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Electronic Travel Authority
(subclass 601)
This visa category allows travel to Australia for tourism, cruises, or visiting family and friends, with a flexible stay of up to 3 months at a time within a 12-month period. However, it is a requirement to apply from outside Australia. To apply, you can use the Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa through the AustralianETA app, available on the App Store.
Tourist Stream
Discover Australia with an Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa, designed for tourists, family and friend visits, or non-business and non-medical purposes. Here’s what you need to know:
- You may be granted a stay of up to 12 months.
- Enjoy the flexibility to visit friends and family, go on a cruise, or take a holiday.
- If your current visa is expiring and you wish to extend your stay, consider this visa option.
- Ensure you are outside Australia both during the application process and when the visa decision is made.
- This visa stream caters to various travel needs, offering opportunities for memorable experiences and extended stays.
By understanding these key points, you can plan your visit to Australia with confidence and ease.
Passport Eligibility Criteria: ETA (Subclass 601)
The ETA visa is available to citizens holding passports from the following countries: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong (SAR of China), Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Norway, Portugal, Republic of San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan (excluding official or diplomatic passports), The Netherlands, United Kingdom–British Citizen, United Kingdom—British National (Overseas), United States of America, Vatican City.
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; therefore, engaging in paid work may result in visa cancellation, removal, or refusal of entry. To work in Australia, you must hold a suitable work visa.
How long you can stay
Australia Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa for Australia 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 an Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa will not lengthen your stay; instead, you should apply for a different visa. Therefore, explore your options to understand available alternatives. If your ETA expires and you remain without a new visa, you may become an unlawful non-citizen, risking removal. Thus, it’s important to stay aware of your visa status and apply for a new visa when necessary to ensure a seamless and lawful stay in Australia.
Including family
When applying, note that family members, including children and spouses, cannot be included in the same application. Instead, each person, even those listed on your passport, requires a separate application for accurate details and efficient processing. By adhering to this, you ensure a comprehensive and smooth visa application. Therefore, make sure each family member completes their own application to avoid complications. Stay informed to navigate the process seamlessly, ensuring accurate submission for each member.
Cost of ETA (Subclass 601)
While there is no Visa Application Charge (VAC), a nominal AUD $20 application service fee applies when using the Australian ETA App, available on Android and iOS. This fee supports the convenience of the application process. By including this small charge, the ETA App ensures a user-friendly platform. Therefore, be aware of this minimal fee to ensure a smooth application experience. Staying informed about associated fees will help you navigate the process seamlessly and avoid any surprises.
Apply from
When applying for the ETA, be outside Australia, a crucial requirement during the application submission and at the time the visa is granted. This ensures a smooth, compliant process, following necessary procedures accurately. Adhering to this instruction contributes to ETA application efficiency and success.
Processing times
In most cases, you’ll promptly receive your ETA application outcome. However, delays may occur if:
- ETA app responses are inaccurate,
- Additional information is required, or
- Verification poses challenges.
For those with a criminal record, applying for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) is advised, along with providing supporting evidence. By ensuring accurate responses, you can streamline the ETA application process for a more efficient travel experience.
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.
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 also granted an ETA, then both visas will be held simultaneously. Upon your 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 hold a valid substantive visa along with the ETA, then your entry into Australia is processed under the other substantive visa. The ETA will become active if the other substantive visa ends. Note that the ETA and its 3-month stay starts upon your arrival date in Australia. To stay beyond that 3 months ETA date, then ensure your other substantive visa remains valid or you are able to apply for another visa. Always check your visa’s validity to avoid issues.
General requirements
Be a genuine visitor
Your stay in Australia should be temporary, and you must comply with the conditions and duration specified in your visa.
Meet the health requirement
You must meet the health requirement.
If you will be entering health care or hospital environments, you should apply for a Visitor (subclass 600) visa.
Meet the character requirement
You must meet the character requirements.
If you apply for an ETA and fail to disclose a criminal conviction or provide incorrect information, your ETA can be canceled, and you may face difficulties reapplying.
Have paid back debt to the Australian Government
If you or any family members owe money to the Australian Government, it must be paid or arrangements made before applying.
Best interests of the child
Your visa may be denied if it is not in the best interests of an applicant under 18.