Australian ETA visa 2026: ETA vs eVisitor vs Subclass 600

If you're planning a trip to Australia and you've seen the term "ETA" thrown around, you probably have questions. Is it a visa? Is it different from an eVisitor? Do you even need one if you have a strong passport? The short answer: yes, the ETA is a visa, and whether you need it depends entirely on your passport.

This guide covers everything about the ETA (Subclass 601), walks you through exactly how the Australian ETA app works (including what to do when it doesn't), and gives you a detailed comparison with the eVisitor (651) and Subclass 600 so you can figure out which visa you actually need.

If you're looking for a broader overview covering all visitor visas, evidence requirements, and the genuine temporary entrant assessment, our complete visitor visa guide covers that in depth.

What is the Australian ETA (Subclass 601)?

The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is an electronically held Australian visa linked to your passport number. There is no stamp, no sticker, and no separate document. When you check in for your flight, the airline's system confirms your ETA automatically.

Despite the name suggesting it's something less than a visa, the ETA is a fully-fledged Australian visa with real conditions and consequences if you breach them. The "electronic" part simply refers to how it's issued and stored.

The ETA allows you to:

• Visit Australia for tourism, recreation, or visiting family
• Conduct business visitor activities like attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations (but not actual paid work)
• Study for up to 3 months (short courses only)
• Enter multiple times over a 12-month period, staying up to 3 months per visit

The ETA costs AUD $20, and it's the only Australian visa that's exclusively applied for through a mobile app rather than the Department's ImmiAccount system. More on how that works below.

Who is eligible for the ETA?

Passport holders from 34 countries and territories can apply for an ETA (Subclass 601). This is determined by your passport, not your citizenship or residence.

ETA-eligible passports

Asia-Pacific and Americas:

European countries (also eligible for the free eVisitor):

Important exceptions:

• Hong Kong British National (Overseas) passport holders are not eligible for the ETA. You would need a Subclass 600.
• UK eligibility covers British Citizen and British National (Overseas) passports only. British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Overseas Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, and British Subject passports are not eligible for the ETA or eVisitor and must apply for a Subclass 600.
• If you have a criminal conviction, the ETA app may not be able to process your application. In that case, you'll likely need to apply for a Subclass 600 to allow the Department to conduct a proper character assessment.

ETA vs eVisitor: which should Europeans choose?

European passport holders are in a unique position: they qualify for both the ETA (601) and the eVisitor (651). Both allow the same 3-month stay with multiple entries over 12 months. The practical differences:

• eVisitor (651): Free, applied online through ImmiAccount, usually instant
• ETA (601): Costs AUD $20, applied via the Australian ETA app with NFC passport scan, usually instant

For most Europeans, the eVisitor is the better choice simply because it's free. The ETA's only advantage is convenience: the app-based process is slightly faster than creating an ImmiAccount. If you already have an ImmiAccount, use the eVisitor. If you'd rather not create one, the ETA works for AUD $20. For a detailed guide on the eVisitor, see our eVisitor guide for Europeans.

Countries eligible for eVisitor only (not ETA): Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia. These EU member states can apply for the free eVisitor but are not on the ETA list.

When you need a Subclass 600

If your passport isn't on either the ETA or eVisitor list, the Subclass 600 visitor visa is your path. This covers the majority of the world's nationalities, including India, China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Brazil, and many others.

The Subclass 600 involves a more substantial application with supporting documents, higher fees, and longer processing times, but it also offers options the ETA and eVisitor don't (like stays up to 12 months and the possibility of extending onshore).

How the Australian ETA app works (step by step)

Unlike most Australian visas, you don't apply for the ETA through ImmiAccount. The entire process happens in the official Australian ETA mobile app, which uses your phone's NFC (Near Field Communication) reader to verify your passport chip.

Here's exactly how it works:

Step 1: Download the app

Download the "Australian ETA" app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Make sure you're downloading the official app by the Australian Government (Department of Home Affairs). There are unofficial apps that charge extra fees for the same thing.

Step 2: Create a profile

Open the app and answer a few basic questions: which passport you hold, whether you have a criminal conviction, and whether you've had an Australian visa refused or cancelled before. This pre-screening determines whether the app can process your ETA or whether you'll need to apply through a different pathway.

Step 3: Scan your passport with NFC

This is the step where most issues occur. You'll need to:

1. Open your passport to the photo page
2. Place the back of your phone against the passport (the NFC antenna location varies by phone model)
3. Hold it still while the app reads the chip

The app reads the biometric data stored on your passport's chip, including your photo, name, date of birth, and passport number. This is the same technology that automated passport gates at airports use.

Step 4: Take a selfie

The app asks you to take a photo of your face, which is compared against the photo stored on your passport chip. Follow the on-screen positioning guides and ensure good lighting. Avoid glasses, hats, or anything that obscures your face.

Step 5: Confirm your details and declare

Review your details (pulled automatically from the passport scan), confirm your travel purpose, and make your character and health declarations.

Step 6: Pay AUD $20

Payment is made in-app via credit or debit card. The fee is AUD $20 per applicant.

Step 7: Receive your ETA

Most applicants receive their ETA within minutes. The app will show a confirmation screen, and you'll receive an email notification. Your ETA is electronically linked to your passport number, so there's nothing to print or carry.

Common ETA app issues (and how to fix them)

The NFC passport scanning process is the most common pain point. If you're struggling with the app, you're not alone, and there are solutions.

"Unable to read passport" or NFC not working

This is the most frequent issue. Try these fixes in order:

1. Remove your phone case. Thick or metallic cases can block the NFC signal.
2. Find the NFC antenna location on your phone. On iPhones, it's near the top of the phone. On Android, it varies by manufacturer (often the centre or upper back). Search "[your phone model] NFC antenna location."
3. Hold your phone flat against the open passport page. Don't hover or move it around. Place it firmly and keep it completely still.
4. Try placing the passport on a flat surface rather than holding it in your hand. This prevents small movements that interrupt the scan.
5. Make sure NFC is enabled in your phone settings (Android users, as iPhone NFC is always on for apps).
6. Restart the app and try again. Temporary software glitches can cause failures.

If none of these work, your passport chip may be damaged. Passports that have been through the washing machine, bent repeatedly, or exposed to strong magnets sometimes have non-functional chips.

Selfie photo failures ("Face Image Quality Failed" or oval won't turn green)

The selfie step is the second most common pain point after NFC scanning. The app compares your live photo against the photo stored on your passport chip, and it's notoriously fussy. Many applicants report dozens of failed attempts before getting it to work.

Why it fails:

• The app auto-captures when the on-screen oval turns green. There is no manual shutter button, no preview, and no retry option for that capture attempt. If it fires at the wrong moment, you start over.
• The facial recognition compares your selfie to your passport photo. If your appearance has changed significantly since your passport was issued (different hairstyle, weight change, ageing, braces, beard), the match can fail repeatedly.
• iPhones sometimes submit photos in HEIC format, which the app may not process correctly.

How to fix it:

1. Lighting is everything. Stand facing a window or a bright, even light source. Avoid overhead lighting that creates shadows under your eyes. Some applicants report that bathroom lighting works well because it is bright and direct.
2. Use a plain, light-coloured background. A white or cream wall works best. Avoid patterned wallpaper, windows behind you, or other people in the frame.
3. Remove glasses and hats. Even if you wear glasses in your passport photo, try without them first. Reflections on lenses are a common cause of failure.
4. Open your eyes as wide as you comfortably can and look directly at the camera. The app's facial recognition needs a clear view of both irises to match against your passport photo. Users with narrower eye shapes have reported significantly more failures at this step, often needing many more attempts. Raising your eyebrows slightly while keeping a neutral expression can help.
5. Hold the phone at eye level at arm's length. Avoid looking down at the phone or tilting your head.
6. Try a different device. This is the most effective fix when nothing else works. Multiple users report failing hundreds of times on an iPhone and succeeding on the first try with an Android phone (and vice versa). The ETA is linked to your passport, not your device, so you can use anyone's phone.
7. Clean your front camera lens. Smudges cause soft focus that the app rejects as poor quality.

"Unable to process your application"

This message usually means the app's automated system can't grant your ETA and your application needs manual review. Common triggers include:

• Answering "yes" to the criminal conviction question
• A previous Australian visa refusal or cancellation on your record
• Name or date of birth mismatches across databases
• Your passport is within 6 months of expiry

If this happens, the app may tell you to apply via a different pathway. For criminal history issues, a Subclass 600 application is typically the next step, as it allows the Department to conduct a detailed character assessment. For more on how criminal records affect Australian visa applications, see our guide to criminal records and the character test.

App crashes or freezes during scan

1. Update the app to the latest version
2. Close other apps running in the background
3. Restart your phone
4. Try on a different device if possible (the ETA is linked to your passport, not your phone)

Passport too old or not biometric

The ETA app requires a biometric (ePassport) with an embedded NFC chip. These passports have a small gold chip symbol on the front cover. If your passport doesn't have this symbol, it was issued before your country adopted biometric passports, and you'll need to renew it before you can use the ETA app.

ETA vs eVisitor vs Subclass 600: detailed comparison

Here's the side-by-side comparison. The right visa for you depends on your passport, how long you want to stay, and whether you're already in Australia.

When to choose the ETA

If you hold a passport from one of the 34 eligible countries and you're visiting for less than 3 months, the ETA is a quick and easy option. For European passport holders, the free eVisitor (651) is usually the better choice since it offers the same stay at no cost.

The only reasons to opt for a Subclass 600 instead are:

• You need to stay longer than 3 months
• You have a criminal record that prevents the app from processing your ETA
• You want the option to extend your stay from inside Australia

When to choose the eVisitor

If you hold a European passport, you don't have a choice between ETA and eVisitor. Your passport determines which one you're eligible for, and for Europeans, that's the eVisitor. The good news: it's free and functionally identical to the ETA.

When you need the Subclass 600

The Subclass 600 is mandatory when:

• Your passport isn't ETA or eVisitor eligible. This is most of the world's population.
• You're already in Australia and need to extend your stay or apply for a new visitor visa.
• You need more than 3 months. The Subclass 600 offers 3, 6, or 12-month stay periods.
• You have a criminal history that prevents automated processing.
• You're being sponsored by an Australian family member.
• You're a frequent business traveller wanting up to 10 years of validity.

The trade-off is clear: more flexibility and longer stays, but more documentation, higher fees, and longer processing times. For a detailed breakdown of what to expect, our complete visitor visa guide covers evidence requirements, processing times by nationality, and how to build a strong application.

ETA conditions and limitations

Your ETA comes with conditions that are electronically attached to your visa. Breaching these conditions can lead to visa cancellation, detention, and future application problems.

Condition 8101: No work

You cannot work in Australia on an ETA. "Work" means any activity that would normally be done by an Australian worker, paid or unpaid. This includes:

• Employment with an Australian business
• Freelancing for Australian clients
• Helping a friend's business, even as a favour
• Providing professional services

What is allowed: Business visitor activities like attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs, and negotiations. Checking emails and taking occasional calls for your overseas employer is generally acceptable as incidental to your visit.

For more on the grey areas of remote work on visitor visas, see the remote work section in our visitor visa guide.

Condition 8201: Study limit

You can study for a maximum of 3 months on an ETA. This covers short courses, English language classes, or recreational learning. Anything longer requires a student visa.

Condition 8503: No further stay (sometimes applied)

In some cases, the Department attaches a "No Further Stay" condition to ETAs. If this condition is on your visa, you cannot apply for most other visas while in Australia. Always check your visa conditions after your ETA is granted.

3-month rolling limit

Each visit can last up to 3 months, and your 12-month, multiple-entry ETA lets you visit as many times as you like within its validity period. However, repeatedly staying close to the maximum raises scrutiny. If you're spending 3 months in Australia, leaving for a weekend, and returning for another 3 months, the Department may question whether you're genuinely a temporary visitor.

What happens if your ETA is refused?

ETA refusals are uncommon for applicants with clean records from eligible countries, but they do happen. The most common reasons are:

1. Character concerns: A criminal record, even a minor one, can trigger refusal in the automated system
2. Previous visa issues: A past Australian visa refusal, cancellation, or overstay
3. Incomplete or failed NFC scan: Leading to identity verification issues
4. Health concerns: Declaring a condition that requires further assessment

What to do if your ETA is refused

Don't panic. An ETA refusal doesn't mean you can't visit Australia. It means the automated system couldn't process your application. Your options are:

1. Apply for a Subclass 600. This is the most common next step. The Subclass 600 allows for a full assessment of your circumstances, including character issues that the ETA's automated system can't evaluate.
2. Check the reason. The ETA app should tell you why the application wasn't successful. If it was a technical issue (NFC failure, app error), try again or try on a different device.
3. Seek professional advice if you have a previous refusal or criminal record. These situations require careful handling.

For a complete guide on what to do after any Australian visa refusal, including appeal rights and how to build a stronger reapplication, see our visa refusals guide.

How nationality affects your visitor visa experience

Your passport determines more than which visa type you apply for. Based on our analysis of FOI data covering approximately 4.5 million visa decisions, nationality significantly affects processing times, refusal rates, and the level of scrutiny your application receives.

For ETA and eVisitor applicants, the impact is minimal because these visas are largely auto-granted. The real divergence appears with Subclass 600 applications, where:

• Low-risk nationalities (UK, Germany, Japan) see median processing times of 1 to 2 days and refusal rates under 2%
• Medium-risk nationalities (India, China) face median waits of 10 to 15 days with refusal rates of 8 to 15%
• High-risk nationalities (Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh) may wait 22 to 40+ days with refusal rates exceeding 25%

This isn't something you can change, but understanding it helps you prepare. If your nationality puts you in a higher-risk category, the key is building an application so thorough that a case officer has no grounds for refusal. That means comprehensive financial evidence, documented home ties, a clear travel itinerary, and consistency across every part of your application.

Use our Country Risk Tool to see how the Department views your nationality, and our Visa Time Checker for a realistic processing time estimate.

How Tern helps with visitor visa applications

Tern supports all three main visitor visa types: the eVisitor (651), the Transit visa (771), and the Subclass 600. We don't currently support the ETA (601) since it can only be lodged through the official Australian ETA app.

Even for the eVisitor, there are good reasons to apply through Tern. The official route requires creating an ImmiAccount, setting up multi-factor authentication, and filling out lengthy government forms in English only. Applying through Tern typically takes under 2 minutes: we extract your details from your passport automatically, ask clear questions in plain language, and support 37 languages. If you don't speak English fluently, that alone makes a significant difference, since the ETA app and ImmiAccount portal are English-only.

Tern automatically determines the right visa for your situation. You don't need to figure out whether you need an eVisitor, a Subclass 600, or a Transit visa. Based on your passport, location, travel purpose, and circumstances, we recommend the correct subclass and stream. If you're eligible for an eVisitor but you're already in Australia or need a stay longer than 3 months, we'll route you to the Subclass 600 instead.

For Subclass 600 applications, preparation matters most. If you're applying from a higher-risk country, have a previous refusal, or have any complicating factors, the quality of your application makes a real difference. Our platform:

• Checks all evidence in real-time as you upload, flagging inconsistencies between your documents and form answers before a case officer finds them
• Writes a personalised GTE statement that frames your genuine temporary entrant case for the case officer
• Flags missing evidence based on what we know about the Department's expectations for your nationality

Frequently asked questions

Summary: which visitor visa should you apply for?

Step 1: Check your passport.

• US, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, or Taiwan? Apply for the ETA (601) via the Australian ETA app.
• EU country, UK, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or another European eligible country? You qualify for both the ETA (601) and the free eVisitor (651). The eVisitor is free via ImmiAccount; the ETA costs AUD $20 via the app. Most Europeans should use the eVisitor.
• Any other nationality? Apply for the Subclass 600 via ImmiAccount.

Step 2: Consider your circumstances.

• Need more than 3 months? You need a Subclass 600.
• Already in Australia? You need a Subclass 600 (applied onshore).
• Criminal record? Consider a Subclass 600 to allow full character assessment.
• Previous visa refusal? Consider a Subclass 600 with professional guidance.

Step 3: Prepare accordingly.

• ETA and eVisitor applicants usually need nothing beyond a valid passport.
• Subclass 600 applicants should prepare financial evidence, travel itineraries, and evidence of ties to their home country, especially if applying from a higher-risk country.

Your nationality determines your starting point, but for Subclass 600 applicants, the quality of your application determines your outcome.

Ready to apply? Start your application with Tern and we'll recommend the right visa, check your documents for consistency, and prepare a personalised GTE statement for the case officer.

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