Australia eVisa

Australia offers two main eVisa options for international travelers: the eVisitor (Subclass 651), completely free for European passport holders, and the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, Subclass 601), costing AUD 20, applied for exclusively via the Australian ETA app. Both allow multiple entries, stays of up to 3 months per visit, and 12-month validity from the date of grant.

What Is the Australia eVisa? (eVisitor 651 vs ETA 601 vs Tourist Visa 600)

Australia eVisa is an electronically stored travel authorization linked directly to your passport number — there is no physical visa sticker or label.

The Australian Department of Home Affairs issues two types of eVisa for short-term visitors: the eVisitor (Subclass 651) and the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, Subclass 601).

A third option, the Tourist Visa (Subclass 600), exists for travelers who are not eligible for either eVisa type.

Comparison: eVisitor 651 vs ETA 601 vs Tourist Visa 600

eVisitor (Subclass 651)

The eVisitor (Subclass 651) is a free electronic visa available to passport holders from European countries. It is applied for online through ImmiAccount, the Australian Government’s visa portal.

The eVisitor allows multiple entries to Australia within a 12-month period, with each stay limited to 3 months. You can use it for tourism, visiting family or friends, business visitor activities, and study or training for up to 3 months in total.

Australian citizens are not eligible for the eVisitor — they use a separate entry process.

Electronic Travel Authority / ETA (Subclass 601)

The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, Subclass 601) is the eVisa for eligible non-European passport holders. Since 2025, all ETA applications must be submitted through the Australian ETA app — the only official channel.

The service fee is AUD 20, payable by credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. The ETA is typically approved immediately, though some applications may take up to 72 hours.

Important (2026 update): Website-based ETA applications are no longer accepted. The Australian ETA app is the only valid application channel. Any website offering to process your ETA is fraudulent.

Tourist Visa (Subclass 600)

The Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) is for travelers whose passport country is not eligible for the eVisitor or ETA. This includes citizens of India, China, and most countries in Africa and the Middle East.

The Tourist Visa requires more documentation, takes longer to process, and costs significantly more than the eVisa options. Applications are submitted via ImmiAccount.

Who Is Eligible for an Australia eVisa? Country List 2026

Eligibility for an Australia eVisa depends entirely on your passport country. The Department of Home Affairs determines which passport holders qualify for the eVisitor 651, the ETA 601, or neither.

You must check your eligibility before applying — applying for the wrong visa type will result in a refusal.

Countries Eligible for eVisitor (Subclass 651)

The eVisitor is available to passport holders from the following European countries:

• EU member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
• Other European countries: Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, Vatican City
• Non-European: United Kingdom (British Citizens)

Note: UK passport holders qualify for the eVisitor 651 (free), not the ETA 601.

Countries Eligible for ETA (Subclass 601)

The ETA is available to passport holders from the following countries:

• Americas: United States of America, Canada
• Asia-Pacific: Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Brunei, Malaysia, Hong Kong (SAR), Taiwan

Note: US passport holders qualify for the ETA 601 (AUD 20 via app), not the eVisitor.

Countries That Need a Tourist Visa (Subclass 600)

If your passport country is not listed above, you need to apply for a Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) or another appropriate visa. This includes citizens of:

• India, China, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand
• Most countries in Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and South America
• Russia, Ukraine, and most other Eastern European non-EU countries

Check the full eligibility list on the official Department of Home Affairs website at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before applying.

Australia eVisa Cost 2026

The cost of an Australia eVisa depends on which type you are eligible for.

The eVisitor (651) is completely free, while the ETA (601) costs AUD 20 as a service fee. Any amount above AUD 20 is a scam.

eVisitor (Subclass 651) — Free

The eVisitor has no Visa Application Charge (VAC) and no service fee. Applying through ImmiAccount is entirely free. There are no hidden charges, no processing fees, and no agent fees required.

ETA (Subclass 601) — AUD 20 Service Fee

The ETA costs AUD 20 as a service fee to use the Australian ETA app. This is the only legitimate charge. Payment is made directly within the app using:

• Credit card (Visa, Mastercard)
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay

There is no additional Visa Application Charge (VAC) for the ETA. The total cost is AUD 20 — nothing more.

How to Apply for Australia eVisa Step by Step

To apply for an Australia eVisa, European passport holders use ImmiAccount online for the eVisitor 651, while all other eligible travelers must use the official Australian ETA app for the ETA 601.

No website applications are accepted for the ETA. Apply from outside Australia only.

How to Apply for eVisitor (Subclass 651) — ImmiAccount

1. Check eligibility — confirm your passport country qualifies for the eVisitor 651.
2. Create an ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au (or log in if you already have one).
3. Start a new application — select “eVisitor (Subclass 651)”.
4. Complete the application form — personal details, passport information, travel purpose.
5. Submit the application — no fee required.
6. Wait for the outcome — processing time varies; check the visa processing time guide tool on the Department of Home Affairs website.
7. Receive confirmation — the eVisitor is linked electronically to your passport; no physical document is issued.

Tip: Apply well in advance of your travel date. Do not book flights or accommodation until your eVisitor is granted.

How to Apply for ETA (Subclass 601) — Australian ETA App

The Australian ETA app is the only valid channel for ETA applications. Follow these steps:

Before you apply — check you have:

• A valid passport from an eligible country
• An NFC-enabled smartphone with a working camera
• Location services enabled on your device
• A valid email address you can access
• A payment method: credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay

Application steps:

1. Download the Australian ETA app — free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Scan your passport — the app reads your passport biodata page using NFC to pre-fill your name, date of birth, and passport number.
3. Take a selfie — the app captures your photo during the application.
4. Answer the questions — including whether you have any criminal convictions, other names used, and contact details in Australia.
5. Review your details — check twice before submitting.
6. Pay the AUD 20 service fee — by credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
7. Submit the application — each person (including infants and children) must submit a separate application.
8. Wait for the outcome — most ETAs are approved immediately; check your email (including spam/junk folder) within 72 hours.

Group/family applications: If traveling with family or a group, use the Group ID function in the app. All members of the group must be physically present when applying, as each person needs their photo taken.

Travel agents: You can use an authorized travel agent to help with the application, but you must be physically present as your photo must be taken and your passport scanned.

What to Do If Your ETA Needs More Information

If you receive a notification that your ETA application cannot be processed immediately, you must provide additional information to the Department of Home Affairs.

Do not delay — act as soon as you receive the notification.

Steps to provide further information:

1. Create or log in to ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
2. Open the ETA Application Outcome Notification letter and click the link to the ETA form in ImmiAccount.
3. Download and complete Form 1554 — “ETA request for further processing”.
4. Attach the following documents via ImmiAccount:
   • Copy of your passport biodata page and national identity card (front and back)
   • Completed Form 1554 (under “Supplementary Questions / ETA Supplement Information”)
   • Cover letter explaining your reason for visiting Australia, intended stay, and activities
   • Evidence of employment or study in your country of residence (employer statement, student ID)
   • Evidence of sufficient funds (bank statements, salary slips)
   • Evidence of travel arrangements (accommodation bookings, airfares — do not finalize until visa granted)
   • List of immediate family members (full names, dates of birth, relationship)

Important: Apply at least 4 weeks in advance of your intended travel date. The Department of Home Affairs cannot expedite processing for pre-arranged travel.

Australia eVisa Processing Time

The Australia ETA (601) is typically approved immediately through the app, though some applications may take up to 72 hours.

The eVisitor (651) processing time varies and applicants should apply at least 4 weeks before travel.

Key rules for all Australia eVisa types:

• Do not book flights or accommodation until your visa is granted
• The Department of Home Affairs cannot provide processing updates for applications lodged with insufficient time
• Processing cannot be expedited for pre-arranged travel — this is not considered a compelling reason
• If your ETA is refused, you may lodge a new application with additional supporting evidence

How Long Can You Stay in Australia with an eVisa?

Both the eVisitor 651 and ETA 601 allow stays of up to 3 months per visit, with a 12-month validity period from the date of grant, enabling multiple entries to Australia within that year.

The 3-month limit applies to each individual entry — not to the total time spent in Australia across all visits.

Key stay conditions:

• Per visit: up to 3 months (approximately 90 days)
• Validity: 12 months from the date the visa is granted (ETA validity is the shorter of 12 months or passport expiry)
• Entries: unlimited multiple entries within the 12-month validity period
• Purpose: visits must be for tourism, family, or business visitor purposes — not for work or primary study

Important: The Australia eVisa is not designed for repeated extended stays. If you plan to stay in Australia for longer periods or for purposes other than tourism/business, you need a different visa type.

If you renew your passport after your ETA is granted, you must apply for a new ETA — the existing ETA is linked to your old passport number and will not be valid with your new passport.

What Can You Do on an Australia eVisa?

On an Australia eVisa you can visit as a tourist, see family and friends, undertake business visitor activities, and study or train for up to 3 months — but you cannot work or take up primary study.

The permitted activities are the same for both the eVisitor 651 and the ETA 601.

Permitted Activities

You can use an Australia eVisa to:

• Tourism: Holidays, cruises, sightseeing, recreational activities
• Family and friends: Visiting relatives or friends living in Australia
• Business visitor activities: Attending conferences, meetings, negotiations, or trade fairs (not working for an Australian employer)
• Study or training: Up to 3 months in total — short courses, workshops, language programs

Note on study: The eVisa study allowance is for incidental or short-term training only. Applicants seeking to train at a childcare centre, or study to become a doctor, dentist, nurse, or paramedic, may face additional restrictions.

What Is NOT Allowed on an Australia eVisa

The following activities are not permitted on an eVisitor or ETA:

• Working for an Australian employer or earning income in Australia
• Primary study (enrolling in a full-time course as the main purpose of your visit)
• Repeated extended stays — the eVisa is not designed for people who want to live in Australia long-term through repeated 3-month visits
• Applying from inside Australia — you must be outside Australia when you apply

Australia eVisa Requirements — Documents Checklist

To apply for an Australia eVisa you need a valid passport from an eligible country and a working email address.

For the ETA app specifically, you also need an NFC-enabled smartphone with a camera and a credit card or digital payment method. Requirements differ slightly between the eVisitor 651 and the ETA 601.

eVisitor (Subclass 651) Requirements

• Valid passport from an eligible European country
• Passport validity: sufficient for your intended stay (6 months recommended)
• ImmiAccount — free account at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
• Email address — for application confirmation and outcome notification
• Apply from outside Australia
• No criminal convictions that would affect eligibility (character requirements apply)
• Health requirements may apply in some cases

ETA (Subclass 601) Requirements

• Valid passport from an eligible non-European country
• NFC-enabled smartphone (iPhone or Android) with a working camera
• Location services enabled on your device
• Australian ETA app downloaded (free from App Store or Google Play)
• Email address — for outcome notification (check spam/junk folder)
• Payment method: credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay (for AUD 20 fee)
• Apply from outside Australia
• Each traveler (including infants and children) must submit a separate application

If Further Information Is Requested (ETA only)

• ImmiAccount — create or log in
• Form 1554 — “ETA request for further processing” (download and complete)
• Passport biodata page copy + national identity card (front and back)
• Cover letter explaining visit purpose, intended stay, and activities
• Employment/study evidence (employer statement, student ID)
• Financial evidence (bank statements, salary slips)
• Travel arrangements (accommodation bookings, airfares — do not finalise until visa granted)
• Family member list (full names, dates of birth, relationships)

FAQs About Australia eVisa

How do I get an eVisa for Australia?

European passport holders apply for the free eVisitor (Subclass 651) online via ImmiAccount. All other eligible passport holders apply for the ETA (Subclass 601) using the official Australian ETA app (AUD 20).

Does Australia do an eVisa?

Australia offers the eVisitor (651) for European passport holders (free) and the ETA (601) for other eligible nationalities (AUD 20). Both are electronic authorizations; no physical visa sticker is issued.

How long can you stay in Australia with an eVisa?

Both the eVisitor 651 and ETA 601 allow stays of up to 3 months per visit, with 12-month validity and unlimited multiple entries. The 3-month limit applies per entry, not as a total across all visits.

Which countries are eligible for eVisa in Australia?

European passport holders (EU, UK, Norway, Switzerland, and others) qualify for the free eVisitor 651. Passport holders from the USA, Canada, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and others qualify for the ETA 601 (AUD 20).

How long does the Australia eVisa take to process?

The ETA (601) is typically approved immediately, with a maximum of 72 hours. The eVisitor (651) processing time varies. Apply at least 4 weeks before travel and do not book flights until your visa is granted.

Can I work in Australia on an eVisa?

No, working in Australia is not permitted on either the eVisitor (651) or ETA (601). These visas cover tourism, family visits, and business visitor activities only. A separate work visa is required for employment.

Do I need to print my Australia eVisa?

No, the Australia eVisa is stored electronically and linked to your passport number. Airlines and the Australian Border Force automatically verify it.

What happens if my Australia ETA is refused?

You may lodge a new application with additional supporting evidence. If your application requires more information, follow the instructions in the outcome letter: log in to ImmiAccount, download Form 1554, and submit the required documents.

Do I need to renew my Australia eVisa if I renew my passport?

Yes, the ETA (601) and eVisitor (651) are linked to your passport number. If you renew your passport, you must apply for a new eVisa before traveling to Australia.

Can I apply for an Australia eVisa from inside Australia?

No, both the eVisitor (651) and ETA (601) must be applied for from outside Australia. If you are already in Australia, apply for a different visa type via ImmiAccount.

Can children apply for an Australia eVisa?

Yes, but each person, including infants, must submit a separate application. For ETA applications, each applicant must be physically present for the photo. Use the Group ID function in the app for family or group travel.

What is the Australian ETA app?

The Australian ETA app is the official Department of Home Affairs mobile app for ETA (601) applications, available free on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

What is the Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) and when do I need it?

The Tourist Visa (600) is for travelers not eligible for the eVisitor or ETA — including citizens of India, China, and most of Africa and the Middle East.

Last updated: April 2026. Information based on official Australian Department of Home Affairs data. Always verify current requirements at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before applying.