Australia Expands Biometric Visa Checks via Immi App to 34 Countries
Australia’s Immi app now lets travelers from 34 countries, including Thailand and Malaysia, complete biometric identity checks on their phones, reducing the need for in-person visits to consulates.
Travelers to Australia now enjoy a streamlined experience thanks to the expansion of the Australian government’s « Immi » app. The update allows passport holders from 34 countries—including Thailand, Malaysia, and South Korea—to complete biometric identity checks directly on their phones.
This major modernization aims to eliminate the need for eligible applicants to visit an Australian embassy or consulate in person, a process that is often both costly and time-consuming.
Digital and fast-tracked process
The Immi app (Australian Immi App) lets users scan their passport chip via NFC technology and submit a live photo to verify their identity. Once these details are sent to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), most applicants receive an update within 24 hours.
This innovation significantly reduces processing time, especially for travelers located far from consular centers, saving both travel and accommodation costs.
The application is available for download on the App Store and Play Store.
Strict eligibility requirements
While access has been broadened to 34 countries, using the app is subject to specific criteria. To qualify, applicants must:
Have previously submitted biometric data (fingerprints and a photo) during a visa application to the Department of Home Affairs;
Possess a visa lodgment number (VLN) starting with AUI or AUH;
Have a valid passport and a smartphone (iOS or Android) with a working camera and NFC capability.
It’s important to note the app only handles the biometric portion of the process; other visa application steps remain unchanged.
Affected nationalities
Nationals from several countries, including France, are confirmed as beneficiaries of this system by late 2025. Here are the eligible nationalities:
Asia: Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong
Pacific: Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
Africa: South Africa
Before starting your application, we recommend verifying your eligibility for an Australian visa. A range of visa types are available—see the full list on the official Australian authorities website.
Most European passport holders qualify for the eVisitor (Visa Subclass 651), which allows for tourism or short business stays. The visa is valid for 12 months from issuance and permits stays of up to 90 days per entry across multiple visits to Australia. All steps can be completed online, and approvals are delivered via email. Learn more about applying for an eVisitor visa on visamundi.co.
En tant que chargée de relation client, mes missions sont la gestion et le suivi des demandes de visas. Je reste informée des actualités concernant les nouvelles formalités de voyage ainsi que les spécificités des nouveaux visas.
