time work and family accompaniment.
Apply retirement visa
Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405)
Up to 4 years, renewable
AUD 3,800 (~USD 2,540)
For retirees aged 55+ with significant assets (AUD 750,000) and income. Requires investment in designated assets.
Apply digital nomad visa
No specific digital nomad visa; use Working Holiday or Visitor visa
Varies
Varies
Australia does not offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers typically use a Visitor visa (up to 3 months) or Working Holiday visa (if eligible).
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) application feeFor those not eligible for eVisitor or seeking longer stay. | AUD 190 |
| Visa application service charge (if applying via VFS)Optional if using a service provider. | AUD 25 |
| Visa extension (onshore) – Visitor visa (subclass 600)For applying to extend stay while in Australia. | AUD 455 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
German citizens transiting through Australia do not need a visa if they remain airside and depart within 8 hours. However, they must hold a valid eVisitor or other visa if leaving the airport transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 8h
Exceptions & conditions
- If transiting through a different airport (e.g., arriving in Sydney and departing from Melbourne) a visa is required.
- If you need to clear immigration (e.g., to collect baggage and re-check it) a visa is required.
Transit hubsSydney (SYD) · Melbourne (MEL) · Brisbane (BNE)
Health & vaccines for Australia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Ross River virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease found in rural areas; symptoms include joint pain and rash.
Murray Valley encephalitisLow risk
Rare but serious mosquito-borne virus in northern regions.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause dehydration and heatstroke; stay hydrated.
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 inquiries and applications; 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 general immigration matters.
Practical information for DE 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
Getting to Australia
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Australia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need an eVisitor (subclass 651) visa. It's free and applied for online. You can't get it at the airport — you must have it approved before you fly.
You can stay up to 90 days per visit. The visa is valid for 12 months from the date it's granted, and you can enter multiple times during that year.
Nothing. The eVisitor (subclass 651) is completely free. Beware of third-party websites that charge a fee — you can apply directly on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
Most applications are processed within 1-2 business days, but the official processing time can be up to 2 weeks. Apply as soon as you have your travel dates.
No. The eVisitor is strictly for tourism or business visitor activities. You cannot work or study for more than 3 months. If you want to work, you'd need a different visa like the Working Holiday visa.
It's rare for German citizens, but if it happens, you'll receive a refusal letter. You can apply for a different visa, like a Visitor visa (subclass 600), which has a fee and more requirements. Contact the Australian embassy in Berlin for guidance.
Not routinely, but an immigration officer can ask. Have bank statements or a credit card available. It's also wise to have travel insurance — not mandatory, but recommended.
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.