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iVisa Mobile App Online global travel documents
Australia ETA or Visitor Visa: Which one do you need?
Photo of Jan Koelle Jan Koelle
5 min read
Updated on Jan 21, 2025
Summary
  • Visa class: Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
  • Difficulty rating: 14/100 (Very easy)
  • Our approval rate: 99%
  • Visa details: Multiple-entry
  • Validity period: 1 year from date of issue
  • Maximum stay: 90 days per entry

Are you planning to explore the Great Barrier Reef, stroll through Sydney’s iconic landmarks, or visit loved ones in Australia? Before packing your bags, you must determine which travel authorization suits your needs: an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or a Visitor Visa (subclass 600). Don’t worry—we’ll guide you through the essentials to help you make the best choice for your trip.

Compare the Australia ETA and Visitor Visa

Australia offers two key visa options for short-term travel for those outside the EU:

  1. Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) This digital visa is ideal for short-term tourism or business. Linked electronically to your passport, the ETA allows multiple entries into Australia for stays of up to three months at a time within 12 months. It’s quick and convenient to apply via a mobile app.

    Did you know? The ETA is typically processed within 24 hours, making it the fastest option for eligible travelers.

  2. Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) If you need a longer stay or don’t qualify for the ETA, the Visitor Visa might be right. It offers more flexibility, with options for up to 12 months, but it comes with stricter requirements and a longer processing time. For example, proof of financial ties or biometrics might be required depending on your nationality.

Understand the key differences between the ETA and Visitor Visa

Criteria ETA Visitor Visa
Eligible nationalities Selected countries (e.g., US, Canada) Broader range of nationalities
Duration 12 months, 90 days per entry Up to 12 months
Government fee \$13 \$127
Processing time 24 hours Up to 30 days
Activities allowed Tourism, business Tourism, business, family visits
Government application process App-based Online, may include biometrics
Difficulty index 8 66
Documentation required Basic details like passport and travel dates Extensive documentation such as financial proof, employment verification, or property records
Biometrics requirement Not required Often required depending on nationality
Approval rate High, especially through iVisa with pre-submission checks Lower approval rates due to stricter requirements
Processing speed Approvals usually within 24 hours Can take up to 30 days or longer for complex cases
Ease of application Simple app-based process that requires an NFC-enabled device if applying directly to the government More complex with possible in-person appointments

How our service solves common visa application challenges

Applying for an ETA can be quick, but some travelers face challenges, such as technical issues with the app or confusion about requirements:

"I downloaded the app but kept running into issues with scanning my passport," said Alex M., a frequent traveler. "Wishing there was a desktop option, as my phone isn’t NFC compatible and made applying impossible, I discovered iVisa's site and applied with ease."

Perhaps you're on a time crunch and need super confused, our team is here to get you what you need asap:

"My partner needed an urgent visa for Australia. The iVisa team spent nearly two hours ensuring everything was perfect, and he had his visa that night," said Deb Joseph, traveler. "I couldn’t have done it without their expert help."

Another customer shared how timely reminders from our team saved her from starting over:

"I didn’t realize my biometrics needed to be submitted within 14 days," said Sarah L., a family sponsor. "Thanks to iVisa’s reminders, I was able to meet the deadline without any issues."

Young or first time travelers often struggle to provide the right documentation due to confusing government application processes, but our team works hard to provide clear and concise guidelines:

"Proving ties to my home country was confusing because the requirements weren’t clear. iVisa provided step-by-step guidance, explaining exactly what documents I needed, like proof of employment and financial stability. They made what seemed overwhelming into something manageable and straightforward." said Kevin T., a solo traveler.

What about the eVisitor Visa for EU travelers?

If you’re a citizen of the European Union, the eVisitor Visa is another excellent option for short-term travel to Australia. Similar to the ETA, it allows multiple entries for tourism or business purposes with stays of up to three months at a time over 12 months. However, it is exclusively available to EU citizens.

Criteria ETA eVisitor Visa
Eligible nationalities Selected countries (e.g., US, Canada) EU citizens only
Duration 12 months, 90 days per entry 12 months, 90 days per entry
Government fee $13 Free
Average processing time 24 hours 48 hours
Activities allowed Tourism, business Tourism, business
Application process App-based Online
Difficulty index 8 12
Documentation required Minimal documentation, basic passport and travel details Minimal documentation, only EU passport required
Ease of application Requires NFC-enabled app for processing, some tech issues reported Simplified online application, no NFC requirement

Pro Tip: The eVisitor Visa is free and quick to apply for, but eligibility is limited to EU citizens. Ensure your plans align with the visa’s requirements for a hassle-free experience.

Make your arrival stress-free with these expert tips

Navigating Australian customs and arrival procedures can be a breeze with the right preparation. Here’s how you can avoid common pitfalls and start your trip on the right foot:

  1. Declare items at customs:

    Australia takes biosecurity seriously. Ensure all items, including snacks or natural souvenirs like wooden artifacts, are declared to avoid penalties. Packaged candy is generally safe, but always confirm with customs officials if unsure.

    "Declare all items, even packaged snacks. Australia has the strictest biosecurity laws." — Emily R., travel enthusiast

  2. Carry medications responsibly:

    Ensure your prescription medications are clearly labeled and documented to avoid unnecessary delays at customs.

    "Bring prescription medications in their original packaging along with the prescription." — Dr. Ryan S., medical traveler

  3. Pack with care:

    Bringing a pen and ensuring your outdoor gear is clean can save you time:

    "Bring a black pen to fill out the paper arrival card distributed on flights." — Michael T., frequent flyer "Keep your shoes clean, especially if you've been in rural areas, to avoid delays at customs." — Zoe L., eco-traveler

  4. Stay connected with local options:

    Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival to save on international roaming and ensure seamless connectivity:

    "Purchase a local SIM card from Telstra or Optus upon arrival." — John D., digital nomad

Need more information?

Whether you’re applying for an ETA, Visitor Visa, or eVisitor Visa, iVisa is here to make the process stress-free. We handle the details so you don’t have to worry.

"I had trouble with the application, and there was support all along the way." — Jeffrey Ira Gordon, traveler

Jeffrey faced issues submitting his documents due to formatting errors but received step-by-step guidance from the iVisa team. Our customer service, available via WhatsApp or live chat, ensures you’re never stuck during the process.

Start your Australian adventure today with confidence. Apply Now.

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