British and Irish citizens can apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) via the Australian ETA app for AUD 20. The eTA Australia for UK citizens permits multiple entries for tourism or business visits, with stays up to 3 months over a 12-month validity period. A biometric passport with an NFC chip is required.
The application is completed through the mobile app, requiring a biometric passport scan via near field communication and a live facial capture. Applicants must meet health and character requirements, including being free from active tuberculosis (TB) and declaring any criminal record. Sentences exceeding 12 months require a different visa type, such as the Subclass 600 Visitor visa.
This is an independent informational portal for tourists, not affiliated with the Australian Government. Always verify current requirements on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Last reviewed: 31 August 2026.
eVisitor vs. ETA: Which Visa Do UK Citizens Need?
British and Irish citizens can choose between the free eVisitor (Subclass 651) and the AUD 20 Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601), applied for via the Australian ETA app. Both allow tourism/business visits, multiple entries, 12-month validity, and 3-month (90-day) stays.
| Parameter | eVisitor (Subclass 651) | Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible nationalities | UK and EU/EEA passport holders | British and Irish passport holders (among others) |
| Application method | Online form via immi.homeaffairs.gov.au | Australian ETA app (iOS and Android) |
| Application fee | AUD 0 (free) | AUD 20 (app service fee) |
| Visa fee | Nil | Nil |
| Validity | 12 months from date of grant | 12 months from date of grant |
| Maximum stay per entry | Up to 3 months (90 days) | Up to 3 months (90 days) |
| Entry type | Multiple entries | Multiple entries |
| Permitted purposes | Tourism and business visitor | Tourism and business visitor |
Who Can Apply for an Australian ETA?
Eligible: UK/Irish passport holders with a biometric (NFC) passport valid for the entire stay. The Australian ETA (Subclass 601) is available to British and Irish citizens.
- Hold a valid British (UK) or Irish passport with a biometric NFC chip
- Must be a UK or Irish citizen (residence alone is insufficient)
- Passport must be valid for the entire planned stay (not an additional 6 months)
- Travel purpose: tourism, business visits, or transit (employment not permitted)
- Can apply from any country
Passport Validity Requirements
The Australian ETA requires the passport to remain valid for the full duration of the stay in Australia. The common 6-month rule does not apply; verify the expiry date on your passport’s data page before applying.
Character Requirements for ETA Applicants
Criminal convictions resulting in a sentence exceeding 12 months require a Visitor visa (Subclass 600) instead of an ETA. Spent convictions must be declared during the application.
How to Apply for an Australian ETA: Step-by-Step Guide
The Australian ETA (Subclass 601) application is completed via the app in seven steps, including NFC scan, facial capture, and AUD 20 payment.
Mobile App Requirements
Requirements: iOS 12+ or Android 8+, NFC-enabled device, biometric passport chip (look for the chip symbol on the cover). For facial capture: bright lighting, no glasses.
Download the app
Download the Australian ETA app from the App Store or Google Play.
Scan your passport
Scan your passport via NFC, holding your phone flat against the data page.
Submit facial capture
Submit a live facial capture in good lighting.
Complete the online form
Complete the online form: personal details, passport number, date of birth, and nationality.
Make declarations
Make the health and character declarations.
Pay the fee
Pay the AUD 20 application fee by credit or debit card.
Wait for notification
Wait for the grant notification email.
Processing Times and Peak Season Tips
The Australian ETA (Subclass 601) typically processes in minutes to a few business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure, especially during peak season from December to February (Australian summer and UK school holidays). If approval is delayed, check your status via VEVO or contact the Department of Home Affairs at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
ETA Fees and Costs for UK Citizens
The Australian ETA (Subclass 601) application costs AUD 20 via the Australian ETA app, with no separate visa fee charged. The eTA Australia for UK citizens requires payment by credit or debit card at submission, with no refunds available after processing begins.
| Visa Type | Application Fee | Visa Fee | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian ETA (Subclass 601) | AUD 20 | Nil (free) | Credit or debit card |
| eVisitor (Subclass 651) | AUD 0 | Nil (free) | Online form |
| CIBTvisas Premium | Additional service fee | Nil (free) | Various |
CIBTvisas (cibtvisas.co.uk, phone: 0844 8004650, office hours: 08:00-17:00) adds separate service fees on top of standard requirements and is not affiliated with any government body; their fees are additional and separate to government/consular fees.
Validity, Stay Duration, and Permitted Activities
The Australian ETA (Subclass 601) is valid for 12 months from grant, permits multiple entries, and each stay must not exceed 3 months (90 days). The ETA authorises tourism, family visits, transit, and short-term business visitor activities such as conferences, negotiations, and trade fairs.
- Tourism
- Visiting family and friends
- Transit
- Business meetings
- Conferences
- Cruise ship travel
- Employment
- Paid work
- Study
- Internships
What Happens When Your ETA Expires
The Australian ETA (Subclass 601) expires after 12 months or when the linked passport expires, whichever occurs first. Reapplication follows the same seven-step process, and each family member requires a separate application. If a passport is renewed or replaced before the ETA expires, a new application is required because the ETA is electronically linked to the original passport number.
Common Application Mistakes, Scam Warnings, and Checking Your ETA Status
The most frequent Australian ETA errors include failed NFC scans, incorrect data entry, poor lighting, and expired passports. British and Irish passport holders can apply from any country; each family member needs a separate ETA. Use the Australian ETA app only and beware of scam websites.
- Failed NFC passport scan: check for the chip symbol on the cover and hold the phone flat against the passport
- Incorrect passport number or date of birth: verify all fields against the passport data page
- Poor facial capture lighting: use bright, even lighting and remove glasses
- Expired passport: confirm validity before starting
- Wrong nationality selected: choose United Kingdom or Ireland exactly
- Payment failure: try a different card or confirm international payments are enabled
- Duplicate application: check your email and junk folder before reapplying
How to Avoid ETA Scams
Download the Australian ETA app only from the App Store or Google Play. Third-party sites may charge additional fees; the Australian ETA (Subclass 601) costs AUD 20 per application.
How to Check Your ETA Status with VEVO
Use VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) to verify your status by entering your passport and reference numbers. For assistance, contact the Australian High Commission:
Australia House, Strand, London WC2B 4LAPhone: +44 (0) 20 7379 4334
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7240 5333
FAQ: Australian eTA for UK Citizens
How much does an Australian ETA cost for UK citizens in 2026?
The application fee for an Australian ETA (Subclass 601) is AUD 20, paid through the Australian ETA app. The visa itself is free, with no additional visa fee charged by the government.
Do I need a separate ETA for each family member?
Yes, each passport holder must submit a separate application, including children and minors. Every family member needs their own individual ETA linked to their biometric passport.
Can I apply for an Australian ETA if I live outside the UK?
Yes, any British or Irish passport holder can apply for an eTA Australia for UK citizens from any country, regardless of their current country of residence. The application is completed entirely through the mobile app.
How long does it take to process an Australian ETA?
Processing typically takes from a few minutes to a few business days. Submit the application at least two weeks before your planned departure date, especially during peak season.
What is the difference between an ETA and an eVisitor for UK citizens?
The ETA costs AUD 20 and is applied for via a mobile app, while the eVisitor is free and uses an online form. Both allow tourism and business visits with stays up to 3 months over a 12-month period.
Can I work in Australia on an ETA?
No, the Australian ETA strictly prohibits employment or paid work. It permits tourism, visiting family, transit, and business visitor activities such as attending conferences or engaging in short-term business negotiations.
How do I check my Australian ETA status?
Use the Visa Entitlement Verification Online system (VEVO) by entering your passport number and the reference number from your grant notification email.
Do I need a biometric passport for an Australian ETA?
Yes, a biometric passport with an active NFC chip is required. The Australian ETA app uses near field communication to scan the chip and extract your passport data, which is a mandatory step in the application process.
What happens if my Australian ETA application is rejected?
You may need to apply for a Visitor visa (Subclass 600) instead. Check your character and health requirements before reapplying, as sentences exceeding 12 months or active tuberculosis may cause refusal.
How long is an Australian ETA valid for UK citizens?
The Australian ETA (Subclass 601) is valid for 12 months from the date of grant, permits multiple entries, and each stay must not exceed 3 months (90 days).
