Australia entry requirements for France passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 2026·View sources
Visa 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 |
|---|---|---|
| ETA (Australia) applicationETA (Australia): Electronic Travel Authority — a digital visa linked to your passport. Required for all eligible passport holders. Apply via the Australian ETA app ($20 AUD fee) before travel. Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) | Download the Australian ETA app from the App Store or Google Play — the official app costs $20 AUD and links directly to your passport. Do not use third-party websites that charge extra fees. Approval usually comes within seconds, but apply at least 48 hours before departure in case of delays.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your French passport needs to be valid for the whole time you are in Australia. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Australian immigration, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Australia | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking showing you leave Australia within your ETA validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, hostel booking, or a letter from your host with their address and contact details. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 1,000 AUD per month of stay. Immigration rarely checks this for French passport holders, but budget airlines sometimes ask at check-in. | Recommended |
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 May 18, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (subclass 600) – single entry
Max stay3 months
Validity3 months from issue
CostAUD 150 (~USD 100)
Standard tourist visa for one entry. Apply online via ImmiAccount.
Tourist visa (subclass 600) – multiple entry
Max stay3 months per entry
Validity12 months
CostAUD 150 (~USD 100)
Allows multiple visits within a year. Good for frequent travellers.
Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)
Max stay12 months (extendable up to 2 years)
Validity12 months from first entry
CostAUD 510 (~USD 340)
For French citizens aged 18–30. Allows work and travel. Must apply before arrival.
Student visa (subclass 500)
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostAUD 620 (~USD 415)
For full-time study. Requires enrolment in a registered course and health insurance.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) – single entryStandard tourist visa for short stays. | AUD 150 (~USD 100) |
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) – multiple entrySame fee as single entry, allows multiple visits within validity. | AUD 150 (~USD 100) |
| Stay extension (onshore)Apply via ImmiAccount before current visa expires. | AUD 150 (~USD 100) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalties apply for overstaying visa validity. | AUD 100 (~USD 67) per day, max AUD 5,000 (~USD 3,350) |
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
No transit visa needed
French passport holders do not need a transit visa for Australia if transiting through an airport and staying airside for less than 8 hours. For longer transits or leaving the airport, a Visitor visa or ETA is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 8h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you have a valid Australian visa or ETA, you may leave the airport during transit.
- If you are a permanent resident of New Zealand, you may transit without visa.
Transit hubsSydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) · Melbourne Airport (MEL) · Brisbane Airport (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 = 1.4 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 May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.