Key points
- The Australia ETA (subclass 601) covers both short-term tourism and business travel.
- It stays valid for up to 12 months, allows multiple entries, and each stay can last up to 90 days.
- A business ETA lets you attend meetings and conferences, but not do paid work in Australia.
- You apply online with just a valid passport and a digital passport photo.
If you’re heading to Australia for work-related travel, you may be wondering whether there’s a separate business permit you need to arrange. In most cases the answer is the Australia Electronic Travel Authority, or ETA. Here’s what it covers and how to get one.
What is an Australia ETA?
The Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) is an electronic authorization that lets eligible travelers visit Australia for tourism and business-related activities. On the business side, you can attend meetings, negotiate contracts, or take part in conferences.
What the ETA does not allow is paid work inside Australia, or accepting payment for services provided while you’re there. If your trip involves employment rather than short business visits, you’ll need a different type of visa.
How long is the ETA valid?
Once approved, the ETA stays valid for up to 12 months from the date it’s granted. It permits multiple entries, and each individual stay can last up to 90 days. That makes it a practical option if you travel to Australia more than once for business over the course of a year.
What you need to apply
To apply for the ETA, you’ll need:
- A valid passport
- A digital passport photo that meets Australian specifications
One thing to keep in mind: travelers who have been sentenced to 12 months or more in prison (whether the sentence was served or suspended) may not be eligible for the ETA. If that applies to you, the Visitor visa (subclass 600) is generally the route to look into instead.
How to apply with iVisa
The application is handled entirely online. With iVisa, the process breaks down into three steps:
- Enter your details. Fill in your personal and travel information through the website or the app.
- Review and pay. Check that everything is correct, then complete payment through a secure method. At checkout you’ll cover a small government service charge for the ETA (which has no visa application charge) along with the iVisa service fee.
- Upload and submit. Add the required documents and finalize your application.
When your ETA is approved, you’ll be notified by email, and the authorization is linked electronically to your passport. There’s no physical document or label to carry.
Why apply with iVisa
A few things make the process simpler when you apply through iVisa:
- You can complete the form in the language you’re most comfortable with.
- Passport scanning is straightforward and doesn’t require NFC on your device.
- You can submit applications for several travelers at once, which helps if you’re organizing a group business trip.
- Support is on hand if you get stuck at any point.
For the official rules and eligibility criteria, it’s always worth checking the Australian government’s guidance directly.
Need help?
If you have questions while applying, you can reach the iVisa support team through WhatsApp or the online chat.
