Australia ETA or visa: Which one do you need?

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 document you require: an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), eVisitor Visa or a Visitor Visa.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the essentials to help you make the best choice for your trip.

Differences between the Australia ETA, eVisitor Visa, and Visitor Visa (paper visa)

The Australia eVisitor Visa, Visitor Visa, and ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) differ in eligibility, purpose, and application processes.

1. Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601)

• Eligibility: Only available to passport holders of select countries, primarily from North America, Asia, and certain European nations (e.g., USA, Canada, Singapore, South Korea).
• Purpose: Tourism or business activities like attending conferences or negotiations.
• Duration: Allows stays of up to 3 months per visit, within a 12-month validity period.
• Government application fee: Small service fee (~AUD 20).
• Processing time: Usually approved instantly or within 24 hours.
• Application method: Via the Australian ETA app, through iVisa, or through airlines/travel agents.

Best for: Travelers from eligible countries who want a quick, efficient approval process.

Femke Strietman, iVisa travel expert: "The ETA is typically processed within 24 hours, making it super convenient for eligible travelers."

2. Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

• Eligibility: Available to travelers from all countries, making it more inclusive.
• Purpose: Tourism, visiting family or friends, or business activities like attending conferences.
• Duration: Can allow stays of up to 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on circumstances and approval.
• Government application fee: Varies based on duration and purpose, starting from AUD 150+.
• Processing time: Usually longer than eVisitor and ETA, can take a few weeks.
• Application method: Online through the Australian Government portal, through iVisa, or via paper application for some countries.

Best for: Non-European travelers or those needing extended stays.

3. eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651)

• Eligibility: Only available to passport holders from certain European countries.
• Purpose: For short-term tourism or business purposes.
• Duration: Allows stays of up to 3 months per visit, within a 12-month validity period.
• Government application fee: Free of charge.
• Processing time: Generally faster, a few days or less.
• Application method: Online, directly through the Australian Government’s website, or through iVisa.

Best for: European travelers making short business trips or holidays to Australia.

Femke recommends: "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."

Which Australian document should you apply for?

Solving common Australia visa application challenges

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

Issues with the application app

"I downloaded the government app but kept running into issues with scanning my passport, and I wish there was a desktop option as my phone isn’t NFC compatible and made applying impossible." - Alex M. frequent traveler

Our service doesn't require an NFC phone, as we do the application on your behalf. All you have to do is fill out the online application!

Urgent visa needs

"I needed an urgent visa for Australia. The iVisa team spent nearly two hours ensuring everything was perfect, and I had my visa that night. I couldn’t have done it without their expert help." - Deborah M., recent applicant

We offer expedited services (for certain visas and nationalities) and our team does a full review of your application before submitting it, avoiding the risk of delays or rejection.

Confusing documentation

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:

"I didn’t realize my biometrics needed to be submitted within 14 days. Thanks to iVisa’s reminders, I was able to meet the deadline without any issues." - Sally T., recent traveler

How to apply for your Australia ETA or visa

Applying for an Australian visa through iVisa is a straightforward process. Here's how:

1. Visit iVisa's platform or mobile app and complete the application details.

2. Pay the fees on our secure payment platform. iVisa charges a small service fee for processing your application. The exact amount will be displayed during the application process.

3. Upload the required documents. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your planned entry date into Australia.

4. Submit your application. Our team will review your application before it gets sent to the government.

"One common mistake is applying too close to the intended travel date. Even though the ETA is often approved within 24 hours, it’s always best to apply at least a week in advance to account for any processing issues," says Femke.

Need more information about traveling to Australia?

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.

Our customer service, available via WhatsApp or live chat, ensures you’re never stuck during the process.