Entry Requirements and Visa for Australia

People

For French Citizens

For travel purposes such as tourism or business, a passport valid for 6 months after the return date and an electronic travel authority (eVisitor) are required for any stay of up to 3 months. Additionally, an *"Incoming passenger card"* (passenger card) provided by the airline must be carefully completed upon arrival and presented with the passport to customs authorities.

The eVisitor "visa" is obtained exclusively online via the official authorities'website. It is free and should theoretically be requested at least 2 weeks before the travel date, although approval is usually quick, often within one or two days. As with other countries, Australian consular authorities abroad no longer issue visas.

Other Nationalities

The same requirements apply to Canadians, Swiss nationals, citizens of the European Union, and a few other nationalities.

Long Stays

Those wishing to stay longer than 3 months as tourists must apply online for a *"Visitor Visa"* (around 120 €), which allows a stay of 6 to 12 months, subject to proof of financial means. Theoretically, the application must be made while outside the country, although in practice, it is also possible to apply on-site, but at double the cost.

In Case of Violation

Australian authorities are quite strict in this regard. Overstaying may result in administrative detention and deportation (at the individual's expense), as well as a 3-year entry ban if the overstay exceeds 28 days.

Working Holiday Visa

This is the Working Holiday Visa (WHV), known in French as the "Permis Vacances Travail." This program, which combines travel and short-term work, is available in several countries, with Australia being a major destination.

In practice, the WHV is aimed at young people from certain countries, particularly Europeans, aged 18 to 35 without dependents. It requires valid medical insurance for the entire stay. Valid for one year, the WHV allows you to explore Australia and work under contracts of up to 6 months. It can be renewed (under certain conditions) for an additional year.

As with the eVisitor, all formalities are completed online on the same website. The application costs the equivalent of 400 € and is typically processed within 2 or 3 weeks. Note that you must not already be in Australia when applying for the first time.

Australian Consulates in France

• Consulate General: 4 rue Jean Rey, 75015 Paris. Tel.: 01 40 59 33 00.

Consulates in the French overseas territories:

• Consulate in Nouméa: Immeuble Norwich, 11 rue Georges Baudaux, 98800 Nouméa. Tel: (+687) 27 24 14.

• Honorary Consulate in Papeete: Tel.: +33 689 46 88 53.