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4 ways to enter

Christmas Island visas

Christmas Island tourist visa

For a holiday on Christmas Island, online options include the eVisitor, ETA (an online travel permit) and Visitor visa.

Ways to get a Christmas Island tourist visa

  1. Travel from the Australian mainland

    No visa needed

    Travellers making the journey from the Australian mainland to Christmas Island.

  2. eVisitor (subclass 651)

    eVisa

    Passport holders from all European Union and European Free Trade Association member states, plus Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, the United Kingdom and Vatican City.

    Stay
    Up to 3 months per visit.
    Valid for
    12 months.
    Entries
    Unlimited visits.
    Fee
    Free.
    Processing
    Many applications are granted in minutes. Others need further checks.
    1. Apply online using your eligible passport.
    2. Provide any extra documents requested during assessment.

  3. ETA (an online travel permit, subclass 601)

    eTA needed

    Holders of passports from the listed countries and territories may apply.

    Stay
    Up to 3 months per visit.
    Valid for
    12 months.
    Entries
    Unlimited visits.
    Fee
    A$20 service charge.
    Processing
    Many applications are granted in minutes. Extra checks can take longer; some Malaysian applications may take more than 72 hours.
    1. Apply online or through a participating travel agent, airline or specialist service provider.
    2. Pay the A$20 service charge.
    3. Provide extra documents if requested.

  4. Visitor visa (subclass 600)

    eVisa

    People seeking a short visit for tourism or business.

    Stay
    Up to 3, 6 or 12 months, depending on the visa granted.
    Valid for
    Eligible Chinese citizens applying from China may receive a 10-year visa. Eligible citizens of Timor-Leste and all ASEAN countries may also receive a 10-year visa.
    1. Apply online for the Visitor visa.
    2. Attend a visa centre to provide biometrics if you receive a request.

Who needs it

Visitors arriving from outside Australia need entry permission that suits their passport and travel plans.

Who doesn't

Travellers coming from the Australian mainland do not need a passport or visa for the journey to Christmas Island, but must show photo identification.

How to apply

  1. Choose the online visitor option that matches your passport and travel plans.
  2. Submit the application online.
  3. Provide extra information or biometrics if requested.

What to bring

  • Passport details for an online visa application.
  • Photo identification when travelling from the Australian mainland.
  • Biometrics if requested for a Visitor visa.

Good to know

  • eVisitor and ETA applicants must meet health and character requirements.
  • Follow the stay limit attached to your visa.
  • Australian visas are electronic and linked to passport details. A visa label or stamp is not needed.
  • Entry and transit using Somali travel documents are refused. Somali nationals must use other documents.

Questions

Do I need a tourist visa for Christmas Island?

Visitors arriving from outside Australia need entry permission that suits their passport and travel plans. Travellers coming from the Australian mainland do not need a passport or visa for the journey to Christmas Island, but must show photo identification.

What are the ways to get a tourist visa for Christmas Island?

There are 4 options: Travel from the Australian mainland (no visa at all); eVisitor (subclass 651) (an online visa); ETA (an online travel permit, subclass 601) (an online travel permit); Visitor visa (subclass 600) (an online visa).

Who can go to Christmas Island without a tourist visa?

Travellers making the journey from the Australian mainland to Christmas Island.

Can I apply online for Christmas Island?

Yes: eVisitor (subclass 651), ETA (an online travel permit, subclass 601) and Visitor visa (subclass 600). Passport holders from all European Union and European Free Trade Association member states, plus Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, the United Kingdom and Vatican City.

How long can I stay on a Christmas Island tourist visa?

The eVisitor and ETA allow up to 3 months per visit. Visitor visas may allow up to 3, 6 or 12 months.

How much does a Christmas Island tourist visa cost?

The eVisitor is free. The ETA has an A$20 service charge.

How long does a Christmas Island tourist visa take?

Many eVisitor and ETA applications are granted in minutes. Others need more checks.

How long is a Christmas Island tourist visa valid?

The eVisitor and ETA cover a 12-month period. Entries: Unlimited visits with an eVisitor or ETA..

What documents do I need for a Christmas Island tourist visa?

Passport details for an online visa application.; Photo identification when travelling from the Australian mainland.; Biometrics if requested for a Visitor visa..

How do I apply for a Christmas Island tourist visa?

1. 1. Choose the online visitor option that matches your passport and travel plans. 2. 2. Submit the application online. 3. 3. Provide extra information or biometrics if requested.

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