Australia’s breathtaking landscapes, from the rugged beauty of the Outback and the vibrant Great Barrier Reef to the sophisticated cities of Sydney and Brisbane, continue to allure travelers from the Baltic and Central Europe. Citizens of Latvia and Hungary enjoy one of the most accessible and entirely free visa options available—the eVisitor visa (subclass 651), which is processed completely online with no application fee. This guide explores theAUSTRALIAN VISA FOR LATVIA CITIZENS and the AUSTRALIAN VISA FOR HUNGARY CITIZENS, providing both nationalities with clear information to plan seamless and flexible journeys to Australia.

Overview of the eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651)

The eVisitor visa is a fully electronic authorization linked directly to the passport, requiring no physical stamp or document. It is offered at no cost to citizens of the European Union and select other European countries, including Latvia and Hungary. This visa provides the same privileges as the paid Electronic Travel Authority but without any charge, reflecting Australia’s positive relations with Europe.

Valid for 12 months from the date of grant, the eVisitor allows unlimited entries into Australia. Each individual stay can last up to three months, making it exceptionally convenient for extended holidays, multiple short visits, or integrating tourism with business activities. Travelers can marvel at the natural wonder of Kakadu National Park, relax on the beaches of the Whitsundays, explore the cultural heritage of Canberra, or participate in industry events in Perth without the need for repeated visa submissions.

Eligibility for Latvian and Hungarian Citizens

Latvian and Hungarian passport holders qualify automatically for the eVisitor visa based solely on their citizenship. There are no additional requirements such as sponsorship, proof of financial means, or mandatory health insurance, although comprehensive travel coverage is highly recommended given Australia’s substantial healthcare costs.

The passport should remain valid throughout the intended stay, with a recommended minimum of six months validity for added security. Children traveling on separate passports require individual eVisitor authorizations, which parents or guardians can easily apply for.

Simple and Rapid Online Application

Applications are submitted through the Australian Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount portal and typically take only a few minutes. Applicants provide basic personal details exactly as they appear in the passport, including full name, date of birth, passport number, and nationality.

A valid email address is essential for receiving confirmation and any correspondence. The vast majority of applications are processed automatically and approved within seconds or minutes. In the rare cases needing manual review, approval is usually received within 48 hours.

Once granted, the eVisitor is electronically attached to the passport. Airlines verify the authorization during check-in, and Australian border officials access the same system upon arrival, eliminating the need for printed documents.

Permitted Activities and Key Conditions

The eVisitor visa supports tourism, family visits, and a wide range of business activities, including attending conferences, seminars, trade fairs, or conducting market research. Limited negotiations and contract signing are also permitted. Short-term volunteering incidental to a holiday is generally acceptable if it does not constitute employment.

Formal study is limited to three months per visit. Paid work of any kind is strictly prohi***ed. Transit through Australia to another destination is covered without additional paperwork.

Travelers may enter and exit Australia as often as they wish during the 12-month validity period, provided no single stay exceeds three months. Breaching these conditions can result in visa cancellation and potential future entry restrictions.

Health and Character Requirements

Australia applies consistent health and character checks to all eVisitor applicants through automated systems. Serious criminal convictions or certain health issues may lead to refusal, though this is uncommon for Latvian and Hungarian citizens.

Routine medical examinations are not required for short-term eVisitor stays. However, all visitors are strongly encouraged to obtain travel health insurance, as Australia does not provide reciprocal healthcare for most nationalities.

Practical Tips for Latvian and Hungarian Travelers

The eVisitor visa covers entry by air and sea, including cruise ship passengers. Australia’s universal visa system means the authorization applies regardless of the arrival port.

Given the vast distances between major attractions, domestic flights are often the most efficient way to explore multiple regions. Booking early secures better rates and availability.

Both Latvia and Hungary experience opposite seasons to Australia, making the Australian summer a popular winter escape, while the milder Australian winter is ideal for exploring the tropical north or the arid interior.

Registering travel plans with the respective foreign ministry’s consular services provides valuable support in emergencies. The official Australian government travel app offers convenient access to visa details and local information while on the move.

With its zero cost, near-instant processing, and generous multiple-entry privileges, the eVisitor visa remains one of the most traveler-friendly short-term authorizations worldwide. For citizens of Latvia and Hungary, it opens Australia’s vast and captivating experiences with remarkable simplicity and freedom.