Australia eVisitor Visa or ETA for UK citizens: What's the difference?

Planning a trip to Australia from the United Kingdom? Knowing which visa you need is essential to ensure a smooth journey.

UK citizens have two primary options: the Australian eVisitor Visa and the ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). Here’s what you need to know to choose the right one.

Do UK citizens require an Australian visa?

Yes, UK citizens need either a visa or an ETA to visit Australia. Fortunately, as a UK national traveling for tourism or business, you don’t need a traditional paper visa. Both the eVisitor Visa and ETA can be applied for online, eliminating the need for embassy visits.

Types of Australian visas for UK passport holders

UK citizens can apply for either the eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651) or the ETA (Electronic Travel Authority, Subclass 601). Both options allow you to stay in Australia for up to three months at a time within a 12-month period and are easy to apply for online.

Which one should you choose? Here’s a quick comparison:

ETA (Subclass 601): This is generally the better option for UK citizens. It allows multiple entries within 12 months, with each stay lasting up to three months. The ETA application is straightforward, requiring fewer documents, and is typically more cost-effective.

eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651): While similar in function to the ETA, the eVisitor Visa might require more documentation and can be slightly more expensive. It’s available to a broader range of nationalities, but since UK citizens are eligible for both, the ETA is usually the preferred choice.

Difficulty rating: Why the ETA is the best choice

We highly recommend the ETA for UK citizens traveling to Australia, and here’s why:

• Ease of application: We rate the ETA application process as 21 out of 100 on the difficulty scale, making it an easy and straightforward option. The process involves only 2 documents and 24 questions, significantly reducing the time and effort required.

• Superior approval rates: When you apply through iVisa, your chances of approval are even better. Our estimated approval rate is 99.5%, compared to the government’s 99.03%. That means iVisa applicants are 5 times less likely to experience a rejection compared to those applying directly through the government.

• Cost-effective: The ETA is generally more affordable than the eVisitor Visa, saving you both time and money while ensuring you meet the entry requirements for Australia.

• Quick processing: The Australian government processes ETA applications quickly, often within minutes. Plus, they may process applications on weekends, so you can rest easy knowing your visa will arrive in time.

Given these advantages, the ETA is the most efficient and practical option for UK citizens planning a trip to Australia.

How to apply

Applying for the ETA is simple and quick. The application is processed online, and you’ll typically receive your approval within a short time. While the Australian government processes applications during business hours, they may also handle them on weekends. Submitting your application through us can streamline the process and reduce the risk of rejection.

Still have questions?

Our customer service team is here to help if you have any doubts about the eVisitor Visa, ETA, or any other details about traveling to Australia. Contact us anytime via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.