Electronic Travel Authority
(subclass 601)
This visa category allows travel to Australia for tourism, cruises, or visiting family and friends with flexible stays of 3, 6, or 12 months. It’s crucial to apply from outside Australia, ensuring a smooth process. Whether for family visits, cruises, or vacations, this versatile visa stream accommodates diverse travel needs.
Tourist Stream
Discover Australia with this visa category designed for tourists, family and friend visits, or non-business and non-medical purposes. Here’s what you need to know:
1.You may be granted a stay for up to 12 months.
2.Enjoy the flexibility to visit friends and family, go on a cruise, or have a holiday.
3.If your current visa is expiring and you wish to extend your stay, consider this visa option.
4.Ensure you are in Australia both during the application and when the visa decision is made.
5.This visa stream caters to various travel needs, providing an opportunity for memorable experiences and extended stays.
Eligibility Criteria:
For cruise arrivals in Australia, obtaining a visa is essential. If your cruise is a round trip starting from Australia, the cruise time is part of your stay, and it doesn’t reset your visa period. Confirm with your cruise operator to understand if this applies. Having accurate information about your cruise and visa rules ensures a smooth travel experience.
Business Visitor Stream
As a business visitor, you have the flexibility to:
- Make general business or employment inquiries.
- Engage in activities related to business contracts, negotiations, or reviews.
- Participate in official government visits.
- Attend conferences, trade fairs, or seminars, without receiving payment.
However, it’s important to note that you cannot:
- Work for or provide services to an Australian business.
- Sell goods or services directly to the public..
The ETA is not a work visa, and engaging in paid work may lead to visa cancellation, removal, or refusal of entry. To work in Australia, you must hold a suitable work visa. Refer to “Working in Australia” for more information.
How long you can stay
This visa offers temporary entry to Australia, valid for 12 months or until your passport expires, whichever is shorter. Noteworthy points include:
Multiple entries are allowed, permitting you to come and go freely for up to 3 months per entry.
Extended stays or frequent visits may prompt inquiries about your travel intentions. If found inconsistent, your ETA could be canceled.
For stays exceeding 3 months, apply for a suitable visa to match your circumstances.
The 12-month period begins upon visa approval, unless holding another existing substantive visa. Plan your travels accordingly, adhering to these guidelines for a seamless experience.
If you want to Stay longer
Extending this visa won’t lengthen your stay; apply for a different visa. Explore options to understand alternatives. If your ETA expires, staying without a new visa may lead to being an unlawful non-citizen, risking removal. Be aware of your visa status, apply when needed for a seamless, lawful stay in Australia.
Including family
When applying, note that family members, including children and spouses, can’t be in the same application. Each, even those on your passport, needs a separate application for accurate details and efficient processing. Adhering to this ensures a comprehensive and smooth visa application. Ensure each family member completes their own application to avoid complications. Stay informed to navigate the process seamlessly, ensuring accurate submission for each member.
Cost
While there’s no Visa Application Charge (VAC), there’s a nominal AUD $20 application service fee using the Australian ETA app available on the Android and iOS app. This fee supports the application process convenience. Remember, this fee is separate from the visa application cost. By including this small fee, the ETA app ensures a user-friendly platform. Be aware of this minimal charge for a smooth application experience. Stay informed about associated fees to navigate seamlessly and avoid surprises.
Apply from
When applying for the ETA, be outside Australia, a crucial requirement during application and visa grant. This ensures a smooth, compliant process, following necessary procedures accurately. Adhering to this instruction contributes to ETA application efficiency and success. Stay informed for a seamless process and a hassle-free travel experience.
Processing times
In most cases, you’ll promptly receive your ETA application outcome. Delays may occur if:
- ETA app responses are inaccurate.
- Additional information is required.
- Verification poses challenges.
For those with a criminal record, applying for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) is advised, providing evidence. Ensuring accurate responses streamlines the ETA application for an efficient travel experience. Stay informed for a successful application.
Your obligations
You must meet all visa conditions and obey Australian laws.
Health insurance
Strongly consider health insurance for unexpected medical expenses during your Australia stay. Personal responsibility for healthcare costs underscores the importance of insurance to mitigate financial risks. Explore options for comprehensive coverage tailored to overseas visitors, gaining insights for informed decisions. Prioritize health coverage for peace of mind, safeguarding against unforeseen medical needs. Learn about recommended insurance plans for comprehensive protection during your stay.
Reciprocal healthcare agreements
Some countries have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia. Find out more from Services Australia about reciprocal healthcare agreements.
Travel
You can travel outside Australia and return as many times as you want while the visa is valid.
Visa label
Your visa will be digitally linked to your passport, eliminating the need for a physical label. However, if your current passport expires or if you acquire a new one:
- Your existing ETA will become invalid.
- Applying for a new ETA is necessary.
Other visas
Special Purpose visa or Maritime Crew visa
If you possess a Maritime Crew visa or a Special Purpose visa and are granted an ETA, both visas will be held simultaneously. Upon arrival in Australia, entry will be granted on both visas, allowing you to stay for the longer of the two visa periods. If this extended period surpasses 3 months, the ETA will conclude, but you are permitted to remain in Australia for the duration of the other visa’s specified stay period. Understanding this dual visa arrangement ensures a smooth and informed experience, enabling you to make the most of your stay while complying with the applicable visa regulations.
Any other substantive visa
If you have another valid substantive visa along with an ETA upon entering Australia, your entry will be processed under the substantive visa, not the ETA. The ETA becomes active only after the cessation of the other visa. It’s important to note that the 3-month ETA stay period begins upon entry to Australia. To extend your stay beyond the 3-month ETA period, ensure your existing substantive visa remains valid for a duration exceeding 3 months. This understanding of the visa dynamics allows for a smoother transition and compliant stay in Australia, aligning with the applicable regulations. Check your existing visa’s validity for a seamless experience.
Be a genuine visitor
Your intention should solely be a temporary stay in Australia, and it’s imperative to comply with any conditions or specified stay periods linked to your visa. This means you commit to staying in the country for a limited duration as outlined in your visa terms. It’s essential to understand and adhere to these conditions to ensure a smooth and lawful visit. By maintaining a clear understanding of your temporary stay commitment and following the visa guidelines, you contribute to a positive and compliant experience during your time in Australia. Stay informed and respect these guidelines for a hassle-free stay.
Meet our health requirement
You must meet our health requirement.
If you will be entering health care or hospital environments, you should apply for a Visitor (subclass 600) visa.
Meet our character requirement
You must meet our character requirement.
If you have a criminal conviction in any country, you should apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) and provide evidence about your criminal convictions.
If you are granted an ETA, but we find that you provided incorrect information, your ETA may be cancelled.
Have paid back debt to the Australian Government
If you or any family members (including those who don’t apply for the visa with you) owe the Australian Government money, you or they must have paid it back or have arranged to pay it back.
Best interests of the child
We might not grant this visa if it is not in the best interests of an applicant under 18.