Australia does not have a single blanket visa-waiver scheme — instead it operates two separate online travel authorisations for short-term visitors: the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) and the eVisitor (subclass 651). They do the same job but apply to different passport holders. Knowing which one you need — and how to apply correctly — saves time and avoids being caught out at check-in.
Confirm requirements before you travel. Australian visa categories and eligibility are managed by the Department of Home Affairs (homeaffairs.gov.au). Always check current requirements with the official Australian government site and your own government's travel advice — this guide provides general information and rules can change.
ETA versus eVisitor: what is the difference
Both the ETA and the eVisitor allow stays of up to three months per visit within a 12-month validity period, for tourism or certain business activities. The key difference is eligibility by passport:
- The ETA (subclass 601) is available to citizens of a specific group of countries, including (as of current rules) the UK, the US, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Hong Kong and several others. Applications are made through the official Australian ETA app or through authorised travel agents.
- The eVisitor (subclass 651) is available exclusively to citizens and valid passport holders of European Union member states, plus the UK, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. It is applied for online via the Department of Home Affairs website and is free of charge.
Citizens of New Zealand have their own arrangement — they are eligible for a Special Category Visa on arrival and do not need to apply in advance. Citizens of countries not covered by either scheme need a conventional Visitor Visa, applied for through the Department of Home Affairs or an Australian Embassy or High Commission.
What you can and cannot do
Both authorisations permit:
- Tourism, holidays and recreational activities
- Visiting family and friends
- Short-term business activities such as attending meetings, conferences or trade fairs
Neither permits:
- Working for an Australian employer or being self-employed in Australia
- Enrolling in formal study (short recreational or personal interest courses of up to three months may be permitted — check the Department of Home Affairs guidance)
- Staying beyond three months per entry (though the authorisation is valid for 12 months, allowing multiple trips of up to three months each)
If your purpose of travel is not covered, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa — a Working Holiday visa, student visa, or standard Visitor Visa, depending on what you plan to do.
How to apply for the ETA
The ETA is applied for through the Australian ETA app, available from the Australian Department of Home Affairs and from Apple and Google app stores, or through authorised travel agents. A small application charge applies.
You will need your passport, a payment method, and to answer a short set of character and health questions. Most ETAs are granted within a few minutes; some may take longer if additional checks are required. Your ETA is linked electronically to your passport — you do not receive a physical stamp or document, but airlines and border staff can verify it automatically.
The ETA is valid for 12 months from the date of grant, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Within that 12 months you can make multiple visits, each of up to three months. If you get a new passport, you will need a new ETA.
How to apply for the eVisitor
The eVisitor is applied for online via the Department of Home Affairs website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au). There is no application fee. You will need a valid European passport, an email address, and answers to character and health questions.
Processing is usually quick, but the Department of Home Affairs advises applying well in advance of travel — allow at least a few weeks as a precaution, and certainly before booking non-refundable flights. Like the ETA, the eVisitor is recorded electronically against your passport and does not appear as a stamp.
The eVisitor is valid for 12 months from the date of grant, allowing multiple three-month visits within that period. As with the ETA, if your passport changes, you need to apply again.
Arriving in Australia
Australia uses a SmartGate system at most international airports, which allows eligible passport holders to clear passport control using automated gates rather than queuing for an officer. SmartGate uses facial recognition technology matched against your passport chip. If you are eligible, follow the signs on arrival.
You will also need to complete an incoming passenger card, declaring goods, currency and biosecurity items. Australia has strict biosecurity rules — food, plant material, wooden items and certain goods must be declared. Failure to declare can result in significant fines even for genuine oversights.
Having an ETA or eVisitor does not guarantee entry. Border Force officers retain the authority to refuse entry if they are not satisfied that the visit is legitimate.
Health and character requirements
Both the ETA and eVisitor require you to meet Australia's character and health requirements. Most short-stay visitors are not required to undergo a health examination, but you must disclose any serious criminal history. A criminal conviction does not automatically result in refusal, but it will be assessed. If you have concerns about your eligibility, contact an Australian Embassy or High Commission before applying.
If you need a conventional Visitor Visa
Citizens of countries not covered by either scheme, or those whose applications are refused, need to apply for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) through the Department of Home Affairs. This is an online application process, though processing times are longer and documentation requirements more detailed. Check the current processing times early, as they can vary significantly.
Frequently asked questions
I am a UK citizen — do I need the ETA or the eVisitor?
UK citizens are eligible for both, but in practice the Department of Home Affairs recommends the eVisitor for UK passport holders, as it is free of charge. The ETA is also technically available to UK citizens. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for current guidance on which to apply for.
My ETA is valid for 12 months — can I stay for 12 months in total?
No. The 12-month validity covers the window in which you can travel to Australia, but each individual visit is limited to three months. You cannot string visits together to accumulate a longer continuous stay.
Can I work in Australia on an ETA or eVisitor?
No. Both authorisations are for tourism and short-term business activities only. Working requires an appropriate work visa — including the Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462) if you are eligible by age and nationality.
What if my application is refused?
If your ETA or eVisitor is refused, you can apply for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) instead. You may also seek advice from an Australian Embassy or High Commission, or consult a registered migration agent for guidance specific to your situation.
Sources and further reading:
- ETA and eVisitor applications: Australian Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au).
- SmartGate information: Australian Border Force (abf.gov.au).
- Always confirm current requirements with your own government's travel advice before travelling.