The eTA Australia (Electronic Travel Authority, subclass 601) is an electronic travel permission that allows citizens of eligible countries to visit Australia for tourism or short business trips for up to 3 months per visit. It is valid for 12 months, permits multiple entries, and is applied for through the Australian ETA app. The government charges $0 AUD in visa application fees.
Managed by the Department of Home Affairs, the eTA is linked electronically to your passport. The sole application method is the Australian ETA app, available on iOS and Android, which scans the biometric passport’s NFC chip to verify identity. The app applies a service fee of approximately AUD $20.
Eligibility for an eTA Australia depends on passport nationality. Holders of passports from approximately 30 eligible countries, including the USA, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia, may apply. Travellers from certain European nations use the separate eVisitor (subclass 651) pathway, while those from non-eligible countries must apply for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600). Every traveller, including infants and children, must hold an individual eTA linked to their own biometric passport with an NFC chip.
Last updated: 31 August 2026. This is an independent informational guide for travellers, not affiliated with the Australian Government. Always verify current requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
What Is the eTA Australia (Subclass 601)?
The eTA Australia is an electronically linked visitor permission managed by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs. The Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) is entirely distinct from Canada’s eTA, which governs entry into a different country under separate rules. The eTA Australia permits eligible passport holders to stay for up to 3 months per visit for tourism or business visitor purposes.
The sole application channel is the Australian ETA app (iOS and Android). No physical visa label is issued; airlines verify the eTA Australia electronically through the VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) system prior to departure.
eTA vs. eVisitor (Subclass 651) vs. Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
The eTA (subclass 601) is for eligible non-European passports; the eVisitor (subclass 651) for European nationalities; the Visitor Visa (subclass 600) for all other nationalities or longer stays.
The eTA Australia serves passport holders from countries like the USA, Canada, and Japan. The eVisitor is reserved for specific European nationalities. Travellers from countries not on either list, or those needing to stay longer, must apply for the Visitor Visa (subclass 600), which costs approximately AUD $190.
| Feature | eTA (Subclass 601) | eVisitor (Subclass 651) | Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible Nationalities | Non-European (USA, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, etc.) | European passport holders | All other nationalities |
| Application Method | Australian ETA app | Online | Online or paper |
| Government Fee | $0 AUD | $0 AUD | ~AUD $190 |
| Processing Time | Instant to 72 hours | Variable | Longer (weeks) |
| Maximum Stay | 3 months per visit | 3 months per visit | Varies (can exceed 3 months) |
| Multiple Entries | Yes, within 12-month validity | Yes, within 12-month validity | Varies |
| Onshore Extension | Not possible | Not possible | Possible in some cases |
| Permitted Activities | Tourism, business visitor, transit | Tourism, business visitor | Broader scope |
| Work Permitted | No | No | No (tourist stream) |
Who Needs an eTA in 2026 & Eligible Countries
The eTA Australia (Electronic Travel Authority, subclass 601) requires ETA-eligible passport holders from countries like the USA, Canada, and Japan to hold a valid electronic permission before departing for Australia. The system determines eligibility strictly by passport nationality, not by country of residency.
Passport holders from the following locations must obtain an eTA Australia in 2026:
- Brunei Darussalam
- Canada
- Hong Kong (SAR of China)
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- United States of America
Additional countries may be eligible for the eTA Australia. To verify your nationality, use the eligibility check in the Australian ETA app or visit the Department of Home Affairs website at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. If your nationality is not on the eTA or eVisitor (subclass 651) list, you must apply for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600).
eTA for Children, Infants & Family Group Applications
Every traveller, including infants, needs a separate eTA Australia linked to their own biometric passport.
Individual eTA required
Each child under 18 must hold an individual eTA Australia tied to their own passport with an NFC chip.
Parent or guardian applies
A parent or legal guardian submits the application on the child’s behalf through the Australian ETA app.
Sequential family applications
One adult can apply for multiple family members sequentially within a single app session.
Separate passport scans
Each family member’s biometric passport must be scanned separately by the app for the eTA Australia to link correctly.
Permitted & Prohibited eTA Activities
The eTA Australia (Electronic Travel Authority, subclass 601) permits tourism and short business-visitor activities but strictly prohibits paid work, study exceeding 3 months, planned medical treatment, and overstaying the 3-month per-visit limit.
| Permitted (DO) | Prohibited (DON’T) |
|---|---|
| Tourism, holidays, sightseeing, visiting friends and family | Paid work of any kind, including freelance and gig work |
| Business visitor activities: conferences, seminars, negotiations, short-term meetings | Study or courses longer than 3 months |
| Transit through Australia (no separate transit visa required) | Planned or elective medical treatment |
| Cruise ship arrivals at Australian ports | Overstaying the 3-month per-visit limit (no onshore extension) |
The eTA Australia enforces a genuine visitor condition: the visa does not permit permanent settlement or ongoing business operations. Airlines verify ETA status via VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online); for current conditions, see the Department of Home Affairs website at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Validity, Stay Duration & Multiple Entry Rules
The eTA Australia is valid for 12 months from the date of grant or until the linked passport expires (whichever is shorter), according to the Department of Home Affairs website at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. This allows multiple entries with stays up to three months (90 days) per visit.
The Electronic Travel Authority permits unlimited entries within this 12-month validity window. Each arrival resets the stay clock, letting travellers leave and re-enter the country freely throughout 2026.
The eTA Australia cannot be extended or renewed onshore. Overstaying the 90-day limit may result in removal and a bar on future Australian visas. To re-enter after expiry, a new eTA Australia must be obtained from outside the country.
Basic Eligibility & Health/Character Requirements
The eTA Australia (Electronic Travel Authority, subclass 601) requires applicants to be outside Australia at the time of application, hold an eligible biometric passport with an NFC chip, and meet health and character requirements.
All eTA applicants must complete a health declaration. The form asks whether the applicant has been diagnosed with tuberculosis or has been in close contact with a person with active TB within the last 5 years. A “yes” answer may trigger additional health examinations and can delay or result in refusal.
The eTA Australia applies character requirements to every applicant. Applicants must declare any criminal convictions; sentences of 12 months or more (including suspended sentences) may lead to visa refusal. Biometric data may be collected at the Australian border.
How to Apply for an eTA Australia
Obtaining an eTA Australia requires completing the entire application through the Australian ETA app by scanning your passport and paying the service fee. The eTA Australia is then linked electronically to your passport number, so no physical document is issued.
Download the app
Install the Australian ETA app on iOS or Android.
Create an account
Begin a new application within the app interface.
Scan your passport
Use the smartphone camera to scan the biometric passport’s NFC chip.
Fill the form
Enter personal details, passport information, and complete health and character declarations.
Pay the service fee
Pay approximately AUD $20 via credit or debit card, while the government applies no visa application charge ($0 AUD).
Receive confirmation
Processing takes from instant to 72 hours, so apply at least 72 hours before departure. If no decision is received within 72 hours, check your application status in the app or visit the Department of Home Affairs website at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Airlines verify ETA status electronically through the VEVO system.
eTA Fees & Avoiding Scam Websites
The government applies no visa application charge ($0 AUD) for the eTA Australia, but the Australian ETA app charges a service fee of approximately AUD $20. Third-party websites often charge AUD $50 to $150 or more for the same submission.
The eTA Australia (Electronic Travel Authority, subclass 601) can only be obtained through the Australian ETA app, published by the Department of Home Affairs on the App Store and Google Play. This app is the sole government application channel; before downloading, verify the publisher name reads “Department of Home Affairs” to avoid scam websites that impersonate government services.
For direct verification, visit the Department of Home Affairs website at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Transit & Cruise Arrivals with an eTA
The eTA Australia covers transit passengers and cruise ship arrivals at Australian ports under the same three-month stay rules that apply to standard tourism visits.
The eTA Australia (Electronic Travel Authority, subclass 601) is valid for transit without requiring a separate transit visa. Travellers on connecting flights must still clear immigration and customs at the first port of entry.
The same eTA Australia permits cruise ship passengers to disembark at any major Australian port. The three-month maximum stay per visit applies equally to cruise itineraries and extended stopovers.
Airlines and the Australian Border Force verify eTA status electronically through VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online). Requirements can be confirmed on the Department of Home Affairs website at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
eTA Australia 2026: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an eTA Australia?
The eTA (Subclass 601) is an electronic travel permission allowing eligible passport holders to visit Australia for tourism or short business trips for up to three months per visit. It is valid for 12 months, permits multiple entries, and is applied for exclusively via the Australian ETA app on iOS and Android.
How much does an eTA Australia cost in 2026?
The government charges $0 AUD; the Australian ETA app charges a service fee of approximately AUD $20. Third-party agencies may charge AUD $50 to $150 or more for the same service.
Can I work in Australia on an eTA?
No. The eTA strictly prohibits paid employment of any kind, including freelance, gig work, or informal business arrangements. It only permits tourism, short business visitor activities such as attending conferences and negotiations, transit through Australia, and cruise ship arrivals for up to three months per visit.
Can I extend my eTA while in Australia?
No. You cannot extend, renew, or convert an eTA while you are physically in Australia. You must depart before your three-month stay limit expires. If you require a longer stay, you must apply for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) before your current permission ends, as onshore extension of an eTA is not permitted under any circumstances.
How long does eTA processing take?
Most eTA applications are processed instantly within minutes of submission. However, some may take up to 72 hours to be fully reviewed. It is recommended to apply at least 72 hours before your scheduled departure to account for any potential processing delays or additional checks by the Department of Home Affairs.
Do children need their own eTA?
Yes, every traveller regardless of age, including infants and newborns, must hold a separate eTA linked to their own individual biometric passport with an NFC chip. A parent or legal guardian must submit the application on behalf of any child under 18 years of age using the Australian ETA app.
What if my eTA application is refused?
There is no formal appeal process for eTA refusals. If your application is denied, you may apply for a standard Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) instead. This allows you to undergo a more detailed assessment through the Department of Home Affairs external website at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, which offers a broader eligibility evaluation.
What is the difference between an eTA and eVisitor?
The eTA (Subclass 601) is for eligible non-European passports such as the USA, Canada, and Japan, and is applied for via the Australian ETA app. The eVisitor (Subclass 651) is for European passport holders and is applied for online. Both permit three-month stays for tourism and business visitor purposes with multiple entries over 12 months.
What if my eTA is delayed beyond 72 hours?
If no decision is received within 72 hours, check your application status in the Australian ETA app or visit the Department of Home Affairs website at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au for assistance. Most delays are due to additional health or character checks.
Do UK citizens need an eTA for Australia?
No. UK passport holders are not eligible for the eTA (Subclass 601). UK citizens should apply for an eVisitor (Subclass 651) instead, which carries the same $0 AUD government fee and permits stays up to three months per visit for tourism and business visitor purposes.
