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Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) Overview

The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), Subclass 601, is a fast, electronic Australia Visa available to passport holders from a specific list of eligible countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea, among others. It allows travel to Australia as often as needed within a 12-month period, with each stay limited to up to three months, for tourism or business visitor purposes. Unlike most visas, the ETA is applied for entirely through the official “Australian ETA” mobile app rather than through ImmiAccount. There is no Visa Application Charge for the ETA itself, though a mandatory application service fee applies. The ETA does not permit work in Australia and is not suitable for applicants with health concerns or criminal convictions, who should instead apply for the Visitor visa (Subclass 600). Approval is decided solely by the Department of Home Affairs.

Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) Fees

Fee TypeGovernment Fee (AUD)
Visa Application Charge$0
Application Service Fee (via the Australian ETA app)$20

There is no government visa charge for the ETA, but the AUD 20 service fee to use the official app is mandatory. Fees are non-refundable, even if the application is refused. Exchange rates fluctuate, so INR values are approximate. Information may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) Processing Time

Processing time for the Australia ETA is typically very fast, with most straightforward applications processed within minutes to a few hours after submission through the official app. Applications that require manual review, such as those involving a change in passport details or additional verification, may take longer. Because the ETA is linked to a specific passport, renewing your passport invalidates the existing ETA, requiring a new application. Given the speed of processing, applicants can generally apply shortly before travel, though it’s still advisable to apply a few days in advance in case additional information is requested.

Required Documents Checklist

Valid Eligible Passport (readable via the ETA app's NFC passport scan)
Recent Digital Photograph (captured within the app)
Personal and Travel Details
Payment Method for the AUD 20 Application Service Fee
Response to Health and Character Declaration Questions

The ETA application is streamlined and generally does not require uploading separate supporting documents unless the Department requests further information.

Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) Application Process

Confirm your passport is from an ETA-eligible country.
Download the official "Australian ETA" app from the App Store or Google Play.
Scan your passport using the app's NFC reader and take a photo.
Complete the health and character declaration questions.
Pay the AUD 20 application service fee.
Submit your application through the app.
Receive a decision, typically within minutes to a few hours.
If further information is requested, respond using Form 1554 via ImmiAccount.

Important Notes

Visa approval depends solely on the decision of the Department of Home Affairs.
The ETA can only be applied for through the official Australian ETA app; third-party websites charging extra fees are scams.
A new passport requires a new ETA application, as the ETA is passport-linked.
Applicants with health concerns or criminal convictions should apply for a Subclass 600 visa instead.
The ETA does not authorise work in Australia.
Repeated short visits may attract scrutiny if they don't appear consistent with genuine visitor activity.
Travel insurance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended, since ETA holders are generally not eligible for Medicare.
Information may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Why Choose Shivansh Consultants

While the ETA is designed to be simple, confirming your eligibility, avoiding scam websites, and understanding when a Subclass 600 visa is more appropriate can save time and prevent complications. Shivansh Consultants offers guidance on which Australia Visa category best matches your travel history, health situation, and character background. Our personalised guidance helps you avoid common pitfalls, and our transparent process ensures you always know the correct official channel to apply through. With experienced visa consultants, we provide end-to-end assistance across all Australia Visa categories.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Australia ETA (Subclass 601) cost?
There's no government Visa Application Charge for the ETA, but a mandatory AUD 20 application service fee applies through the official Australian ETA app.
How long does the ETA take to process?
Most ETA applications are processed within minutes to a few hours. Applications requiring manual review or additional information may take longer.
Who is eligible for the Australia ETA?
The ETA is available to passport holders from a specific list of eligible countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. Check the official eligibility list for your passport.
Can I apply for the ETA from a website instead of the app?
No. The ETA can only be applied for through the official "Australian ETA" mobile app. Websites charging fees to lodge an ETA on your behalf are scams.
Is the ETA service fee refundable if my application is refused?
No. The AUD 20 application service fee is generally non-refundable, whether the application is approved or refused.