Electronic Travel Authority Visa (Subclass 601)
The Electronic Travel Authority allows eligible passport holders to make short visits to Australia for tourism, family visits or permitted business visitor activities.
The ETA is not a work visa. Eligible applicants must apply from outside Australia through the Australian ETA app on a compatible mobile device.
What is the Subclass 601 ETA?
Subclass 601 is a digitally linked travel authority for holders of specified passports. It can be used for a holiday or cruise, visiting family or friends, and undertaking approved business visitor activities.
An ETA is generally valid for travel for 12 months or for the remaining validity of the passport, whichever is shorter. It permits multiple entries and a stay of up to three months after each arrival.
What can you do with an ETA?
Key eligibility considerations
You must hold an ETA-eligible passport, apply from outside Australia and use the Australian ETA app. You must be a genuine temporary visitor, have sufficient funds for the trip, and satisfy applicable health, character and Australian Government debt requirements.
Australian citizens cannot apply for an ETA. Each traveller needs an individual application, including children and family members travelling together.
How the ETA application process works
Check passport and device eligibility
Confirm that your passport qualifies and that a compatible NFC-enabled mobile device can run the Australian ETA app.
Download the official app
Install the Australian ETA app from the official Apple App Store or Google Play Store and review its instructions.
Verify identity
Scan the passport data page and electronic chip, take the required live photograph and accurately complete personal details.
Complete declarations and payment
Provide travel, health and character information, review the application and pay the app service charge.
Wait for the decision
Check email for the outcome or further instructions and do not make final travel commitments until the ETA is granted.
Business visitor activities
An ETA may allow general business or employment enquiries, investigating or negotiating a contract, an official government visit, or attending a conference, seminar or trade fair where the organiser does not pay you to participate.
You cannot work for or provide services to an Australian business or organisation, undertake paid employment for an Australian employer, or sell goods or services directly to the public.
Stay, passport and travel conditions
You can enter Australia multiple times while the ETA is valid and stay for up to three months after each entry. Regular or lengthy visits can lead border authorities to ask whether you remain a genuine visitor.
The ETA is attached to the passport used in the application. If that passport expires or you obtain a new passport, the ETA ceases and a new application is required. A round-trip cruise may count as time in Australia and may not reset the permitted stay.
Important ETA Conditions
- Apply from outside Australia with an ETA-eligible passport.
- Use the official Australian ETA app.
- Stay for no more than three months after each entry.
- Do not undertake paid work in Australia.
- Perform only activities allowed for a genuine visitor.
- Obey all visa conditions and Australian laws.
- Arrange suitable health insurance for unexpected medical costs.
Cost, family and health insurance
The Australian Government currently charges an AUD20 service fee for use of the Australian ETA app, with no separate visa application charge. Every family member must apply separately. Visitors are responsible for healthcare costs, so suitable travel health insurance is strongly recommended.
Information commonly required
You will generally need an eligible electronic passport, an email address, a compatible mobile device, a live facial image, contact and travel details, health and character declarations, and a valid payment method. Further documents or information may be requested in some cases.
How Echoes Global Education can assist
Our migration team can help assess whether Subclass 601 suits your passport and travel purpose, explain permitted activities, review supporting information and guide you through the official ETA application process.