Visa Overview
The Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) is a digital authorization that allows eligible passport holders to visit Australia for tourism or business visitor purposes. This visa is valid for 12 months from the date of grant and allows for multiple entries. Each stay in Australia is limited to a maximum of 3 months.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Subclass 601 visa, applicants must:
- Hold an eligible passport from a specified country or region.
- Be outside Australia at the time of application and at the time the visa is granted.
- Intend to visit Australia only temporarily for tourism or business visitor activities.
- Meet the relevant health and character requirements set by the Australian Government.
- Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government.
2026 Costs and Processing Times
Under the latest 2026 Department of Home Affairs standards, the following financial and temporal benchmarks apply:
Base Application Charge
There is no Visa Application Charge (VAC) for the Subclass 601 visa. However, all applications must be lodged via the Australian ETA app, which requires a mandatory service fee.
- Service Fee: AUD 20
2026 Processing Benchmarks
Processing times are subject to monthly fluctuations based on application volume. The current percentile benchmarks are:
- 50% of applications: Processed within 24 hours.
- 90% of applications: Processed within 3 days.
Applicants are advised to ensure their mobile device has Near-field communication (NFC) enabled and that their mobile camera is functional for the passport chip scanning process to avoid delays.
Business vs. Tourist Activities
While the ETA is a versatile visa, it does not permit paid work within Australia.
Permitted Business Visitor Activities:
- Making general business or employment enquiries.
- Negotiating or reviewing business contracts.
- Participating in conferences, trade fairs, or seminars (provided you are not paid by the organisers).
Permitted Tourist Activities:
- Holidays and sightseeing.
- Visiting family or friends.
- Unpaid volunteer work (under specific conditions).
- Study or training for a maximum of 3 months in total.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I extend my ETA while I am in Australia?
No. You cannot stay in Australia longer by extending a Subclass 601 visa. If you wish to stay longer than 3 months, you must apply for a different visa, such as a Visitor (Subclass 600) visa, before your current stay period expires.
Can I include my family members in my application?
No. Every family member, including children and infants, must have their own separate ETA and submit their own application through the app.
What happens if I get a new passport?
Your ETA is digitally linked to the passport number used in your application. If you obtain a new passport, you must apply for a new ETA before travelling to Australia.
Do I need a mobile phone to apply?
Yes. All Subclass 601 applications must be completed using the Australian ETA app on a mobile device.
