Australia’s Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), subclass 601, is a visa option specifically designed for short-term stays in Australia.
Purpose:
- Visit family or friends
- Cruise or have a holiday
- Undertake some business visitor activities
- Simplifies the visa application process for citizens of designated countries.
- Grants electronic authorization for tourism or business visits to Australia.
Benefits:
- Faster and easier compared to regular visas: Entirely online application, processed within a few days.
- Ideal for short stays: Allows multiple visits within a 12-month period, with each visit capped at a maximum of 3 months.
An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is only available to citizens of the following countries. You cannot apply for an ETA using a passport for someone who isn’t a citizen, or with any other travel document like a certificate of identity or a Titre de Voyage.
Eligible Countries:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Canada
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong (SAR of China)
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan (excluding official or diplomatic passports)
- United Kingdom (British Citizen)
- United Kingdom (British National (Overseas))
- United States of America
- Vatican City
- You must disclose this information and include specifics about your other passports in your ETA application if you possess multiple passports.
- You cannot apply for an ETA if you are an Australian citizen and have a qualified passport. Australian nationals do not require a visa to enter Australia; they are granted automatic access. Consider Traveling to be a dual national.
The Australian ETA (Subclass 601) is a convenient way for citizens of specific countries to visit for short-term tourism or business purposes. However, there’s another electronic visa option you might consider:
- eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651): This visa program offers a similar online application process and allows stays of up to three months per visit. The key difference lies in eligibility:
- ETA Eligibility: Applies to a designated list of countries (including many European nations and others).
- eVisitor Eligibility: Covers all European Union (EU) member countries and those on the ETA list.
If you’re a citizen of a European Union member state, the eVisitor program might be the most suitable option for you, regardless of whether your country is also on the ETA list. To apply for an eVisitor, click the link below.
What We’re Offering
We offer a processing service for Australia’s eVisitor visas, ensuring you obtain it within 24 hours. The eVisitor is a temporary visa that permits citizens from eligible countries to visit Australia for tourism, leisure, business, or attending conferences or meetings.
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Purpose and function of the ETA
The Australian ETA (Electronic Travel Authority), subclass 601, aims to simplify the visa application process for short-term stays in Australia for citizens of specific countries. It is an electronic authorization to enter Australia for tourism or business purposes.
Here’s a breakdown of its key functions:
- Streamlined Application: The ETA allows for a completely online application process, eliminating the need for physical paperwork or appointments.
- Fast Processing: ETA applications are typically processed within a few days, making it a quicker alternative to traditional visas.
- Short-Term Stays: The ETA is ideal for travelers who intend to stay in Australia for up to three months per visit.
- Eligibility for Specific Countries: The ETA program applies to a designated list of countries, offering a convenient option for citizens of those nations.
In essence, the ETA functions as a fast and user-friendly way for citizens of eligible countries to obtain authorization for short tourist or business visits to Australia.
Eligibility criteria
Here are the eligibility criteria for the Australian ETA (Subclass 601):
- Citizenship: You must be a citizen of a country on the list of countries eligible for the ETA program.
- Valid Passport: You must hold a valid passport from your eligible country. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure from Australia.
- Genuine Visitor: You must be a genuine visitor with no intention of permanently residing in Australia. This means you have a strong tie to your home country and plan to leave Australia after your authorized stay.
- Health Requirements: You must meet basic health requirements. Serious medical conditions or past health issues might require you to apply for a medical visa waiver.
- Under two years old: Only a medical examination is needed.
- Ages 2 to under 11: A medical examination is required, plus a TB screening test (either TST or IGRA) for those from countries with high TB risk or those applying for refugee or humanitarian visas.
- Ages 11 to under 15: A medical examination and a chest x-ray are necessary.
- Ages 15 and above: A medical examination, chest x-ray, HIV test, and serum creatinine/eGFR test are required.
- Character Requirements: You must meet character requirements, meaning you don’t pose a security risk to Australia. A significant criminal history could hinder your ETA application.
- Character requirements for an Australian visa:
- You might not qualify if you have a serious criminal record or have committed certain crimes, especially those involving children.
- If you’ve been involved in criminal groups, or crimes like people smuggling or war crimes, you could be disqualified.
- Your behavior, both past and present, should show you’re a good person.
- You shouldn’t pose a threat to anyone or cause trouble in Australia.
- Negative assessments by security agencies or international notices could affect your eligibility.
- Domestic violence convictions or orders can also disqualify you.
- When applying, you must:
- Disclose any criminal activities.
- Answer all questions truthfully.
- Provide all the information asked for.
- Your application could be denied if you’re not honest about your criminal history. If you’re already in Australia and your visa is canceled for character reasons, you may only apply for a Protection visa.
- If your visa is canceled, you can ask for a decision review, but not if the minister made the decision personally.
- For military service, you may need to provide a military certificate and police certificates from any country where you served for more than a year.
- For those who’ve worked on ships, you’ll need police certificates from the country the ship is registered in and a letter of good conduct.
- Remember, police certificates are needed from every country you’ve lived in for more than a year over the last ten years and are valid for 12 months. You’ll need a new one if you return to a country after the certificate expires. For Australian police checks, you must use the specific code for immigration and include all names you’ve used. No fingerprints are required for these checks.
- Character requirements for an Australian visa:
- Debt to Australian Government: You or any family members applying with you must not have any outstanding debts to the Australian Government.
Duration of stay and Validity period
Duration of Stay:
- An ETA allows you to stay in Australia for a maximum of three months (or 90 days) per visit. This means you can enter and exit Australia multiple times within the validity period of your ETA, but each stay cannot exceed three months.
Validity Period:
- The ETA itself is valid for up to 12 months from the date of issue, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This validity period allows for multiple visits to Australia within that timeframe as long as each visit adheres to the three-month maximum stay rule.
Application process
Before You Begin:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you’re a citizen of a country on the designated ETA list.
- Gather Information: Have your passport details (number, expiry date, issuing country) and travel information (intended arrival and departure dates) readily available.
What you’ll need to use the Australian ETA app:
- A smartphone or tablet: Make sure it has a camera that can take a clear picture of you and your passport’s data page.
- Near-field communication (NFC) enabled: This is needed to interact with the app for certain functions (check your device’s settings if you’re unsure).
- Location services enabled: This might be required by the app for verification purposes.
- Valid email address: You’ll receive updates and your ETA decision via email.
- Payment method: Be ready to pay the application fee using a credit card, debit card, or other supported payment method.
Applying for Family ETAs:
- Separate Applications Required: Each family member, including those listed on your passport, must submit their own ETA application.
- Group Applications on One Device: Even though separate applications are needed, you can submit and pay for all family applications simultaneously if everyone uses the same mobile device.
- Assistance During Application: A friend, family member, authorized travel agent, or industry representative can help you use the app to complete your application. However, you must be physically present with them while they assist you.
The Application Process:
Step 1: Download the App: The app can be downloaded for free onto your mobile device from the Apple and Google app stores. Search for “AustralianETA.”
Step 2: Start Your Application: Scan your passport bio page and your e-passport chip.
Step 3: Complete the Online Form: The online form will guide you through various sections, collecting your personal details, passport information, travel information, and character questions. Be sure to answer accurately and truthfully.
Step 4: Review and Submit: Carefully review all the information you’ve entered before submitting the application. Double-check for any errors or inconsistencies.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee: You’ll be directed to a secure payment portal using a credit or debit card to pay the application fee. The current fee can be found on the applcation.
After Submitting Your Application:
- Await Processing: The Australian Department of Home Affairs typically processes ETA applications within a few days.
- Check Your Email: You’ll receive email notifications regarding the status of your application.
Outcome: If approved, you’ll receive an email with your ETA grant notification. Print a copy for your travel records. If your application is rejected, the email will provide details on the reasons and any potential next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ETA 600 and 601?
The main difference between ETA (Subclass 601) and eVisitor (Subclass 651) for Australia is eligibility. ETA applies to a specific list of countries, while eVisitor covers all those countries plus all European Union (EU) members. Both allow short tourist or business stays.
What is the difference between ETA and Evisa Australia?
Australia doesn’t offer a visa program called EVISA. Australia uses two electronic visa options:
1. ETA (Subclass 601): Electronic Travel Authority, for citizens of specific countries.
2. eVisitor (Subclass 651): Electronic Visitor Visa, for a broader range of countries including all European Union members.
How long does eTA subclass 601 take?
The processing time for an Australian ETA (Subclass 601) is generally within a few days. In most cases, you will be notified of the result of your application within 1 business day. However, it can take up to 3 business days in some cases.
How long does eTA subclass 601 take?
ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) is generally faster and easier to obtain than a visa. It’s suited for short stays and online application, whereas visas often involve more documents and may require an in-person appointment. However, visas can grant longer stays or cover reasons beyond tourism or business that ETAs typically allow.
- Immigration and Citizenship Website. (2019). Immigration and citizenship Website. immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Retrieved March 22, 2024,<https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/evisitor-651#About> [↩]
- Immigration and Citizenship Website. (2019). Immigration and citizenship Website. immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Retrieved March 22, 2024 <https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/evisitor-651#About> [↩]
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MLA Style
Samortin, Jenilyn. "What is an Australia ETA subclass 601?." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/what-is-an-australia-eta-subclass-601/. Accessed on 25 March 2024.
Chicago Style
Samortin, Jenilyn. "What is an Australia ETA subclass 601?." Visas For Future. March 25, 2024. https://www.visasforfuture.com/what-is-an-australia-eta-subclass-601/.