Last updated: 31 August 2026. Fees and policies are subject to change. Always verify on the Department of Home Affairs website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au).
The total eTA Australia cost in 2026 is AUD $20, a one-time app service fee covering unlimited entries for 12 months. Some nationalities enter free via the eVisitor visa.
The AUD $20 service fee is paid exclusively through the Australian ETA App and processed via the Apple App Store or Google Play. There is no Visa Application Charge (VAC) for the Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601), making the app fee the only required payment for eligible travelers.
While citizens of countries like the United States must pay the AUD $20 eTA fee, passport holders from 28 eligible European nations can enter using the completely free eVisitor visa (Subclass 651) with the same 12-month validity and multiple-entry benefits.
How Much Does an Australian eTA Cost in 2026?
The total eTA Australia cost in 2026 is AUD $20, a single service fee with no separate government Visa Application Charge (VAC) for the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), Subclass 601.
| Fee Component | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Charge (VAC) | AUD $0 (waived for ETA Subclass 601) |
| eTA Service Fee (via Australian ETA App) | AUD $20 |
| Total eTA Australia Cost | AUD $20 |
The AUD $20 fee is processed exclusively via Apple App Store or Google Play in-app payment systems. The Visa Application Charge waiver is confirmed by three embassy sources: usa.embassy.gov.au, gov.uk, and malaysia.highcommission.gov.au. According to the Australian Migration Regulations 1994 (Schedule 1, Item 1218A), the VAC for Subclass 601 is waived. For complex cases, the Department of Home Affairs website provides a Visa Pricing Estimator tool. Note: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au lists “From AUD $250” for certain visa streams, but this refers to the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), not the standard ETA app fee of AUD $20.
Who Qualifies for a Free eTA or eVisitor Visa?
Passport holders from 28 eligible countries get the free eVisitor visa (Subclass 651); others pay the standard eTA Australia cost of AUD $20.
The 28 eVisitor-eligible countries include: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and Vatican City. US citizens are NOT eligible and must pay the AUD $20 ETA fee. For the complete list, see the official Home Affairs eVisitor page.
In rare cases, the Department of Home Affairs applies concessions, waiving the eTA Australia cost for specific diplomatic or official passport holders under limited circumstances. The AUD $20 fee has been in place since November 2022. Any future adjustments by the Australian Government will be reflected on the ETA App.
eTA Australia Cost for Families and Hidden Bank Fees
Every traveler, including infants and children, must submit a separate eTA application and pay the AUD $20 service fee individually. The eTA Australia cost scales linearly with family size, with no group discount or reduced rate for minors.
| Family Size | eTA Applications | Total Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Couple | 2 | $40 |
| Family of 3 | 3 | $60 |
| Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children) | 4 | $80 |
| Family of 5 | 5 | $100 |
Non-Australian payment cards may incur a foreign transaction fee of 1.5 to 3 percent, adding AUD $0.30 to $0.60 per application. Example: A US traveler using a Citibank Visa with 3% foreign transaction fee pays AUD $20 + AUD $0.60 = AUD $20.60. A UK traveler using a Monzo card with 0% FX fee pays exactly AUD $20. A Canadian traveler using a TD Bank Mastercard with 2.5% FX fee pays AUD $20 + AUD $0.50 = AUD $20.50. To avoid this surcharge, use a travel-friendly card with 0 percent foreign transaction fees.
How to Apply and Pay Without Overpaying
Apply exclusively through the Australian ETA App to ensure the eTA Australia cost never exceeds the base AUD $20 service fee.
Download the application
Install the Australian ETA App on iOS or Android. The app is published by VFS Global in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Enter travel details
Submit your passport information and complete the required eligibility questions directly within the app interface.
Process the payment
Pay the AUD $20 fee using Visa, Mastercard, Google Pay, or Apple Pay. PayPal and bank transfers are not accepted.
Third-party websites such as eta-australia.com, australia-eta.org, and etaaustraliaonline.com charge AUD $30 to $80+ in additional service fees. Any website charging more than AUD $20 or requesting payment via bank transfer is not the legitimate channel. After payment, the app displays a confirmation screen with your application reference number (e.g., ETA601-XXXXX-XXXXX). An email receipt is sent within 5 minutes. Processing typically completes within 2 hours, but may take up to 3 business days per gov.uk and malaysia.highcommission.gov.au.
Refund Policy and ETA Validity Explained
The AUD $20 eTA service fee is non-refundable once submitted and processed, per the Department of Home Affairs. If the Electronic Travel Authority is refused, no refund of the service fee is available. Travelers who withdraw an application before processing may be eligible for a partial or full refund depending on the stage. System errors: Contact the Australian ETA App support directly via the Help section within the app. The app is developed by VFS Global; their support email is [email protected]. Per immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, refunds for system errors are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
The AUD $20 eTA Australia cost covers a 12-month validity period from the date of grant, with unlimited multiple entries. Each visit is capped at 3 months (90 days). After the 12-month period expires, a new application and a new AUD $20 fee are required.
eTA Australia Cost vs Other Visitor Visa Options
Compare the AUD $20 eTA with the free eVisitor and the AUD $190+ Visitor Visa to find your cheapest option.
| Visa Type | Subclass | Cost (AUD) | Validity | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authority | 601 | AUD $20 | 12 months | 3 months |
| eVisitor | 651 | AUD $0 | 12 months | 3 months |
| Visitor Visa | 600 | AUD $190-$475+ | 3-12 months | 3 months |
The AUD $0 eVisitor offers identical benefits to the ETA for 28 eligible nationalities. The Visitor Visa (AUD $190+) is for those who do not qualify for ETA or eVisitor. For comparison, the UK ETA costs £20 (~AUD $38) with 2-year validity.
FAQ About eTA Australia Cost
How much does an Australian eTA cost in 2026?
The total eTA Australia cost in 2026 is AUD $20. This is a service fee paid through the Australian ETA App, with no separate government Visa Application Charge. This one-time fee covers unlimited entries to Australia for 12 months, with a maximum stay of 3 months per visit.
Is the eTA Australia fee refundable if my application is denied?
No, the AUD $20 service fee is generally non-refundable once the application has been submitted and processed. If your eTA is refused, you will not receive a refund. You may need to apply for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) instead, which has a higher cost.
Who gets a free eTA for Australia?
Concessionary waivers for the eTA are extremely rare and apply only in limited circumstances, such as for certain diplomatic passport holders. However, passport holders from 28 eligible countries can apply for the free eVisitor visa (Subclass 651), which offers the same 12-month validity and multiple entries at zero cost.
Do children and babies need to pay for an eTA?
Yes, every individual traveler, including infants and children, must submit a separate eTA application and pay the AUD $20 service fee. There is no family bundle or group discount. For example, a family of four will pay a total of AUD $80 for their eTA applications.
Can I get a refund if I withdraw my eTA application?
If withdrawn before processing, you may be eligible for a partial or full refund depending on the stage. Contact Australian ETA App support via the Help section. Once granted or refused, the fee is non-refundable.
Does the AUD $20 fee cover multiple trips to Australia?
Yes, the AUD $20 is a one-time payment that covers unlimited entries for 12 months from the date of grant. You can take multiple trips to Australia within that 12-month validity period without paying the fee again. Each individual visit allows a maximum stay of 3 months.
What payment methods are accepted for the eTA?
The Australian ETA App accepts Visa, Mastercard, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. Other methods like PayPal, bank transfers, cash, and cryptocurrency are not accepted. The AUD $20 fee must be paid directly within the app using one of the supported card or mobile wallet options.
How early should I apply for an Australian ETA?
It is recommended to apply at least 72 hours before your departure. While most eTA applications are processed instantly, some may take up to 3 business days. Applying early ensures you receive your approval before your flight, especially during peak travel periods.
What is the difference between an eTA and an eVisitor visa?
The eTA (Subclass 601) costs AUD $20, while the eVisitor (Subclass 651) is completely free. Both offer 12-month validity, multiple entries, and 3-month maximum stays. If your passport is from one of the 28 eligible countries, you can use the free eVisitor; otherwise, you must apply for the paid eTA.
Are there hidden bank charges when paying the AUD $20 fee?
The Australian ETA App charges exactly AUD $20. However, if you use a non-Australian card, your bank may apply a foreign transaction fee of 1.5 to 3 percent, adding AUD $0.30 to AUD $0.60 to the total. Using a travel card with no foreign transaction fees will help you avoid this extra cost.
