Last updated: August 2026. Visa fees and processing times change frequently. Always verify current details on the Department of Home Affairs website (external source) before applying. This article is for general information only and is not legal migration advice. This site is not affiliated with the Australian Government.
The eTA (subclass 601) offers instant approval for short stays; the Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) permits stays up to 12 months for all nationalities. In any eTA Australia vs tourist visa comparison, the eTA Subclass 601 costs AUD 20, processes within minutes via the AustralianETA mobile app, and allows multiple entries for up to 3 months per visit over a 12-month validity. The Tourist Visa Subclass 600 costs AUD 190 (Tourist stream), with 50% of applications finalized in 25 days and 90% in 48 days (Department of Home Affairs, 2024 data, last updated 23/09/2024).
Australia’s Visitor Visa Options: Subclass 601, 600 & 651 at a Glance
Australia offers three electronic visitor pathways: eTA Subclass 601, Tourist Visa Subclass 600, and eVisitor Subclass 651, each serving different passport holders and trip durations. The eTA (subclass 601) costs AUD 20, processes within minutes, and grants multiple entries for 12 months with stays up to 3 months per visit, but only passport holders from approximately 30 eligible countries qualify. The eVisitor (subclass 651) is free for European passport holders and also allows 3-month stays. The Tourist Visa (subclass 600) is the universal option in any eTA Australia vs tourist visa comparison: available to all nationalities, it costs AUD 190 (Tourist stream) and permits stays up to 12 months, with processing taking 25 to 48 days per Department of Home Affairs data (last updated 23/09/2024).
Subclass 601 vs Subclass 600: Full Comparison Table
The eTA Subclass 601 and Tourist Visa Subclass 600 differ across fees, processing, stay duration, and eligibility. See the comparison table below for details sourced from the Department of Home Affairs (last updated 23/09/2024).
| Attribute | eTA (subclass 601) | Tourist Visa (subclass 600) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible nationalities | ~30 approved passport countries | All nationalities |
| Government fee | AUD 20 (app); AUD 5 via travel provider | AUD 190 Tourist / AUD 475 Business Visitor |
| Processing time | Minutes (automated) | 25 days median; 48 days (90th percentile) |
| Max stay per entry | Up to 3 months | 3, 6, or 12 months |
| Entries | Multiple, within 12-month validity | Single or multiple (per grant) |
| Validity | 12 months from grant | Per grant decision |
| Documents required | Passport + declaration only | Passport, bank statements, employment letter, itinerary |
| Application channel | AustralianETA mobile app (iOS/Android) | ImmiAccount online portal |
| Onshore extension | Not extendable; must depart and reapply | May apply onshore (Condition 8503 may apply) |
| Biometrics | None | May be required by nationality |
| Condition 8503 (No Further Stay) | Not applicable | May be imposed |
| Work conditions | No paid work; business visitor activities allowed | No paid work; limited voluntary work possible |
Government Fees at a Glance
The official eTA Subclass 601 fee is AUD 20 via the AustralianETA app (AUD 5 via a travel provider). The Tourist Visa Subclass 600 Tourist stream costs AUD 190; the Business Visitor stream costs AUD 475. Third-party service fees are additional and separate from government charges.
How Long Does Processing Take?
The eTA Subclass 601 processes within minutes via an automated system. The Tourist Visa Subclass 600 takes a median of 25 days and up to 48 days for 90% of applications (Department of Home Affairs, 2024 data, last updated 23/09/2024).
Who Is Eligible for Each Visa?
The eTA (subclass 601) is restricted to passport holders from approximately 30 eligible countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Hong Kong SAR, and select EU/EEA nations. Applicants submit only a valid passport and a digital declaration through the AustralianETA mobile app, with no supporting documents uploaded and no biometrics collected.
The Tourist Visa (subclass 600) is available to all nationalities worldwide, but applicants must provide a passport, proof of funds (typically 3 to 6 months of bank statements), an employment letter, a travel itinerary, and potentially a letter of invitation. Biometrics may be required depending on nationality, and a health examination is mandatory for stays exceeding 6 months. Inadequate documentation is the top refusal reason for Subclass 600; the eTA rarely involves document-based refusals due to minimal requirements.
eTA vs eVisitor: Don’t Confuse Them
The eVisitor Subclass 651 is free for European passport holders (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, etc.) and allows 3-month stays. The eTA Subclass 601 costs AUD 20 and covers non-European eligible nationalities like the US, Canada, and Japan. UK citizens qualify for the eVisitor, not the eTA. If your nationality qualifies for neither, apply for the Tourist Visa Subclass 600.
Application Process: App vs Online Portal
The eTA Subclass 601 is applied for only through the AustralianETA mobile app (iOS/Android), taking approximately 4 minutes. Applicants need a valid passport, an email address, and a payment card. The eTA cannot be applied for through ImmiAccount.
The Tourist Visa Subclass 600 requires registration and document upload via the ImmiAccount online portal:
Create an account
Register on the ImmiAccount online portal.
Select Subclass 600
Choose the Tourist Visa Subclass 600 application.
Upload documents
Submit all required documentation.
Pay the fee
Complete the government fee payment.
Await the decision
Wait for the processing outcome.
The eTA Australia vs tourist visa application process differs fundamentally in channel and complexity.
What Can You Do on Each Visa?
Both the eTA Subclass 601 and Tourist Visa Subclass 600 authorize tourism and limited business visitor activities, yet neither grants the right to paid employment.
- eTA Subclass 601: Permits attending conferences, conducting negotiations, and participating in general business meetings for stays up to 3 months per visit.
- Tourist Visa Subclass 600 Business Visitor stream: Allows the same business activities as the eTA, plus inspecting goods and attending trade fairs, with stays of up to 12 months.
- Paid employment: Strictly prohibited on both the eTA Subclass 601 and Tourist Visa Subclass 600.
- Voluntary work: The Tourist Visa Subclass 600 may permit limited unpaid volunteer activities in specific circumstances, a flexibility the eTA Subclass 601 does not provide.
Which Visa Is Right for You? A Traveler’s Decision Guide
Eligible passport holders on short trips should choose the eTA Subclass 601 for instant approval, whereas travelers needing stays over 3 months or holding non-eligible passports must apply for the Tourist Visa Subclass 600. The scenarios below illustrate the best visa for each traveler type.
- UK backpacker on a 2-week holiday: eVisitor Subclass 651.
- US family on a 3-week holiday: eTA Subclass 601, costs AUD 20, processes in minutes.
- Indian professional visiting family for 5 months: Tourist Visa Subclass 600.
- German business delegate at a conference: eVisitor Subclass 651.
- Chinese tourist on a 6-month road trip: Tourist Visa Subclass 600, expect 25 days median processing.
- Canadian frequent traveler making multiple trips: eTA Subclass 601, grants multiple entries for 12 months.
Can You Extend Your Stay in Australia?
The eTA Subclass 601 cannot be extended onshore; holders must depart and reapply. The Tourist Visa Subclass 600 permits onshore extensions unless Condition 8503 (No Further Stay) is imposed. Waiving Condition 8503 demands proof of compassionate or compelling circumstances.
Health Checks, Biometrics, and Insurance
The eTA requires no biometrics or health checks. The Tourist Visa may require biometrics by nationality and a chest X-ray for stays over 6 months. Although not legally mandated, private health insurance is strongly recommended for the Tourist Visa Subclass 600 when staying over 6 months. Reciprocal Health Care Agreements cover passport holders from the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Slovenia, and Sweden.
Frequently Asked Questions (eTA Australia vs Tourist Visa)
Is an eTA or eVisitor visa better for Australia?
The eTA (AUD 20) suits non-European eligible passport holders (US, Canada, Japan). The eVisitor (free) is for European passport holders. Otherwise, apply for the Tourist Visa (Subclass 600).
Are Australia eTA and visa the same thing?
The eTA is a visa subclass (601) with a digital visa label, processed automatically within minutes. The Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) involves manual assessment taking several weeks. Both are legally visa subclasses.
Do British citizens need an eTA for Australia?
No. British citizens qualify for the eVisitor (Subclass 651), which is free, processes within minutes, and allows stays up to 3 months for tourism or short business trips.
How far in advance should I apply for an Australian eTA?
Apply up to 12 months before travel. The eTA (Subclass 601) processes within minutes via an automated system, so early application is unnecessary. Apply a few days before booking flights.
Can I work in Australia on an eTA or Tourist Visa?
No. Both the eTA (Subclass 601) and Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) prohibit paid work. Both allow tourism and limited business visitor activities. The Tourist Visa may permit limited voluntary work.
What documents do I need for an Australian Tourist Visa (subclass 600)?
The Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) requires a passport, bank statements (3 to 6 months), an employment letter, and a travel itinerary, uploaded via the ImmiAccount portal. A letter of invitation may be needed if visiting family.
How long does the Australian Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) take to process?
Per Department of Home Affairs data (2024), 50% of Subclass 600 applications are processed in 25 days and 90% in 48 days. The eTA processes within minutes.
Is the Australian eTA valid for multiple entries?
Yes. The eTA allows multiple entries, is valid for 12 months, and permits stays of up to 3 months per visit. The Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) can be single or multiple entry.
Do I need health insurance for an Australian tourist visa?
Health insurance is not legally mandatory but strongly recommended for Subclass 600 holders staying 6+ months. RHCA covers UK, Ireland, New Zealand, and other eligible countries for some treatments; comprehensive travel insurance remains advised.
Can I convert my eTA or Tourist Visa to a work visa while in Australia?
eTA holders cannot apply for any other visa onshore and must depart to reapply. Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) holders may apply onshore unless Condition 8503 (No Further Stay) is imposed, which requires a rare approved waiver.
