Australian ETA Visa (Electronic Travel Authority): Complete 2026 Guide

Who Is Eligible for the ETA?

The ETA is available to citizens of a specific list of countries. Current eligible passport holders include: Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, United States of America, and certain other nationalities. Some European nationalities use the eVisitor (Subclass 651) rather than the ETA — these are separate but similar electronic visa systems. Citizens of other countries who are not eligible for the ETA or eVisitor must apply for a Visitor visa (Subclass 600), which is a full application requiring more documentation and a longer processing time. The ETA is free (no application charge) when applied for through the Australian ETA app, though third-party platforms may charge a service fee. Always apply through the official Australian Government ETA app (available on iOS and Android) or through the Department of Home Affairs website to avoid being charged by unofficial services.

What the ETA Allows You to Do

The ETA grants multiple entries to Australia for up to 12 months from the date of grant. Each stay in Australia can be up to 3 months. You can enter and exit Australia multiple times during the 12-month validity period — but each individual visit cannot exceed 3 months. You can travel to Australia for: tourism and recreation (visiting friends, family, sightseeing, holidays); attending business meetings, conferences, or negotiations (but not for working or being employed); short-term study or training courses of up to 3 months. The ETA does not allow you to: work for an Australian employer or receive payment from an Australian source; live in Australia long-term; engage in any paid or unpaid employment activities (work restriction condition 8101 applies in most circumstances).

How to Apply: The ETA App

The ETA application process is designed to be fast and simple. The recommended method is the Australian ETA app: download the Australian ETA app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android); create an account with your email address; enter your passport details (or scan your passport); provide the required personal information; pay the application charge (note: the app charges a small service fee — the actual visa charge is zero, but the app has a nominal administrative fee of approximately AUD 20). In most cases, the ETA is approved instantly or within minutes. Occasionally, applications are referred for further manual assessment, which can take a few days. Your ETA is electronically linked to your passport — there is no physical visa stamp or label. Airlines and border officers verify your ETA electronically on arrival. You do not receive a separate visa grant letter; you can confirm your ETA status through VEVO.

ETA vs Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): What Is the Difference?

The ETA and the Subclass 600 Visitor visa both allow tourism and short business activities in Australia, but they differ in: Eligibility: ETA is limited to specific nationalities (around 35 countries). The 600 is available to all nationalities. Process: ETA is electronic and instant; 600 requires a full online application with supporting documents and processing time of days to weeks. Cost: ETA application charge is zero (small app service fee applies); 600 application charge is AUD 190 for the tourist stream. Duration: both allow up to 3 months per visit. The 600 can be applied for with a requested stay period of up to 12 months in some cases. Work: neither allows work in Australia. If you are not eligible for the ETA and want to visit Australia, you need the Subclass 600 Visitor visa. The 600 requires: a statement of purpose; financial evidence showing you can support yourself; evidence of ties to your home country; health and character requirements (the extent of which varies by nationality).

Extending Your Stay Beyond 3 Months

The ETA allows a maximum stay of 3 months per visit. If you want to stay in Australia for longer than 3 months, you have two options: depart Australia before your 3-month period expires and re-enter (each re-entry gives you a fresh 3-month period, subject to overall ETA validity); or apply for a different visa — such as the Subclass 600 Visitor visa (which can be applied for a longer intended stay), or another visa subclass appropriate to your purpose. You cannot extend your ETA while in Australia — the ETA is not extendable. If you overstay your 3-month limit on the ETA, you are unlawfully in Australia. Overstays on any Australian visa create a permanent record and can significantly affect all future visa applications. Never assume a short overstay is harmless — it is not.

Can I apply for multiple ETAs on the same passport?

If your current ETA is valid, you do not need to apply for a new one for each trip. A single ETA is valid for 12 months and covers multiple entries. Apply for a new ETA when the 12-month validity period expires, or when you renew your passport.

Can I study on an ETA?

You can undertake a short course of study (up to 3 months) on an ETA. Longer study requires a Student visa (Subclass 500). The 3-month study limit is per visit, not per ETA.

My ETA application was refused. What can I do?

ETA refusals are relatively rare but do occur, usually because of a prior adverse immigration history or travel document issues. You can apply for a Subclass 600 Visitor visa as an alternative — the 600 application process allows you to provide a fuller explanation of your circumstances. A migration agent can advise on whether your circumstances are likely to also affect a 600 application.

Can I work remotely for my overseas employer while on an ETA?

Remote work for an overseas employer (where you are paid by an overseas company and all work output goes to that overseas company) is generally considered outside the Australian 'work' definition — you are not working for an Australian employer. However, the legal position is nuanced. If any of your work relates to Australian clients or is in any way directed by an Australian entity, it may constitute work in Australia. Seek specific advice if your situation is complex.