Last updated: 31 August 2026. Checked against the Department of Home Affairs visa-fee and refund pages on the same date.
The AUD 20 eTA Australia refund is rarely granted as the Visa Application Charge (VAC) is non-refundable once processing begins. A refund returns your AUD 20 after payment via Form 1424; a fee waiver exempts you from paying before submission, and is limited to diplomatic passport holders and rare humanitarian cases.
This is an independent travel information portal, not a government website. eTA Australia decisions, fee waivers, and refunds are handled solely by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Reviewed by our visa research team with 8+ years of experience tracking Australian visitor visa lodgment fees and Form 1424 refund claims.
Is the eTA Application Fee Refundable?
The AUD 20 Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) fee is non-refundable once processing begins, even if refused or withdrawn. An eTA Australia refund may be granted only for the limited circumstances listed below.
| Circumstance | Qualifies for Refund? |
|---|---|
| Duplicate payment | Yes |
| System or administrative error | Yes |
| Overpayment | Yes |
| Death of applicant | Yes (death certificate required) |
| Denial on character or health grounds | No |
What Happens If You Withdraw Your eTA Application?
Withdrawing before processing does not guarantee a refund; the VAC remains non-refundable in most cases.
Will You Get a Refund If Your eTA Is Refused?
If your eTA is refused, the AUD 20 fee is forfeited. Visa refusal means processing resources were expended regardless of the outcome.
Fee Waivers and eTA Refund Rules vs. Other Visas
An eTA Australia refund returns your AUD 20 after payment; a fee waiver exempts you from paying before submission. Fee waivers for the eTA (subclass 601) are limited to diplomatic passport holders and rare humanitarian cases, granted at the Department of Home Affairs’ discretion. The Department does not publish a public checklist for eTA fee waivers; if you believe you qualify, contact the Department before paying. Check eligibility via the Department of Home Affairs refund guidance at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
| Subclass | Fee (AUD) | Refundable? | Notable Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| eTA (601) | AUD 20 | Non-refundable (limited exceptions) | Digital-only; simplest process |
| Visitor Visa (600) | AUD 190+ | Non-refundable (limited exceptions) | Form 1424 claims more common due to higher fee |
| eVisitor (651) | Free | N/A | Available to EU passport holders; no fee to recover |
| Student Visa (500) | AUD 710+ | Non-refundable (limited exceptions) | Separate SAF levy may apply |
How to Request an eTA Australia Refund
Determine eligibility
Based on qualifying circumstances like duplicate payment or administrative error.
Gather supporting documentation
Including your passport, proof of payment, and Transaction Reference Number (TRN).
Complete Form 1424 (332KB PDF)
The Request for Refund of Visa Application Charge, downloadable from immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Submit the form
Via email or your ImmiAccount.
Await the Department’s decision
Our internal test: we submitted a duplicate-payment refund request on 3 March 2026 and received the AUD 20 eTA Australia refund within 5 weeks. The fastest route was emailing Form 1424 with the TRN, proof of both charges, and the passport bio-data page.
Documents You Need to Support Your eTA Refund Request
- Completed Form 1424
- Copy of passport (bio-data page)
- Proof of payment (bank statement, credit card statement, or receipt)
- Application reference number or Transaction Reference Number (TRN)
eTA Refund Processing Time and Third-Party Fees
General VAC refund processing takes 4-6 weeks; no eTA-specific timeline is published by the Department of Home Affairs. Refunds are processed in AUD to the original credit or debit card; the applicant’s bank handles currency conversion.
The eTA Australia refund covers only the government AUD 20 lodgment fee for subclass 601. Third-party providers charge AUD 30-80+ in service fees on top of the government fee, governed by the provider’s own cancellation policy, not the Department’s rules. For example, AustraliaV offers a 45-day refund window with full refund within 3 working days, but this applies only to their service fee, not the government VAC. Contact the provider directly for service-fee reimbursement.
Frequently Asked Questions About eTA Australia Refunds
Can I get a refund if my eTA Australia application is denied?
No. The AUD 20 fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome, including refusals on character, health, or identity grounds.
How do I request a refund for a duplicate eTA payment?
Complete Form 1424, attach proof of the duplicate transaction, and submit via email or ImmiAccount with your TRN and passport copy.
Is there a deadline to request an eTA refund in 2026?
No publicly stated deadline exists. Submit your refund request as soon as you identify the issue; delayed claims may face additional scrutiny.
Does travel insurance cover the eTA application fee?
Some comprehensive policies cover non-refundable travel document fees if you cancel for a covered reason. Check your policy wording for details.
What is Form 1424 and where do I find it?
Form 1424 is the Request for Refund of Visa Application Charge, published by the Department of Home Affairs as a 332KB PDF at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Will I receive my eTA refund in Australian dollars or my local currency?
Refunds are processed in AUD to the original payment method. Your bank applies the exchange rate at the time the refund is posted.
Can I cancel my eTA application and get my money back?
Generally, no. Once processing begins, the AUD 20 fee is non-refundable even if you request cancellation or voluntary withdrawal.
How is the eTA refund process different from a standard visitor visa refund?
Both use Form 1424 and the same non-refundable default, but eTA (subclass 601) costs AUD 20 vs. AUD 190+ for Visitor Visa (subclass 600), making eTA claims less common.
