The Australian eTA (Subclass 601) costs a flat AUD 20 per person in 2026, the same fee for adults, children, and infants. A family of four pays AUD 80 total. No family discount applies to any age group. Priority processing is unavailable, and renewing requires a new AUD 20 fee per traveler. The Department of Home Affairs confirms no Visa Application Charge (VAC) is added to this base fee (source: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, fee data from September 2024).
Every traveler, including infants, needs an individual eTA linked to their passport. The Australian Government does not offer a group rate or bundled family pricing, so the total expense scales directly with the number of travelers.
What Is the Australian eTA (Subclass 601)?
The Australian eTA (Subclass 601) is an Electronic Travel Authority valid for 12 months from grant, allowing eligible passport holders to visit Australia for tourist or family visit purposes. Each entry permits stays of up to 3 months, with multiple entries allowed within the validity period.
The eTA Australia family cost applies to passport holders of approximately 35 eligible countries. Families with mixed nationalities should verify each member’s eligibility, as non-eligible travellers must apply for a Subclass 600 Visitor Visa instead.
Applications for the Australian eTA are submitted exclusively through the Australian ETA app (free download). Payment of the AUD 20 service fee per person is completed in-app via credit card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay.
How Much Does the Australian eTA Cost for Families?
Every traveler, including infants, needs an individual eTA linked to their passport. The Australian eTA (Subclass 601) requires each individual to submit a separate application at the AUD 20 application service fee per person. No Visa Application Charge (VAC) is added, and no family discount or group rate exists.
| Applicant Type | eTA Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Adult (18+) | 20 |
| Child (under 18) | 20 |
| Infant (under 1 year) | 20 |
| Family Scenario | Travellers | Total eTA Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Couple (2 adults) | 2 | AUD 40 |
| Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children) | 4 | AUD 80 |
| Single parent + 3 children | 4 | AUD 80 |
| Family of 6 (2 adults + 4 children) | 6 | AUD 120 |
A family of four pays AUD 80 total via the Australian ETA app. The Australian eTA charges the same AUD 20 regardless of age group. For comparison, the same family using a third-party agency could pay AUD 200 to 600+ in agency fees on top of the government fee; applying directly through the app eliminates these markups.
Priority Processing and eTA Renewal Costs
The Australian eTA (Subclass 601) does not offer a paid priority processing option. Standard processing time is minutes to 72 hours, with no fast-track upgrade available. For guaranteed speed, families must apply for a Subclass 600 Visitor Visa, which charges approximately AUD 250 extra for priority processing with a 5-business-day turnaround.
| Visa Type | Priority Processing? | Extra Fee | Typical Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| eTA (Subclass 601) | No | N/A | Minutes to 72 h |
| Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) | Yes | ~AUD 250 | 5 business days |
The eTA Australia family cost includes no priority processing surcharge. Renewing an Australian eTA (Subclass 601) requires a new application and another AUD 20 per traveler. Common triggers requiring re-application:
- New passport issued (most common for children, whose passports expire every 5 years)
- Change of citizenship or personal details
- eTA expiry after 12 months from grant
- Cancellation by immigration authorities
Families should verify every member’s passport validity before applying, as a new passport invalidates the linked eTA and triggers a new AUD 20 charge per person.
Total Family Cost Breakdown and Avoidable Fees
A family of four pays AUD 80 total for Australian eTA applications in 2026 via the Australian ETA app. The eTA Australia family cost includes no hidden government surcharges beyond the flat AUD 20 per-person service fee.
| Cost Component | Per Person (AUD) | Family of 4 (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| eTA application fee | 20 | 80 |
| Priority processing | N/A | N/A |
| Third-party agency (avoidable) | 50 to 150+ | 200 to 600+ |
| Bank transaction fee (varies) | ~1 to 3% | ~1 to 3% |
| Typical total (direct via app) | 20 | 80 |
- Flat AUD 20 per person – no hidden government surcharges
- Apply directly via the app to avoid third-party agency markups (AUD 50-150+ per person)
- Fees are non-refundable once processed, even if the application is refused
- Your bank may apply a 1-3% international transaction surcharge
FAQ: eTA Australia Family Cost
Does every child need their own eTA to travel to Australia?
Yes. Every traveler, including infants, needs a separate Australian eTA at AUD 20. No family discount.
Is the eTA fee different for children or infants?
No. AUD 20 per person regardless of age. Infants under 1 are not exempt.
How much does it cost to expedite an eTA for a family trip?
No paid priority for eTA (minutes to 72 h). Subclass 600 offers priority (~AUD 250, 5 business days).
What is the total eTA cost for a family of 4 in 2026?
4 × AUD 20 = AUD 80 via the app.
How do I renew an eTA that has expired for my child?
Submit a new application at AUD 20. Common when a child gets a new passport.
Are there any hidden fees when applying for an eTA online?
Government charges AUD 20. Banks may add 1-3%. Agencies charge AUD 50-150+; use the app.
Can I get a refund if my eTA application is refused?
No. Australian eTA fees are non-refundable once processed.
Is my eTA valid for multiple family trips within 12 months?
Yes. 12 months from grant, multiple entries, stays up to 3 months.
How long does eTA approval take for a family applying together?
Most approved within minutes; up to 72 hours.
