Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) – Subclass 601
The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601) is a short-term visa for tourism or business visits to Australia. It is available only to citizens of select eligible countries and is electronically linked to the applicant’s passport.
Key Features
✅ Multiple Entries: Allows unlimited visits within 12 months.
✅ Short Stay Duration: Each visit can last up to 3 months.
✅ Fast Processing: Typically approved within minutes to a few days.
✅ Online Application: Must be submitted through the official Australian ETA app.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must hold a passport from an eligible country (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and others).
- Travel must be for tourism or short-term business activities (e.g., attending conferences or business meetings, but not for employment).
- Must be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted.
- Must meet health and character requirements.
How to Apply
- Download the Australian ETA App (available for iOS and Android).
- Complete the Application by entering passport details and required information.
- Receive Approval (often within minutes, though some cases may take longer).
- Travel to Australia – No physical visa is needed, as the ETA is digitally linked to the passport
Comparison: ETA (Subclass 601) vs. Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
Feature ETA (Subclass 601) Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Eligibility Only certain nationalities Open to all nationalities Validity 12 months Up to 12 months Maximum Stay Per Visit Up to 3 months 3, 6, or 12 months Application Method Online via mobile app Online or paper-based Processing Time Usually instant Few days to several weeks Cost AUD 20 Starting from AUD 190