What is the Difference between eVisitor 651 and Visitor Visa 600
Choosing the right short-stay visa for Australia can save time, money, and a lot of stress. Two commonly confused options are the eVisitor subclass 651 and the Visitor Visa subclass 600.
Both of them allow tourists and short-term business visitors to enter Australia. However, they differ in eligibility, cost, flexibility, and application pathways.
Through this post, we are going to present to you a clear and practical guide that compares the two. It also explains who should apply for which, and gives tips to pick the right option for your trip.
Let’s get started.
What Each Visa Does
eVisitor (subclass 651)
It is a free, electronic travel visa available only to passport holders of eligible countries (mainly European countries). It normally allows multiple entries over a 12-month validity period and permits stays of up to 3 months per visit.
Visitor Visa (subclass 600)
It is a broader visitor visa available to citizens of any country. It includes several streams ( such as Tourist, Business Visitor, Sponsored Family, Approved Destination Status, etc.) and can allow stays of 3, 6, or 12 months depending on the stream and circumstances.
Who is Eligible?
eVisitor (subclass 651)
This option is tailored for passport holders from specific countries; primarily European Union member states and some other European nations. If your passport appears on the eVisitor eligible list, this is often the quickest and cheapest choice.
Visitor Visa (subclass 600)
This option is available to applicants worldwide. It’s the go-to option when you’re not eligible for the eVisitor or ETA, or when you require a special stream (for example, family sponsorship or a longer stay). The Visitor Visa 600 requirements vary by stream and nationality.
Major Practical Differences
Cost
- eVisitor 651: No government application charge is applicable. It’s free.
- Visitor 600: Its costs can vary. Recent fee updates in mid-2025 changed Visitor Visa charges (offshore vs onshore fees differ). Thus, you must always check the official Home Affairs fee page before applying.
How to apply
- eVisitor 651: It is applied online via ImmiAccount. It has a simple electronic process for eligible passports.
- Visitor 600: It is lodged online via ImmiAccount (or in some cases paper/through application partners) and documents depend on the chosen stream. Some streams even require a sponsor or extra supporting evidence.
Duration And Entry Conditions
- eVisitor 651: It is valid for 12 months from the grant. Each visit lasts up to 3 months. You can enter multiple times while the visa is valid.
- Visitor Visa 600: It tends to be more flexible. Depending on the stream and the decision, visas can allow stays from 3 months up to 12 months on a single visit. Some applicants may also be granted multiple-entry stays within the visa validity. Processing officers decide the duration based on purpose and circumstances.
Streams And Special Purposes
- eVisitor 651 is essentially one product for tourism and short business activity (e.g., attending meetings or conferences). It’s not suited for family sponsorships or complex cases.
- Visitor 600 has multiple streams. They are:-
- Tourist Stream- It is for holiday or visiting friends/family.
- Business Visitor Stream- It is suitable for short, non-work business activities (meetings/conferences).
- Sponsored Family Stream- It requires an Australian sponsor and may carry different evidentiary requirements.
- Approved Destination Status (ADS)- It is for travellers from specific countries on organised tours.
If your travel plan involves sponsorship, longer stays or you’re from a country not listed for eVisitor/ETA, Visitor Visa 600 is often the right choice.
Processing Time And Convenience
- eVisitor 651: It is often processed fast because it’s electronically assessed for eligible passports. It’s commonly the least cumbersome short-stay option.
- Visitor 600: Its processing times vary by stream, nationality, and season. Some streams (e.g., Business Visitor or ADS) can be processed quickly. Sponsored and complex tourist applications, on the other hand, can take longer. You must check the Home Affairs processing time tool for current indicators. Average industry guides show a wide range depending on the stream.
Pros And Cons
eVisitor 651 (Pros)
- Free to apply.
- Quick and fully online process.
- Multiple entries within 12 months.
eVisitor 651 (Cons)
- Only for eligible passport holders (mostly from European countries).
- Max 3 months per visit and not suitable for longer stays.
Visitor Visa 600 (Pros)
- Available to all nationalities.
- Multiple streams to suit different needs (tourism, business, family sponsorship).
- Potential for longer single stays (up to 12 months depending on stream).
Visitor Visa 600 (Cons)
- Application charges may apply (and were updated in 2025 for some onshore/offshore applications).
- It can require more supporting evidence and processing may take longer for some streams.
Which Should You Choose?
- You can pick an eVisitor (subclass 651) if you
- hold an eligible passport,
- need a short (≤3 months) visit,
- want the cheapest and simplest online route,
- don’t need sponsorship or extended stays.
- You must choose a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) if you:
- are not eligible for eVisitor or ETA;
- need family sponsorship;
- want longer visits;
- Or your nationality requires the 600 visa streams.
You can also select 600 when your travel purpose or personal circumstances are more complex.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Assuming the eVisitor is available to everyone
You must check the eligible countries list before applying.
- Applying for the wrong stream under Visitor 600
Consider reading the stream descriptions carefully.
- Overlooking updated visa fees or applying close to travel dates without allowing for processing time
You must check the current Home Affairs fees and processing tools.
Final Recommendations
If you qualify for the eVisitor 651, it’s usually the fastest and most cost-effective way to enter Australia for short trips. If you don’t qualify, or your trip requires sponsorship or longer stays, the Visitor Visa 600 gives you the flexibility to match your needs. However, it comes with potentially higher costs and more documentation.
If you’d like tailored advice or assistance choosing the right stream, Visa Empire offers professional support to assess your situation, prepare the correct documentation, and lodge the application properly. As Perth’s trusted visitor visa specialists, we guide applicants through the eVisitor 651 vs Visitor Visa 600 decision and manage the visa application process as well.
Ready to pick the right travel visa for Australia?
Contact Visa Empire today. We are Perth’s expert visitor visa agents. Let us simplify your application from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between eVisitor Visa 651 and Visitor Visa 600?
The main difference between eVisitor 651 and Visitor Visa 600 lies in their respective eligibility and application processes. The eVisitor Subclass 651 is designed for citizens of specific European countries and can only be applied for outside Australia, offering free short-term stays of up to 3 months.
In contrast, the Visitor Visa Subclass 600 is open to applicants worldwide, including those already in Australia. It also allows longer stays (up to 12 months) but at the same time requires an application fee.
2. What is the difference between e-Visa and Visitor Visa?
An e-Visa (like the Australia eVisitor Visa 651) is a fully electronic visa that can be applied for online without paper documentation. It is mainly for short-term tourism or business visits.
The Visitor Visa Subclass 600, however, is a broader category that can include both online and paper applications. It offers more flexibility in duration and purpose such as visiting family, tourism, or business activities.
3. What is the 651 eVisitor Visa?
The eVisitor Subclass 651 is a type of Australian travel visa that allows eligible passport holders from certain European nations to visit Australia for tourism or business for up to three months per visit within a 12-month period. It’s free of charge, easy to apply for online, and one of the most convenient Australian visa options for short-term travellers.
