The route is passport-specific

Australia's ETA subclass 601, eVisitor subclass 651 and Visitor visa subclass 600 can all support temporary visits, but applicants cannot choose only by price or speed. Passport eligibility decides whether ETA or eVisitor is available. Other travellers normally examine a Visitor 600 stream.

ETA subclass 601

The ETA is available to passport holders from the countries and jurisdictions listed by Home Affairs. It is requested through the Australian ETA app and carries an app service charge. The current Home Affairs page describes travel during a 12-month period with stays of up to three months each time, subject to grant and conditions.

It can cover tourism, visiting family or friends, cruises and permitted business visitor activity. It does not permit paid work for an Australian employer. If study is the main reason for travel, a student visa may be more appropriate even though limited short study can be permitted.

eVisitor subclass 651

The eVisitor is available to citizens holding specified European passports. It is applied for online from outside Australia and is currently free. Like the ETA, it can allow multiple visits during a 12-month period and stays of up to three months per entry.

Eligibility is narrower than simply living in Europe. The applicant must be a citizen and hold the listed passport type. Some British passport categories do not qualify even though a British Citizen passport does.

Visitor visa subclass 600

The Visitor 600 is the common starting point for passport holders who cannot use ETA or eVisitor, and for situations requiring a fuller application. The tourist stream for applications outside Australia can support holidays, cruises and family visits. The granted stay and entry conditions are shown in the decision.

A strong file normally explains:

  • the exact temporary purpose and dates;
  • employment, business, study or family circumstances;
  • available funds and their source;
  • accommodation and who pays;
  • previous travel and compliance;
  • reasons the applicant will leave after the visit.

When the visitor routes are wrong

Do not use ETA, eVisitor or Visitor 600 as a substitute for paid work, long-term study or migration. Australia uses separate subclasses for those purposes. Health, character and genuine-visitor requirements can also make a Visitor 600 application more suitable even when an electronic route appears available.

Official sources

Last checked: 1 September 2026. Fees and processing estimates change; verify both on Home Affairs before submitting.