Australia Visa RequirementsFor Ireland passport holders
Irish citizens need the Australia eVisitor visa (subclass 651) to enter Australia. Despite being free and approved almost instantly online, it is a mandatory pre-travel requirement. The eVisitor allows multiple entries and up to 3 months per visit across a 12-month validity period.
Ireland passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to Australia.
Apply for the eVisitor online at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before departure. No fee. Most applications are approved within minutes but can take up to a few days. The visa is linked electronically to your passport and does not produce a physical stamp or label. Working Holiday Visas (417) are available to Irish citizens aged 18 to 35 and allow 12 months of work and travel, extendable to 2 to 3 years.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651) Approval Email
Must be applied for online before departure at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. The approval email should be saved or printed. The visa is linked electronically to your passport.
Required at Entry
Valid Passport
Must be the same Irish passport linked to your eVisitor grant.
eVisitor Grant Confirmation
Electronic confirmation of eVisitor (651) approval. The visa is linked electronically to your passport.
Valid Irish Passport
The same passport used in the eVisitor application must be presented at entry. Ensure validity covers your entire trip.
Return or Onward Ticket
Evidence of plans to depart Australia within the 3-month stay.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Australia within the 3-month period. Airlines check this at check-in.
Proof of Funds Recommended
Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Australian immigration may ask.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Immigration may ask about financial means to support yourself during your stay.
Current Travel Situation
Ireland to Australia: What You Need to Know
Australia does not offer visa on arrival or visa-free entry to any nationality, including Irish citizens. However, the eVisitor visa (subclass 651) is specifically designed for passport holders of EU and certain other countries. It is free, processed online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website, and typically approved within minutes to a few hours. It is valid for 12 months and allows multiple visits of up to 3 months each. Irish citizens cannot work in Australia on an eVisitor: those wishing to work must apply for a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417), which is very popular among young Irish people.
How to Get There
Australia's size means domestic air travel is essential between cities. The east coast (Sydney-Melbourne-Brisbane-Cairns) is the classic tourist route. The west coast (Perth, Margaret River) requires a separate trip. New Zealand is a short flight from Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane and is a natural addition to an Australia trip.
Money & Banking
Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD). Cards are accepted virtually everywhere. Australia is very cashless and contactless payments are nearly universal. ATMs are available everywhere but rarely needed.
Practical Tips
Australia is a very popular destination for Irish travelers and one of the most established destinations for the Irish diaspora. An estimated 100,000 Irish-born people live in Australia at any time, with Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth having established Irish communities. Direct flights from Dublin are now operated by Qantas and other airlines, though most routes involve one stop. Flights are long: Dublin to Sydney is approximately 22 to 24 hours with a stopover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Irish citizens need a visa for Australia?
Yes. Despite the strong ties between Ireland and Australia, no visa is offered on arrival. Irish citizens must apply for the free eVisitor visa (subclass 651) online before departure.
What is the Australia eVisitor visa?
The eVisitor (subclass 651) is a free electronic visa specifically for passport holders of EU and selected other countries. It allows multiple visits of up to 3 months each within a 12-month period. It is purely for tourism and business visits: working in Australia requires a separate visa.
How do I apply for the Australian eVisitor visa?
Apply at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. The application is completely free and typically approved within minutes to 1-2 days. The visa is linked electronically to your passport.
How do I apply for the Australia eVisitor?
Apply online at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/evisitor-651. No fee, no consulate visit required. Approval typically comes within minutes to a few hours by email.
How long can Irish citizens stay in Australia on an eVisitor?
Each stay on an eVisitor is up to 3 months. The visa is valid for 12 months from grant date, allowing multiple visits within that period, each up to 3 months.
Can Irish citizens work in Australia?
Not on the eVisitor visa. To work in Australia, Irish citizens aged 18 to 35 can apply for the Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417), which allows 12 months of work and travel, extendable to 2 to 3 years.
Can I work in Australia on an eVisitor visa?
No. The eVisitor does not permit working. For working stays, Irish citizens (aged 18-35) can apply for a Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417), which allows 12 months of work and travel.
How long is the flight from Ireland to Australia?
Dublin to Sydney takes approximately 22 to 24 hours with one stopover. Perth is slightly shorter via Middle Eastern hubs. There are no non-stop flights from Ireland to Australia.
Are there direct flights from Ireland to Australia?
No. Connections via Dubai (DXB), Singapore (SIN), London (LHR), or Bangkok (BKK) are needed. Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Qantas serve Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL). Total journey time is 22-28 hours.
What are the main Irish communities in Australia?
Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane have the largest established Irish communities. Melbourne's Irish community is particularly large and active. Seasonal workers often go to regional areas for fruit picking and farming.
What currency does Australia use?
Australia uses the Australian dollar (AUD). Cards are universally accepted. Tipping is not a cultural expectation but is becoming more common in cities.
Do I need travel insurance for Australia?
Yes. Australia has excellent healthcare but it can be very expensive for non-residents. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended.
Where do most Irish people live in Australia?
The largest Irish communities in Australia are in Sydney (NSW) and Melbourne (VIC), followed by Brisbane (QLD) and Perth (WA). Many Irish arrived under the Working Holiday Visa scheme.
Can I visit New Zealand from Australia?
Yes. Trans-Tasman flights between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland are frequent and relatively inexpensive. New Zealand requires a separate NZeTA.