Australia Introduces Free eVisitor Visa for Travelers

Australia's Department of Home Affairs has introduced the eVisitor visa, classified under subclass 651, which allows eligible foreigners to enter Australia multiple times over a 12-month period without an application fee. Visa holders can stay for up to three months per visit for leisure, family visits, attending conferences, signing business contracts, or short-term study.

However, the visa strictly prohibits any paid work or services for Australian employers, with potential cancellation and removal consequences for breaches. Holders cannot extend their stay beyond three months on this visa and must apply for a different visa if they wish to remain longer.

Frequent visitors may face questioning regarding their travel purpose upon re-entry, and those not deemed genuine visitors risk having their visa canceled. Specific visa conditions can be verified through VEVO, Australia's online visa entitlement verification system.