Key points
- The ETA (subclass 601) is an electronic travel authority for short-term tourism or business visits to Australia.
- It is valid for one year from issue, allows multiple entries, and permits stays of up to 90 days per visit.
- Most eligible nationalities only need a valid passport and a digital passport photo; some, such as Malaysian applicants, need extra documents.
- Paid work is not allowed on an ETA, and applicants with certain health or criminal histories may not qualify.
- The application is completed online, and iVisa can guide you through the form and submit it on your behalf.
Planning a short trip to Australia for tourism or business? For many travelers, the document that makes it possible is the ETA, or Electronic Travel Authority, known formally as subclass 601. This guide walks through what it covers, who it suits, and how to apply.
Summary at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa class | Australia ETA (subclass 601) |
| Purpose | Short-term tourism or business visits |
| Validity | 1 year, multiple entries |
| Application process | Online |
| Required documents | Passport and passport photo for most nationalities |
What is an ETA?
ETA stands for Electronic Travel Authority. It is a digital travel authorization that lets eligible travelers visit Australia for short-term tourism or business purposes. The ETA is issued online and is available to travelers from visa-exempt nations. If you are unsure whether your nationality qualifies, you can check with iVisa’s visa checker tool before you start.
Validity and duration
The ETA is valid for one year from the date it is issued. During that period you can enter Australia multiple times, with stays of up to 90 days per visit.
Restrictions to keep in mind
A few limits apply to the ETA:
- You cannot take up paid employment during your stay.
- Each visit is capped at three months.
- A tuberculosis diagnosis can disqualify an applicant.
- A criminal conviction may prevent approval.
If a criminal history rules out the ETA, the Australia Visitor Visa (subclass 600) may be an alternative to look into. These are general points rather than a definitive ruling on your case, so check the official Australian government requirements for the detail that applies to you.
Document requirements
For most eligible nationalities, the paperwork is light:
- A valid passport
- A digital passport photo
- A consent letter, if a minor is traveling alone
Some nationalities are asked for more. Malaysian applicants, for example, typically also need:
- Three months of recent bank statements
- Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking
- Family Composition Form 54
- Supplementary Form 1554
- Employment verification documents
How to apply for an Australia ETA
The process is completed online and breaks down into three steps:
- Go to iVisa’s website or app and enter your personal and travel information.
- Review your details and pay the applicable fees.
- Finish the application, upload any required documents, and submit.
iVisa reviews each application before forwarding it to the Australian authorities. Once approved, your ETA is emailed directly to you.
When you apply through iVisa, the government’s ETA charge and iVisa’s service fee are two separate amounts. The service fee covers the review and support iVisa provides; it is charged on top of the official government fee.
Why some travelers apply with iVisa
Using iVisa is optional, and you can apply through official channels yourself. Travelers who choose iVisa tend to value:
- A guided online form with support at each step
- Passport entry that does not rely on NFC scanning
- Support in several languages, not only English
- The option to save your session and return later
- The ability to add multiple travelers in one go
Customer support is available through WhatsApp and live chat.
How to get more information
If you have questions about the application process, iVisa’s team can help through WhatsApp or the live chat feature. For related reading, iVisa also publishes guides on how to verify an ETA and how the ETA compares with a standard visa, along with visa information for destinations such as New Zealand, Argentina, Canada, Equatorial Guinea, Malaysia, and Madagascar.
