ETA Australia (Electronic Travel Authority)

Foreign nationals visiting Australia must have the correct travel documents. This usually includes a valid Australia visa or travel authority (Subclass 601).

Australian ETA Application

Citizens of certain countries do not need to obtain a visa and can instead enter with an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).

This page outlines important information relating to the Australia ETA, including who is eligible, requirements, and how to apply.

What is the ETA (visa subclass 601)?

The ETA Australia is an electronic travel authority for tourism or business purposes.

If you’re from an eligible country, you can get an ETA for Australia completely online through the electronic platform.

An ETA is similar to en eVisitor visa, however each of these permits is available to specific nationalities. If you’re not eligible for the ETA and you have a European passport, you may be eligible for the eVisitor visa (subclass 651).

Travellers who are not eligible for the ETA or eVisitor must obtain a visa through an embassy or consulate.

Australia ETA Sample

Who can apply for the ETA?

The ETA 601 visa Australia is valid for citizens of the following countries:

  • Brunei
  • Canada
  • Hong Kong
  • Japan
  • Malaysia
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan
  • United States

Nationalities that are not eligible for an ETA must apply for a different type of Australian visa.

How does the ETA work?

You can get the ETA through the Australia visa application online. You need to complete the form with personal information such as full name, nationality, address, and contact telephone. Data from your passport information page will also be requested.

You must indicate whether the stay is for tourism or business. You also need to provide credit/debit card details to pay the visa fee and an email address to receive your ETA.

It’s necessary to meet the Health and Character requirements for Australia before the 601 visa Australia can be approved. If you have served more than 1 year of jail time you cannot apply for the ETA visa Australia online. You'll need to apply for an Australia visitor visa or another type of visa.

What types of travel is an ETA valid for?

The ETA visa Australia is valid for the following purposes:

  • Holiday
  • Cruise
  • Visiting family or friends
  • Business purposes
  • Study or complete a training course
  • Volunteer work

What is the permitted length of stay with an ETA?

Whith the ETA visa Australia ypu can stay in Australia for 90 consecutive days (3 months).

An ETA is valid for 12 months and it is multiple-entry. You can enter and leave Australia various times until the ETA Australia or your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Fee Protection for Your ETA

Travelers applying for an ETA can now add Fee Protection for extra flexibility. This service ensures that you can request a refund for your payment under specific conditions, such as:

  • Medical issues that make travel impossible.
  • Flight disruptions, including cancellations.
  • Certain other unavoidable circumstances

Your Fee Protection is valid for up to 120 days from the payment date.

To add this service, simply tick the Fee Protection option during the checkout process. It’s an easy way to safeguard your plans and reduce travel-related stress.

Visit Australia with an ETA

After the application is submitted, the ETA visa Australia will take around 24 hours to be processed.

You'll be notified about the outcome of the ETA application by email:

  • ETA Australia has been approved
  • Applicant has to make a new application
  • Application has been referred for further assessment. The status of the application can then be followed using the online Check an ETA option.

Before you depart for Australia

If the visa is approved, you'll receive the Australian ETA in your email inbox. Print a copy of the 601 visa Australia to present at border control.

Also ensure you have the passport used to apply for the ETA.

When you reach the border

All foreign citizens arriving in Australia are required to complete an Incoming Passenger Card, including ETA Australia visa holders. This document provides a record of the traveller’s entry to Australia. It also serves as a declaration that you meet the health and character requirements.

You can pass through border control faster if you use one of the SmartGates installed at the 9 major airports in Australia.

While you are in Australia

Once in Australia, you can use your ETA visa Australia to travel all over the country. You can leave and come back multiple times until the visa expires.

You are obliged to advise the Australian Immigration Authority of any of the following while in Australia:

  • Change of phone number or email address
  • Change in relationship status
  • Birth of a child

As the ETA Australia is attached to your current passport, the visa will become invalid if your passport expires. Foreign citizens in Australia with an expired ETA cannot request a new ETA, and must instead obtain a different visa.

FAQs about the Australian ETA

How do I apply for an Australian ETA? Toggle faqs

The application for the Australian ETA (Electronic Travel Authority, subclass 601) is quick and easy and can be completed entirely online.

This means you can apply for an ETA from home or the office as long as you have access to the internet. There is no need to visit an Australian embassy or consulate in person.

To send the ETA request:

  • Fill out the application form
  • Upload copies of the relevant supporting documents
  • Pay the ETA application fee by debit or credit card
How long is an Australian ETA valid for? Toggle faqs

The Australian ETA is valid for 12 consecutive months (1 year). Make as many trips to Australia as you need during this time — it is a multiple-entry permit.

Each stay cannot exceed 90 consecutive days (3 months.) After this time, you must leave Australia and can re-enter or apply for a different visa.

If you want to stay in Australia for longer than 3 months, you should apply for the long term visa that suits your circumstances.

Can I get an Australian ETA at the airport? Toggle faqs

All visitors must obtain their valid travel authorisation for Australia prior to reaching the Australian border. The ETA will not be issued at the airport.

Most ETA permits are issued quickly and it is possible to apply on the go from any device that can connect to the internet.

Please note: it is advisable to submit the request at least 2 days before the intended departure date. That is to allow for potential delays.

How long does it take for an Australian ETA to be approved? Toggle faqs

Most ETA petitions are reviewed and approved within 24 hours. It may take up to 48 hours in some cases. You should apply at least 2 days before leaving, sooner when possible.

Delays may occur for a variety of reasons, the main ones being:

  • Incomplete or missing information in the application
  • Missing documents in the application
  • Public holidays in Australia

Review your visa request carefully before submitting it to avoid potential delays.