. Based on current Department of Home Affairs requirements, the eTA (Subclass 601) costs AUD $20, requires a biometric e-passport, and processes near-instantly via the Australian ETA mobile app. The eVisitor (Subclass 651) is free, accepts a standard passport, and is submitted via ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website, with processing of up to 2 to 3 business days. Both are electronic visas valid for 12 months, permit multiple entries, and allow stays up to 3 months (90 days) per entry for tourism or short business trips. Neither allows work in Australia.
The eTA and eVisitor differ in eligible nationalities and application platform. The eTA is processed via the Australian ETA mobile app for US, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Brunei, and Malaysia passport holders. The eVisitor is submitted through ImmiAccount for EU, EEA, UK, and Swiss citizens. The eTA is near-instant or within the same business day, while the eVisitor may take longer if flagged for manual officer assessment.
What Are the eTA and eVisitor Visas?
Both Subclass 601 and Subclass 651 are fully electronic short-stay visas linked digitally to your passport: no physical stamps or airport-issued permits. Australia does not offer visa on arrival; travelers must hold a valid e-visa before boarding.
The eTA (Subclass 601) is an Electronic Travel Authority applied for through the “Australian ETA” mobile app, with a service charge of AUD $20. The eVisitor (Subclass 651) is an electronic visa for eligible European citizens, submitted online via ImmiAccount at no cost. According to the Department of Home Affairs, the eVisitor is free of charge for eligible passport holders. Both are valid for 12 months from the date of grant and permit stays of up to 3 months per entry.
eTA vs eVisitor: Side-by-Side Comparison Table
The AUD $20 eTA processes near-instantly via a mobile app, while the free eVisitor takes up to 3 days via an online portal: both share identical stay limits. The eTA Australia vs eVisitor breakdown below highlights exact fees, platforms, and passport requirements.
| Feature | eTA (Subclass 601) | eVisitor (Subclass 651) |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | AUD $20 | AUD $0 (Free) |
| Application platform | Australian ETA mobile app | ImmiAccount online portal |
| Processing time | Near-instant | 2-3 business days |
| Visa validity | 12 months from grant | 12 months from grant |
| Maximum stay per entry | 3 months (90 days) | 3 months (90 days) |
| Entry type | Multiple entry | Multiple entry |
| Passport requirement | Biometric / e-passport required | Standard passport |
Which Visa Do I Need? Eligibility & Country Lists
Nationality is the single deciding factor in 2026: your passport strictly determines which visa you can apply for.
- Check whether your passport appears on the eVisitor list: EU member states, EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), United Kingdom, Switzerland.
- If not, check the eTA list: United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong (SAR), Brunei, Malaysia.
- If neither list applies, apply for Subclass 600 through the Department of Home Affairs.
eTA requires a biometric e-passport; eVisitor accepts a standard passport. UK passport holders apply for eVisitor (Subclass 651), not eTA. US passport holders apply for eTA (Subclass 601) via the Australian ETA app.
How to Apply for Your Australian Visa
Each subclass requires a distinct application platform. Apply directly via government channels to avoid third-party fees starting at $79. For eTA: download the Australian ETA app. For eVisitor: create an ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Steps for the eTA (Subclass 601)
Download the app
Download the “Australian ETA” mobile app for iOS or Android.
Scan your passport
Scan your biometric e-passport directly through the app interface.
Pay AUD $20
Pay the government service charge to complete the submission.
Steps for the eVisitor (Subclass 651)
Create ImmiAccount
Create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Fill the form
Fill out the online form with your passport and travel details.
Submit for free
Submit the application entirely free, as the government fee is AUD $0.
Processing for the eTA is often near-instant, whereas the eVisitor may take up to 2 to 3 business days.
Permitted Activities, Condition 8558 & Overstay Risks
Both visas authorize tourism, visiting family, and short-term business visitor activities (conferences, trade fairs, contract negotiations), but strictly prohibit work for any Australian employer. Both eTA and eVisitor also permit up to 3 months of study or training without a Student Visa (Subclass 500).
Condition 8558 caps total time in Australia at no more than 12 months within any 18-month rolling period; a single continuous stay may not exceed six months. Verify your exact conditions through the VEVO system or your Visa Grant Notice before each trip.
Overstaying by even 1 day can trigger a 3-year re-entry ban under Schedule 4 of the Migration Act. Check your status via VEVO before departure.
Health Requirements & Visa Alternatives
For 2026 travel, all applicants must meet strict health and character requirements per the Department of Home Affairs. Travelers with a substantial criminal record or active tuberculosis face application refusal.
Ineligible nationalities should apply for the standard Visitor visa (Subclass 600), which permits stays of up to 6 or 12 months. Passengers leaving the airport transit area must secure a Transit Visa (Subclass 771).
FAQ
Do Brits need an eTA for Australia?
Brits need eVisitor (Subclass 651), not eTA. It is free, submitted via ImmiAccount, and allows 3-month stays per entry for tourism, visiting family, or short business trips.
What is the exact difference between an eTA and an eVisitor?
The eTA (Subclass 601) costs AUD $20, requires a biometric passport, and uses the Australian ETA mobile app. The eVisitor (Subclass 651) is free, accepts a standard passport, and is processed through ImmiAccount. Eligible nationalities differ for each.
How much does the Australian eTA cost compared to the eVisitor?
The eTA (Subclass 601) has a government service charge of AUD $20 via the Australian ETA app. The eVisitor (Subclass 651) is free through the Department of Home Affairs. Third-party agencies may charge $79 or more.
How long can I stay in Australia on an eTA or eVisitor visa?
Both permit up to 3 months (90 days) per entry, are valid for 12 months, and allow multiple entries. Condition 8558 limits total stays to 12 months within any 18-month rolling period.
Can I work in Australia on an eVisitor or eTA visa?
No. Both visas strictly prohibit work. Permitted: tourism, visiting family, business visitor activities (conferences, trade fairs, contract negotiations). Working for an Australian employer is not allowed.
How far in advance should I apply for my Australian visa?
Apply up to 12 months before travel. The eTA is near-instant; the eVisitor may take up to 2 to 3 business days. Apply at least a few weeks in advance to avoid delays.
What happens if I overstay my Australian eTA or eVisitor?
Even 1 day of overstay can result in a 3-year re-entry ban under Schedule 4 of the Migration Act. Check your status via VEVO before departure.
Can I study in Australia on an eTA or eVisitor visa?
Yes, both allow study or training for up to 3 months without a Student Visa (Subclass 500). Longer study requires a Student Visa before travel.
