Australia ETA (subclass 601): fee, eligibility & how to apply in 2026
Last reviewed 12 July 2026 · Source: Australian Department of Home AffairsThe Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), subclass 601, lets eligible passport holders visit Australia for tourism or business without a traditional visa. It is digitally linked to your passport and, unusually, can only be applied for through the official Australian ETA mobile app — there is no web form. This guide covers eligibility, the service fee, and how the app process works.
At a glance
- Document
- ETA, subclass 601
- Service charge
- AU$20
- Visa application charge
- Nil
- Maximum stay
- 3 months per entry
- Validity
- 12 months (or passport expiry)
- Entries
- Multiple
- Apply via
- Official Australian ETA app only
- Purpose
- Tourism & business visitor
Who is eligible
The subclass 601 ETA is open to a specific list of eligible passports — including many European, North American and East Asian nationalities. If your passport is on the ETA-eligible list you can apply through the app. Other nationalities may instead qualify for the online eVisitor (subclass 651) visa (for many European passports) or must apply for a Visitor visa. The app confirms whether your passport is eligible.
Fees
There is no visa application charge for the ETA itself. What you pay is a service fee for using the app.
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application charge | AU$0 | No charge for subclass 601 |
| Service fee | AU$20 | Via the official app |
Requirements
- An eligible passport with an electronic chip (needed for the app to scan it).
- A compatible iOS or Android smartphone.
- A payment card and an email address.
- Good health and character (you answer declaration questions in the app).
How to apply
- Download the official Australian ETA app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Scan your passport’s photo page and chip when prompted.
- Take a photo of yourself as directed for verification.
- Answer the declaration questions and pay the AU$20 service fee.
- Wait for the outcome — often quick, but it can take longer, so apply before you travel.
Validity & conditions
The ETA is valid for 12 months from grant, or until your passport expires. Within that year you can enter as often as you like, staying up to three months each visit. It is for tourism, visiting family and short business activities such as meetings or conferences — not for working for an Australian business or for stays over three months at a time.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Australia ETA cost?
There is no visa charge, but a AU$20 service fee applies through the official app. Confirm the current figure on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Can I apply on a website instead of the app?
No. The subclass 601 ETA is only available through the official Australian ETA app. Third-party websites are unofficial intermediaries.
How long can I stay?
Up to three months per arrival, over a 12-month validity, with unlimited entries.
What if my passport isn’t eligible?
You may qualify for the eVisitor (subclass 651) visa or need to apply for a Visitor visa. The app will tell you.
Can I work on an ETA?
No. It is a visitor authority only. Work requires a separate work visa.
← Back to all destinations · Related: New Zealand NZeTA, USA ESTA, visa-free travel, how eVisas work.