Australia entry requirements for France passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 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
French passport holders need a visa to enter Australia in 2026. The easiest option for short visits is the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which you apply for online before you travel. Plan ahead — processing can take a few days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisitor visa (subclass 651)You need to get this visa approved before you fly; it's free and quick to apply online. Online application required | French citizens must apply for an eVisitor visa online before traveling to Australia. The visa is free and typically processed within 1-2 business days. It allows stays of up to 3 months per visit for tourism or business visitor purposes. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before you go. At least 6 months on arrival | Your French passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of arrival in Australia. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's an empty page in your passport for border officials to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps and visa labels. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIt's wise to have a flight out of Australia booked, as border officers might ask to see it. May be requested at border | Although not always required at check-in, Australian immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket to ensure you will leave before your visa expires. Carry a copy of your itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsHave bank statements or a credit card ready in case an officer asks how you'll support yourself. May be requested at border | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Australia. No specific amount is set, but having access to at least AUD 1,000 per month of stay is a common guideline. | Recommended |
| Australian Travel DeclarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form before you land. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for French citizens entering Australia. The previous Digital Passenger Declaration has been discontinued. | Not required |
Apply for your ETA early
Don't wait until the last minute. While most ETAs are approved quickly, some applications get flagged for manual review and can take days. Apply at least a week before your departure.
SmartGate at Australian airports
French e-passports are eligible for SmartGate — automated kiosks that speed up immigration. Look for the machines after you land. You'll scan your passport, answer a few questions, and get a ticket to hand to the officer.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website or download the ETA app. Fill in your passport details, travel plans, and answer a few questions. Pay the fee (around AUD 20). Approval usually comes within minutes to a few days.
2
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, gather your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Save digital copies on your phone and print backups.
3
Arrive at the airport in France
Check in for your flight. The airline will verify your ETA status electronically. They may ask to see your return ticket. Board as normal.
4
Land in Australia and go through immigration
At the airport, follow signs for 'Arrivals' and 'Immigration'. Use the SmartGate kiosk if available (French e-passports are eligible). Scan your passport, answer a few questions on screen, and get a ticket. Hand it to the officer. They may ask about your plans — be honest and concise.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. Proceed through customs (declare any food, plants, or animal products). Then you're free to enter Australia.
Download Australia Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Visitor visa (subclass 600)
Max stayUp to 12 months
ValidityUsually 12 months from grant date
CostAUD 475
For longer stays or if you don't qualify for an ETA. Requires a full application and may require health checks.
Business visitor visa (subclass 600)
Max stayUp to 3 months per visit
ValidityUsually 12 months
CostAUD 475
For business activities like meetings, conferences, or negotiations. Not for paid work.
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from first entry
CostAUD 650
For French citizens aged 18–30 (or 35 for some). Allows work and study. Must apply before arrival.
work visa
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
Permanent residency
AUD 4,045 (~USD 2,700)
For skilled workers with occupation on the skilled list. Requires points test, English proficiency, and skills assessment. Grants permanent residency.
Apply student visa
Student visa (subclass 500)
Up to 5 years
AUD 620 (~USD 415)
For full-time study at a registered Australian institution. Allows part-time work. Must have health insurance (OSHC).
Apply retirement visa
Investor Retirement visa (subclass 405)
Up to 4 years, renewable
AUD 4,045 (~USD 2,700)
For retirees aged 55+ with significant assets (AUD 750,000+). Requires investment in designated state/territory. No work allowed.
Apply digital nomad visa
No specific digital nomad visa
Varies
Varies
Australia does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers typically use a Visitor visa (subclass 600) or Working Holiday visa if eligible.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) application feePaid online via the Australian ETA app or website. | AUD 20 |
| Visa application service charge (if applying via a travel agent or third-party)Optional; only if you use an agent. | Varies (approx. AUD 30–50) |
| Visa extension (onshore) – Visitor visa (subclass 600)For extending stay beyond ETA's 3 months; must apply before current visa expires. | AUD 475 |
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
Transit visa required
French passport holders transiting through Australia (including airside) need a transit visa (subclass 771) unless they hold a valid ETA or other Australian visa. The ETA is the easiest option for transit.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid ETA (subclass 601) or other Australian visa do not need a separate transit visa.
- Passengers on the same aircraft who do not pass through immigration may be exempt, but this is rare and must be confirmed with the airline.
Transit hubsSydney (SYD) · Melbourne (MEL) · Brisbane (BNE)
Health & vaccines for Australia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Ross River virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne virus found in rural and coastal areas; symptoms include joint pain and rash.
Murray Valley encephalitisLow risk
Rare but serious mosquito-borne disease in northern regions; risk increases after heavy rains.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
Extreme heat in summer months can cause dehydration and heatstroke; stay hydrated and avoid midday 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 enquiries and appointments. Bring all original documents.
Melbourne
Department of Home Affairs – Melbourne Office
2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions and applications. Book online first.
Practical information for FR 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. French passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA subclass 601) for tourism or business visits up to 3 months. Apply online before you travel.
Most ETAs are approved within minutes, but it can take up to a few days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
The ETA application fee is AUD 20 (about €12). There are no additional charges unless you use a third-party service, which may add a markup.
No. The ETA is for a maximum stay of 3 months per visit and cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa (e.g., Visitor Visa subclass 600) before your ETA expires.
You will be denied boarding by the airline. Airlines check visa status electronically before issuing a boarding pass. You must have an approved ETA before you fly.
Yes. Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a return or onward ticket booked and a screenshot saved on your phone.
No, but it's strongly recommended. Australia has no reciprocal healthcare agreement with France, so medical costs can be very high. A basic travel insurance policy is cheap peace of mind.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.