Australia eVisitor Visa or ETA for UK citizens: What's the difference?

UK citizens must apply for either an Australia eVisitor Visa or an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) before departure. While both serve similar purposes, there are a few differences worth noting. Based on our experience helping thousands of travelers, the eVisitor Visa is the better option and the one we offer.

Let’s break it down.

Do UK citizens need a visa for Australia?

Yes. All UK passport holders need a valid visa or travel authorization to enter Australia, even for short visits. The good news? You don’t need to visit an embassy or handle paper forms.

You can apply online for either:

• The Australia eVisitor Visa (subclass 651)
• The ETA (Electronic Travel Authority)

Both are electronically linked to your passport and suitable for tourism, business, and short-term study.

"It was super straightforward to get my eVisitor Visa online. Took me less than 15 minutes with iVisa, and I had my confirmation two days later." – Sarah R., UK traveler

What’s the difference between the eVisitor Visa and ETA?

These two visas are very similar, but there are a few key distinctions:

Even though both options are available, we recommend the eVisitor Visa for UK citizens. It’s free of government charges and tends to have higher approval rates.

Australia eVisitor Visa for UK citizens

Apply for the eVisitor Visa through our secure online platform. It’s the simplest way to get approved and start your Aussie adventure.

What you can do with the eVisitor Visa

• Visit family or friends
• Take a cruise or go on holiday
• Attend business meetings or conferences
• Enroll in a short course (up to 3 months)

"I wasn’t sure which visa to get, but the iVisa team helped me understand my options. I went with the eVisitor and had zero issues at the airport." – Daniel T., Manchester

Who’s eligible?

You can apply if:

• You have a valid UK passport (British Citizen only)

You can’t apply if you hold any of the following travel documents:

• Certificate of identity
• Titre de Voyage
• British National Overseas (BNO)
• British Dependent Territories Citizen
• British Overseas Citizen
• British Protected Person
• British Subject passport

Australia ETA for UK citizens

The ETA also allows short visits for tourism or business. However, it comes with a government fee and slightly different eligibility rules.

Since UK travelers are eligible for both, we suggest applying for the eVisitor Visa instead. It offers the same benefits with fewer costs and, in our experience, a smoother application process.

Who’s eligible for the ETA?

• British Citizens
• British Overseas Nationals

Note: Eligibility doesn’t guarantee approval.

What you can do with an ETA

• Travel for tourism or a cruise
• Visit friends and family
• Attend business-related activities

✈️ Not from the UK? Use our Visa Requirement Checker below to explore your options:

How to apply for an Australia eVisitor Visa with us

We do the hard work for you. With our smooth visa application process, you will get your Australian visa quickly, so you can focus on the fun part: planning your trip.

Complete your eVisitor Visa application online in three easy steps:

Step 1: Fill out the online form with your personal and travel details.

Step 2: Double-check your information, choose your preferred processing time, and pay the visa fees securely online.

Step 3: Upload any required supporting documents and submit your application.

Keep an eye on your email inbox. You will receive confirmation of your Australian visa once approved. Get ready to explore Australia!

Need more information or details? Read our detailed guide here:

Why apply for your eVisitor Visa with iVisa?

We’ve helped more than 6,000 travelers get their Australia eVisitor Visas quickly and easily.

Here’s what you get:

• Fewer delays, more approvals: Our experts catch common errors before submission
• Complete at your pace: Save and return to your form anytime
• Dedicated support: Questions? Our agents are here to help
• Track your order: Get real-time updates through your iVisa account or app

"I loved how easy iVisa made the process. I had all the info I needed, and their team answered my questions within minutes." – Lauren M., frequent traveler

Apply online now

Other Australian visa options for UK travelers

🧳 Working Holiday Visa

Open to UK citizens aged 18 to 30 (or up to 35 in some cases). Stay in Australia for up to 12 months while working, traveling, or studying short-term.

🎓 Student Visa

If you're planning to study full-time in Australia, you'll need a Student Visa. This requires confirmation of enrollment and financial proof.

🏡 Permanent Residency Visas

For those joining family, working, or settling permanently in Australia, more detailed documentation is required, such as employment contracts, marriage certificates, or bank statements.

Still have questions?

Our customer service team is ready to assist if you have any questions about traveling to Australia and the eVisitor application. Contact us any time via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.