Travel authorisations
Australia Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) and eVisitor (subclass 651)
Short answer
- eVisitor cost
- Free 2
- ETA validity
- Multiple entries for up to one year, or until the passport expires if sooner 3
- eVisitor passports
- 36 passports listed in LIN 23/064, as made 13 September 2023 5
What the two visas are
The Department of Home Affairs lists the Electronic Travel Authority as subclass 601 and the eVisitor as subclass 651 1,2. Both listings say holders can visit Australia as often as they wish in a 12-month period and stay up to 3 months each time they enter 1,2.
The Australian High Commission in Malaysia describes an ETA as an electronically stored authority equivalent to a visa. It says the ETA is for tourism or business visitor activity, and work in Australia is not permitted on an ETA 3. The ETA is linked to a passport number. A traveller whose passport changes or is renewed after the grant needs a new ETA 3.
How the ETA application works
The High Commission page, updated 13 April 2026, says ETAs are only available through the Australian ETA app for all eligible jurisdictions 3. The app is free to download from the Apple and Google Play stores 3. The Australian Embassy in the United States gives the same rule and says ETAs cannot be applied for on a website 4.
- The applicant needs a valid passport, a mobile device with a camera, NFC and location services turned on, an email address and a payment method 3.
- The app scans the passport to fill in the name, date of birth and passport number. The applicant then takes a photo and answers questions on criminal convictions, other names and contact details in Australia 3.
- Each person must submit an application, including infants and children. Families and groups can use the Group ID function 3.
- A friend, relative or authorised travel agent can help, but the applicant must be physically present 3.
- Outcomes arrive by email within 72 hours. The High Commission advises applying at least 4 weeks before travel 3.
Who can get an eVisitor
Under regulation 1.11C of the Migration Regulations 1994, the Minister specifies which passports are eVisitor eligible passports 5. Instrument LIN 23/064 was made on 13 September 2023 by the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs. It repealed the earlier instrument IMMI 13/078 5.
Its Schedule 1 lists 36 passports. They include all EU member states and Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Vatican City 5. For the United Kingdom, the passport must show the holder is a British national. British National (Overseas), British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Protected Person and British Subject passports are excluded 5. This page has not confirmed later changes to the list.
Fees side by side
Unofficial websites
The Australian Embassy in the United States warns about third-party websites that claim to be associated with the Department of Home Affairs and charge very high fees to lodge ETAs for applicants 4. It lists signs of such sites: the ETA is applied for on a website, or the traveller pays more than AUD20 4. It asks people who suspect a visa scam to report it 4.
Common questions
How much does an Australian ETA cost?
There is no visa application charge, but the Australian ETA app charges a service fee of AUD20 3,4.
Is the Australian eVisitor free?
Yes. The Home Affairs eVisitor listing says the visa is free 2.
Can I apply for an Australian ETA on a website?
No. Official pages say the ETA can only be requested in the Australian ETA app 3,4.
How long does an Australian ETA take?
The Australian High Commission in Malaysia says outcomes arrive by email within 72 hours and advises applying at least 4 weeks before travel 3.
Do British citizens use the ETA or the eVisitor?
UK passports qualify under LIN 23/064, but British National (Overseas), British Overseas Citizen and other listed British passport types are excluded 5.
Rules and charges change. Check the official source linked on this page before you pay or travel. Spotted an error? Email [email protected].
Sources
- Department of Home Affairs: Immigration and citizenship Website, Electronic Travel Authority 601 listing (updated 12 October 2026)
- Department of Home Affairs: Immigration and citizenship Website, eVisitor 651 listing (updated 8 September 2026)
- Australian High Commission, Malaysia: Apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (13 April 2026)
- Australian Embassy, United States of America: Visas and Migration (undated)
- Federal Register of Legislation: Migration (Specification of eVisitor eligible passport) Instrument (LIN 23/064) 2023 (13 September 2023)
Related
- New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
The NZeTA costs NZ$17 in the app or NZ$23 online, plus the NZD 100 visitor levy from 1 October 2024. Who needs it, validity and processing time.
- US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
ESTA is required for Visa Waiver Program travel to the US. The fee is US$40.62 from 16 October 2026. Rules, eligibility and proposed app-only changes.
- Canada electronic travel authorization (eTA)
Visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada need an eTA. It costs CAN$7 and lasts up to five years. Exemptions, conditional eligibility and the law.
- UK electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
The UK ETA costs £20, lasts 2 years or to passport expiry, and is needed by most visa-free visitors. Rollout dates, refusals and legal basis.
- Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)
K-ETA costs KRW 10,000 and is for visa-free visitors to Korea. Validity is 3 years from July 2023. A temporary exemption runs to 31 December 2026.