Australia ETA: The Complete Guide to Requirements, Cost and How to Apply

Quick answer: The Australia ETA (Electronic Travel Authority, subclass 601) is a digital visa for tourism and business visitor trips, valid for up to 12 months with stays of up to 3 months per visit, and costs A$20 when you apply through the official Australian ETA app.

• Check whether your passport is eligible before you apply; not every nationality can use the ETA.
• Use the official government ETA app, not a third-party website, to avoid inflated fees.
• Most ETA decisions are instant, but apply early and always check your visa status before flying.

An Australia ETA is not a paper visa. It is an electronic visa linked to your passport number. The whole application is designed to be quick, mobile-first and largely automated.

For many travellers, the approval lands in their inbox within minutes of submitting.

Before we dig in: this is general information, not professional immigration advice. Requirements can change, and each application is assessed on its own merits. Always check the current rules on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website before you book anything that is hard to cancel.

One point that surprises people is that the ETA is still a genuine visa, even though you never speak to an official or visit an embassy. The Australian government integrated this system into its border technology so that airlines, immigration officers and the traveller all see the same digital result. In practice, this means the ETA works as a passenger authorisation that is checked before you board and again when you land.

It is worth remembering that an ETA is not a guarantee of entry. Border officials can ask further questions and, in rare circumstances, refuse entry even if you hold an approved ETA. You will see this warning repeated throughout this guide because it is one of the most misunderstood parts of the process.

What is the Australia ETA?

“Australia ETA” is short for Electronic Travel Authority, which is officially visa subclass 601. It lets eligible passport holders enter Australia for short stays for tourism or business visitor activities. Once granted, the visa is linked electronically to the passport number you applied with.

The subclass number matters if you ever need to quote your visa to an airline or employer. You will sometimes see the ETA referred to as an “electronic visitor visa” in older travel forums. Do not confuse it with the eVisitor visa (subclass 651), which is a separate scheme available to many European nationals.

There is no stamp in your passport. There is no separate paper document to carry. Immigration officers can see your ETA when they scan your passport at the border.

The ETA was developed to reduce paperwork at the border and to make short trips easier. Because it is linked to the passport number, you do not need to carry a letter of approval. That said, it is wise to screenshot or save the approval notification as a backup in case airline staff cannot find the record.

The table above shows the most common characteristics, but your individual grant can carry specific conditions. Home Affairs can impose extra condition codes if there is something unusual about your application. Read your grant letter carefully rather than assuming the standard terms apply.

It is not a work visa. You cannot work for an Australian employer, and you cannot provide services to a business in Australia as a paid independent contractor. If you want to do those things, you need a different visa.

If your trip involves paid work, a conference where you are a paid speaker, or any plan to provide services to an Australian client, the ETA will not cover you. You may need a Temporary Skill Shortage visa, a business visitor visa, or an appropriate work authorisation. This guide focuses only on the ETA.

Who is eligible for an Australia ETA?

Eligibility for the Australia ETA is based on passport nationality, not where you live. The Department of Home Affairs maintains the official list of eligible countries. It includes passport holders from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong (SAR), Brunei, Taiwan, and most European countries, among others.

Being a lawful permanent resident of an eligible country, such as a US green card holder or a UK indefinite leave to remain, does not make you eligible unless your passport is from an eligible country. The list is based on the passport you hold, not the country where you live. This point trips up expats more than almost anything else.

• United Kingdom and Ireland
• United States and Canada
• Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia
• Brunei, Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region), Taiwan
• Most European Union and European Economic Area countries

If your nationality is not listed, this section is still useful because it explains the alternatives. There is a global visitor visa system that covers everyone, but the cost and processing time are very different.

The exact list can change. What worked last year may not be the same this year. That is why you should confirm your passport type on the Department of Home Affairs ETA page before committing to flights.

The official list is updated in the Australian legislation that creates the visa class. Home Affairs publishes the eligible passports in a formal instrument. The easiest way to check is still the official online eligibility tool, which matches your passport type against the current law.

Who cannot use the Australia ETA?

Travellers from countries that are not on the eligible list cannot apply for an ETA. They normally need a Visitor visa (subclass 600) instead. That process is more detailed, takes longer, and costs more than A$20.

Some passport types are also excluded even if the country is on the list. The ETA generally applies to ordinary passports. Diplomatic, official, service and other special passports may have separate arrangements.

If you hold a British National Overseas (BNO) passport, your eligibility may be different from a standard British citizen passport. The same applies to other special statuses. Always check the exact passport type on the ETA list, not just the country name.

What about the eVisitor visa?

Many European passport holders also have access to the eVisitor visa, subclass 651. It is broadly similar to the ETA but is free of charge. If your nationality is on the eVisitor list, it is worth comparing both options before you apply.

For most UK, US, Canadian and Asian travellers, the app-based ETA is the route they will use. Still, always check which visa class your nationality is eligible for. Applying through the wrong scheme can waste time and money.

The eVisitor visa is not available to UK, US, Canadian or Asian passport holders outside the European list. If you qualify for both, you will usually pay nothing for the eVisitor and still get 12 months validity with 3 months per visit. The main difference is that the eVisitor uses an online form rather than a mobile app, and it is more likely to be assessed manually.

Australia ETA vs eVisitor vs Visitor visa (subclass 600)

If you are confused by the names, this comparison should help. The ETA and the eVisitor are both short-stay visitor visas. The Visitor visa (subclass 600) is a deeper process for travellers who are not ETA-eligible or who want a longer stay.

Some travellers apply for a Visitor visa even though they are ETA-eligible because they want to stay longer than 3 months or because they have concerns about character issues. A Visitor visa can also be used by people who have previously had an ETA cancelled.

The fee for a subclass 600 can be higher, and you may need to provide biometrics, financial evidence and a detailed itinerary. If your trip is a simple holiday, the ETA remains the simplest option.

How much does an Australia ETA cost?

The official government fee for an Australia ETA through the official app is A$20. That is the only fee you should pay if you apply yourself. The app accepts payment by debit or credit card before you submit the application.

The A$20 fee is set by the Australian government. It is subject to change, and it can be increased during budget updates. The fee is the same for every traveller, whether you are visiting for a weekend or staying for the full three months.

The fee is non-refundable. Even if your ETA application is refused, you do not get the A$20 back. That is normal for Australian visa applications, so it pays to check your eligibility carefully before you pay.

Because the fee is so small, there is no benefit to submitting a second application while one is still pending. That would simply cost another A$20 and could create confusion. Wait for the first decision before you decide what to do.

Why do some websites charge much more? Because they are third-party visa services. They collect the same A$20 government fee and add their own service fee, which can be £20, £50 or even £100 on top.

They do not give you any extra priority or a higher chance of approval.

Some third-party sites also add currency conversion markups. They might show a price in pounds, euros or dollars that looks like a government fee but includes hidden charges. Read the small print before you enter your card details.

You can complete the ETA application yourself in about ten minutes. There is no good reason to pay a middleman unless you genuinely cannot use a smartphone or you need help with the forms.

If a website promises "guaranteed approval" or "priority UK ETA processing," treat it as a red flag. The Australian government does not offer paid priority for the ETA. Any claim that a third party can push you to the front of the queue is false.

How long does Australia ETA processing take?

Most ETA applications are processed automatically. The system checks your passport details and runs them against security and character databases. In many cases, you receive a decision within minutes of submitting the application and paying the fee.

Many applicants underestimate how much the system relies on data matching. The Department checks the details you enter against airline records, immigration databases and security watchlists. When everything matches, the automated system returns an instant grant; when something is off, it sends the application to a human officer.

Some applications are referred for manual assessment. This can happen if there is a name mismatch, a technical issue, or something in your history that needs a human look. Those applications can take several days, and occasionally longer.

Manual assessment does not mean your application is in trouble. It may simply mean that the app’s selfie did not match the passport photo closely enough, or that your name appears in a database with multiple spellings. These cases are usually resolved once an officer compares the documents.

Do not book a flight for the next morning and assume your ETA will arrive in time. Apply at least one to two weeks before departure. If there is a problem, you need a buffer to fix it or to switch to a different visa.

Processing times are published on the Home Affairs website for every visa, but for the ETA it is hard to give a meaningful range because most are instant. In peak travel months, manual decisions can take from five to fifteen business days. That is why an early application is always better.

Health and character requirements for the Australia ETA

Even though the ETA application is short, it asks direct questions about your health and background. A serious criminal conviction or a health condition that would create significant cost to the Australian community can affect your application.

The health requirement is not as strict as the one for a long-term visa, but it still exists. You must be free from diseases that might require quarantine or that could be a danger to the public. Australian authorities look for tuberculosis, for example.

The character requirement is broader. You will be asked about any criminal convictions, including spent convictions that may not appear in your home country’s standard background check. You must also disclose past visa cancellations or refusals in Australia or elsewhere.

Here are some situations that are commonly underestimated:

• A drink-driving conviction from years ago is not automatically a refusal, but you must declare it if the app asks.
• Association with groups that Australia considers security risks can trigger a manual assessment.
• Removal or deportation from any country in the past can affect a new ETA application.
• A health condition that may need hospital care during your stay should be described honestly.

If you are unsure whether a conviction must be disclosed, declare it anyway. The app may still approve you, but nondisclosure is treated as a character issue. It is far worse to be caught hiding something than to be refused for declaring it.

Step-by-step: how to apply for an Australia ETA

Here is the standard application process through the official Australian ETA app. The app is free to download, but the visa itself costs A$20.

1. Check your passport nationality against the official eligible countries list.
2. Download the official “Australian ETA” app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Check the developer name carefully to avoid fake apps.
3. Open the app and scan the biographical page of your passport using your phone camera.
4. Check that your name, passport number and date of birth are captured correctly.
5. Enter your travel plans, contact details, and answers to health and character questions.
6. Take a selfie if the app prompts you to. This helps verify that the passport belongs to you.
7. Review every detail before paying. A minor typo can cause delays or a refusal.
8. Pay the A$20 fee by card inside the app.
9. Submit the application and wait for the decision notification.
10. Check your visa status after approval using the app or VEVO, Australia’s online visa verification service.

You need to be outside Australia when the ETA is granted. This is an entry visa, not a way to extend a stay if you are already in the country.

Using the Australian ETA app: practical tips and how to avoid fakes

The official app is published by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Its name in the app stores is “Australian ETA.” The developer or publisher is usually shown as Department of Home Affairs or the Commonwealth of Australia. Do not download an app called “Australia ETA,” “ETA Australia,” or “Australia Visa” unless the developer is verified.

How to spot a fake ETA app

• Check the developer name on the app store. If it is not an official government department, it is not the official app.
• Look at the number of reviews and the app’s age. Fake apps often appear and disappear quickly.
• Do not trust an app that asks for payment of £50 or more. The official fee is A$20.
• Read recent reviews. If travellers mention surprise charges or missing documents, choose another route.

If you install a third-party app and pay them, you are not using a faster or better system. They will typically collect your details in a web form and submit them through the same official gateway. You are simply adding a middleman to a process you can complete yourself.

What to do if the official app fails on your phone

The app has a clean interface, but it still depends on your phone’s camera and internet connection. Restart the phone, close all other apps, and try again. If the problem persists, use a family member’s phone to complete the application, because the app is not locked to one device.

You do not have to use the app for every visa. The ETA is app-only for most nationalities, but the eVisitor, if eligible, uses a website form. And the Visitor visa (subclass 600) can be submitted through ImmiAccount on a computer.

If the app cannot work for you, use one of those alternatives.

What do you need before you start?

Keep things simple by gathering these before you open the app:

• A valid ordinary passport from an ETA-eligible country
• The same passport you plan to travel with
• A smartphone with a working camera
• Your email address
• Your intended arrival date and city in Australia, if known
• A debit or credit card to pay the A$20 fee

Your passport should remain valid for your whole stay in Australia. If you renew your passport after the ETA is granted, the ETA may not transfer automatically to the new passport. Check before you fly.

The app may ask for a selfie, and in some cases a short facial scan. Make sure your face is clearly lit and remove glasses or hats for the verification step. This helps the system match your face to the passport photo.

Your email address should be one you check regularly. Notification of the grant or refusal arrives by email. If you use a spam filter, add the Home Affairs domain to your safe senders list.

Australia ETA validity and conditions

An Australia ETA is typically valid for up to 12 months from the date it is granted. During that time, you can enter Australia multiple times. Each visit can last up to 3 months.

When you arrive, the border officer will check whether you still meet the conditions. You should be able to show evidence of funds, a return or onward ticket, and a genuine reason for your visit.

These are the main conditions attached to an ETA:

• No paid work or work for an Australian employer
• No study beyond 3 months
• No medical treatment that would be a significant cost to Australia
• You must continue to satisfy health and character requirements
• You must leave before your visa validity or your 3-month stay ends

You cannot extend an ETA. If you want to stay longer than 3 months, you need a different visa such as the Visitor visa (subclass 600). Applying for a new visa is not a way to reset the clock on an ETA.

If you want to travel again after that 12-month period, you will normally need to apply for a new ETA or another visitor visa. There is no automatic renewal. The system will link the new ETA to your same passport number once the old one expires or you submit a new application.

Australia ETA for frequent visitors: can you leave and return on the same visa?

One of the most popular phrases in travel forums is “visa hopping.” Some travellers imagine they can leave Australia for a weekend in Bali, return, and reset the three-month clock. This does not work as cleanly as people hope.

Immigration officers are allowed to probe the genuineness of repeated visits. If you spend six months in Australia on an ETA, leave for two weeks, and try to return for another three months, expect questions. You may be admitted, but you may also be refused entry and sent back at your own expense.

The ETA is designed for short visits, not as a tool to live in Australia indefinitely. If your plan is to spend most of the year in Australia, a visitor visa may give you a longer single stay, but no visitor visa is designed for permanent residence. You should consider a proper residence or work visa.

Here is what tends to happen on a limited basis:

• Returning once or twice during a 12-month ETA period is common and rarely questioned.
• Returning repeatedly to the same addresses can look suspicious.
• Leaving and returning does not extend the overall validity of the ETA.
• Every entry is assessed on the day, not automatically approved.

A safe approach: use the ETA for the trips it is intended for, and keep documentation of funds, employment or ties to your home country. This evidence supports a genuine visitor reason.

Australia ETA for UK citizens

UK passport holders are among the most frequent users of the Australia ETA. If you hold a British passport, you are eligible to apply through the official Australian ETA app. The fee is A$20, the visa is valid for up to 12 months, and you can stay for up to 3 months per visit.

British citizens can also use the eVisitor visa, because the UK is on the eVisitor list. The free fee is attractive, but the ETA remains an excellent choice because its approval is usually instant. Since both visas allow the same maximum stay, many UK travellers choose the ETA when they are booking close to departure.

For British travellers, the process usually takes minutes. That said, UK citizens with a criminal record, certain health conditions, or past visa issues need to be careful. An ETA can be refused, and a refusal can complicate later visa applications.

If you are a British passport holder, our dedicated guide to the Australia ETA visa for UK citizens covers your situation in more detail, including what to do if you hold dual nationality or if your application is refused.

How is an Australia ETA different from other ETA schemes?

Electronic travel authorisation systems are now common around the world. The general idea is the same: you pay a fee, provide passport details, and the government links an approval to your passport. But each scheme is separate.

Each country also asks for different passport validity rules. Australia generally accepts passports that are valid on arrival, but some airlines will block travel if the passport expires within the planned stay. Check both the airline and the destination rules before you pay.

Canada has its own canada eta for visa-exempt foreign nationals. It is different from the Australian ETA in cost, validity and application process. A valid Australia ETA does nothing for Canada, and vice versa.

Sri Lanka also runs a system called an ETA. Our guide to the sri lanka eta explains how that one works. The fees, approval times and eligibility rules are not the same as Australia's, so treat each country as a separate application.

If you are a UK citizen planning a trip to North America, have a look at the canada eta for uk citizens guide as well. Canadian rules differ from Australian rules in several important ways.

And if you are travelling to Europe from the UK, remember the Schengen area will run a separate system called ETIAS in the future. None of the ETA schemes described here cover the Schengen area.

The terminology is one of the most confusing parts of global travel. An "ETA" in one country may mean an application form that takes days, while another country’s "visa waiver" is instant. Always search for the official government source for the country you plan to visit.

What happens at the Australian border?

When you arrive in Australia, your ETA is already linked to your passport. At passport control, the officer will scan your passport and see your visa status. You may also be able to use an eGate or SmartGate, depending on your passport nationality and the airport.

At many Australian international airports, eGates are available to travellers from ETA-eligible countries. You scan your passport and look into a camera, and the gate prints a ticket. It is fast, but children under a certain age and some passport types must use a staffed desk.

You should still be ready to answer basic questions about your trip. Border officers can ask about your accommodation, your return ticket, and what you plan to do in Australia. Answer honestly and keep evidence close at hand.

If border officers ask to see evidence of your return plans, a simple onward flight booking usually satisfies them. They may also ask about the purpose of your visit. Keep your answer aligned with what you wrote in the ETA application.

Will you be turned away? Not if you are eligible, honest and complying with the conditions. The most common reasons people get into trouble are working on the ETA, overstaying a previous visit, or failing to disclose a criminal record.

If you have ever been refused entry to another country, that is not automatically a problem for Australia. Yet you should be ready to explain it if asked. Honest, brief answers work better than elaborate stories.

What happens if you arrive in Australia without an ETA?

If you arrive in Australia without a valid visa and you are from an ETA-eligible country, you may be denied boarding before you even get to the gate. Airlines are required to check that every passenger has a valid travel authorisation. In some cases, the check-in system will show “no visa” and prevent you from checking in.

There is no such thing as buying an ETA at the airport upon arrival. Australia does not offer visa-on-arrival for most ETA-eligible nationalities. You must have the application approved before you land.

If you do somehow board and arrive without an ETA, you will be placed into immigration processing. The officer may allow you to apply for a visitor visa at the airport, but that is rare, time-consuming and not guaranteed. The standard outcome is that you are returned to your point of departure on the next available flight.

Avoid this situation. Check your visa status on VEVO before you leave home, and show the document to airline staff if there is any confusion at check-in.

How can you check your Australia ETA status?

After your application is approved, you can check your visa details using VEVO, which is the Visa Entitlement Verification Online service run by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. VEVO lets you see your visa class, validity dates, and conditions.

VEVO does not require you to log in with your online visa account. You simply enter your passport details, date of birth and visa number or transaction reference. If you have lost the visa number, the ETA app itself usually shows the latest status.

You should check VEVO before you fly, especially if you applied weeks earlier. Occasionally the system is slow to update, or the passport number in the application contains an error. Better to catch it at home than at the boarding gate.

If VEVO says your ETA is not found, check your passport number and spelling. The most common cause is a variation in your name, such as a middle name that appears differently on your passport. If you found an error in your application, contact Home Affairs or apply again with the correct details.

Common mistakes travellers make with the Australia ETA

Most ETA problems are avoidable. Here are the mistakes I see most often:

• Using a third-party website that charges far more than A$20
• Applying with an old or soon-to-expire passport
• Assuming the ETA allows working remotely for a foreign employer for months in Australia
• Waiting until 24 hours before the flight to apply
• Not checking the visa status on VEVO after approval
• Hiding a criminal conviction or character issue
• Travelling on a different passport from the one used in the application

Each of these mistakes is easy to avoid if you slow down and read the instructions inside the app. The Australian system is quite efficient, but it assumes the applicant is accurate and truthful.

A recurring theme is speed. Because the ETA is so fast, people assume they can leave it to the final evening. The approval is usually quick, but not always, and a delayed manual check can ruin a tightly planned trip.

Another theme is the false sense of security that comes from an app. The app is efficient, but it does not change the legal requirements. The same rules that apply to a paper visa still apply to an ETA.

What should you do if your Australia ETA is refused?

ETA refusals are not common, but they happen. When an ETA is refused, you do not usually get a detailed explanation. The system is automated, and the decision is often discretionary.

Because the ETA is automated, some refusals happen because of data matching rather than a deliberate decision. An application may be refused if your passport details do not match the records held by the airline or if you have an identical name to someone on a security list.

You cannot appeal an ETA refusal directly. If you still want to travel, your next step is usually to apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600). That application is assessed more thoroughly, takes longer, and costs more, but it gives you a chance to provide evidence about your circumstances.

If you do apply for a Visitor visa after a refusal, be prepared to include police certificates and a written statement explaining overseas convictions, if any. The visa officer will want to understand why you are asking for a different visa class now.

Before reapplying, find out why the ETA was refused. Common reasons include a criminal record, a previous visa breach in Australia, or an identity matching problem. Applying again with the same information will usually produce the same result.

If you believe the refusal was an error, you can seek help from a registered migration agent. The Australian government does not have a formal appeal process for an ETA refusal, but a professional can help you prepare a stronger visitor visa application.

Australia ETA for children and families

Every traveller needs their own ETA, including infants and children. There is no family-wide ETA. Each application is linked to one passport number, so each family member needs their own A$20 application.

Some parents wonder whether a child's ETA should be added to the parent's passport. It cannot. Every passport and every ETA is individual.

The system is separate from family permits in other countries.

You can apply for your child using their own passport. You will need their passport details just as carefully as your own. Babies need an ETA even if they are only held in arms on the flight.

When you apply for a child, you must be the parent or guardian and provide your own consent. The app will ask you to confirm that you have legal authority. It may also prompt you to enter the child's relationship to you.

If your child’s passport is linked to a parent’s passport in some countries, check the Australian rules carefully. Australia generally treats each person as an individual applicant, so do not assume a parent’s ETA covers the child.

Dual nationals and which passport to use

If you hold two passports, and one of them is from an ETA-eligible country, you can choose to apply with that passport. That is a straightforward option. But you must then enter and leave Australia using that same passport.

If both of your passports are from ETA-eligible countries, choose the one that will remain valid for the entire journey. Also consider that some weaker passports may require a transit visa for your flight route, even if they are ETA-eligible for Australia. A route through the United States, for example, has its own requirements.

There is a common problem: a dual national applies with the eligible passport but travels with another passport. When the airline checks the passport against Australia’s system, the ETA will not appear. The result can be a denied boarding or a long conversation at the airport.

The solution is simple. Use the same passport for the ETA application, the airline booking, and the trip itself. Keep that passport in good condition and make sure the details are identical across all documents.

The Australian system also saw a problem when people applied with a passport they intended to renew soon. If you will renew your passport before departure, do the ETA application after the renewal. That saves you the hassle of transferring or reapplying.

Remote work and digital nomads on an Australia ETA

Many travellers now ask whether they can “work remotely” from Australia on an ETA. The short answer is that an ETA is not a work visa. Working for an Australian employer is clearly not allowed.

Many travellers want a clear line: "yes, I can check my emails" versus "no, I cannot perform substantial work." The reality is that the conditions are about the nature and frequency of the activity. There is no exact number of emails or hours that make it legal.

What about working for an overseas employer while you sit in a coffee shop in Sydney? Australian immigration guidance focuses on whether you are working in Australia or earning in Australia. The rules around digital nomads are stricter than you might expect, and the consequences of getting it wrong can include visa cancellation.

If your trip is primarily tourism, a quick message to the office is not usually an issue. But if you plan to work full-time for a month from a rental in Byron Bay, you should speak to a migration professional or contact Home Affairs. This article is general guidance, not legal advice.

Do not risk your Australia ETA by earning money from Australian clients. The digital nomad lifestyle is not formally welcomed under subclass 601, and the Australian government has said that remote working can require a different visa in some cases.

Quick answers to common Australia ETA questions

Here are a few more quick answers that travellers search for at the last minute.

Do I need an Australia ETA if I am only transiting through Australia?

In most cases, yes. Australia has no blanket visa-free transit for international passengers. If you pass through an Australian airport on the way to another country, you generally need an ETA or a transit visa.

There are some exemptions for specific nationalities and routes, so check the official rules before you rely on one.

Can I stay longer than 3 months in Australia on an ETA?

No. An ETA allows a maximum stay of 3 months on each visit. If you want to stay longer, you need to apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) or another visa that allows a longer stay.

Can I apply for an Australia ETA without the app?

The official route for most eligible travellers is the Australian ETA app. Third-party websites can submit applications on your behalf, but they charge extra and use the same underlying system. If you cannot use the app, check whether you are eligible for the eVisitor visa or apply for a Visitor visa instead.

What happens if my Australia ETA is approved but I change my passport?

Your ETA is linked to the passport you applied with. If you get a new passport after the ETA is granted, the ETA may not be visible when you travel. Contact Home Affairs or consider applying for a new ETA with the new passport if your nationality is still eligible.

Does an Australia ETA guarantee entry into Australia?

No. An ETA allows you to travel to Australia and request entry, but the final decision belongs to the border force at the airport. You still need to satisfy the officer that you meet the character, health and genuine visitor requirements on arrival.

Official resources and where to get current information

This guide gives you context, but the last word always belongs to the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Its website, Home Affairs, publishes the complete visa listing, the eligible country list, fee schedules and app downloads. Use it as your source of truth before you apply.

Use these official resources when you need to verify something before you apply:

• Department of Home Affairs ETA page
• VEVO – Visa Entitlement Verification Online
• The official “Australian ETA” app on Apple App Store or Google Play
• The Federal Register of Legislation for the legal instrument that lists eligible passports

If you arrive at a website asking for your date of birth “to check UK ETA eligibility” or claiming “free check,” remember that the Australian ETA is not free. The only official fee is the A$20 within the app. Anyone charging more is adding a fee.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for official advice. Always verify current requirements with official sources before you travel.

Key takeaways

• The Australia ETA is subclass 601, a digital visa for tourism and business visitor travel.
• It costs A$20 when you apply through the official Australian ETA app.
• It is valid for up to 12 months, with multiple entries and stays of up to 3 months per visit.
• Eligibility is based on passport nationality, not where you live.
• Third-party websites overcharge; use the official app.
• Apply early, check your status on VEVO, and use the same passport for application, booking and travel.

Travel to Australia is exciting, and the ETA process is designed to be easy. The key is to stay accurate, stay honest, and verify the current rules on the official Department of Home Affairs website before you go. Do that, and you are good to go.

For official guidance, visit the UK Government ETA.

Related: Do I Need a Visa for Europe From the UK? 2026 Travel Rules Explained

See also: the New Zealand ETA explained