If you are going on vacation, visiting family, or attending a business meeting for a short time, the 601 visa is the easiest option to consider if you are going to Australia. It is for visitors not traveling for work or in long-term study, and I believe it is one of the easier visas to navigate because there is nothing in terms of paper or stamping your passport — the whole process is online.

What is the 601 Visa?

The 601 visa, also known as the Electronic Travel Authority or ETA, lets you enter Australia for a short stay, either for tourism or for business visitor activities. You can go to Australia multiple times within a 12-month time frame, but each stay must be less than three months. The best part is the visa is electronically connected to your passport, so there is no need to go to the embassy or have paper copies of anything.

This visa is mainly made for travelers from selected countries. So before applying, you must check if your country is on the eligible list. It is designed to make travel easy for genuine visitors who only want to come for short visits and leave before the visa time ends.

Who Can Apply for the 601 Visa?

Not everyone can apply for the 601 visa, because it is offered only to people from specific countries that Australia has approved. Most European nations, the United States, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and a small number of others qualify.

To be eligible, you must:

• Have a passport from an eligible country
• Be outside of Australia at the time of lodging the application and when the visa is granted
• Have a clear criminal record and a clean bill of health
• Have a bona fide visitor intention to visit Australia for tourism or short business work

Although, it is a good idea to check the list of eligible countries from the official immigration website first, in case it changes over time.

601 Visa Conditions & Stay Rules

If you get the 601 visa, you can travel with it for up to 12 months duration commencing from the time it is approved. You may come to Australia numerous times within that 12-month duration; however, you may only stay for up to 3 months in Australia for each trip.

You can do things like sightseeing, visiting family or friends, going to a conference, or attending a business meeting. What you cannot do is work for payment, and you cannot stay longer than what is allowed for each stay.

Sometimes people confuse this visa with other types like the Tourist Visa or eVisitor Visa, but they are not the same. The 601 visa is faster and easier for people from eligible countries, but it is not meant for long-term stays or job purposes.

How to Apply for the 601 Visa

The process is quite easy. You can apply through the Australian ETA app or from the official immigration website. You just fill in your details, upload your passport information, and pay the small service fee. Usually, it costs around AUD 20, which is quite cheap compared to other visas.

Step-by-step application process:

1. Download the official ETA app or go to the official website
2. Fill in your passport and travel information
3. Answer basic health and character questions
4. Pay the service fee
5. Wait for confirmation

Most of the time, the visa is granted within minutes or a few hours. But sometimes it can take a few days if the immigration office needs to check any detail. Always apply at least a week before your flight to stay on the safe side.

Cost and Processing Time

The government itself does not charge a visa fee, but there is a small service charge (about AUD 20) when you apply online. The processing is mostly instant. Many people even get the visa approved the same day. However, if the system needs extra time to verify details, it might take two or three days. Make sure your passport details are correct because even a small spelling mistake can cause a delay.

601 Visa vs Other Visitor Visas

If your country is eligible for the 601 visa, it’s likely the quickest and most convenient option. Otherwise, you can apply for the 600 Visa (or 651 eVisitor) depending on your nationality.

Simple Solutions for Common Problems

Sometimes, travelers have small issues such as:

• The app name does not match the passport’s name exactly
• The application progresses slowly due to missing information
• Trying to apply while already in Australia (not allowed)
• Forgetting that the 3-month stay limit applies to each visit

These things are easy to avoid — check all details at least twice before submitting your application. If there is an issue, it is best to contact the official support before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long can I stay in Australia on a 601 visa?
You can stay up to three months on each visit. The visa itself stays valid for 12 months, so you can travel multiple times in that period.

Can I work or study on this visa?
No, you cannot take paid work or join a long-term study. You can attend short business meetings or training sessions, but not full-time work.

What is the cost of the 601 visa?
There is no cost for the visa, but there is a small service charge of approximately AUD 20 for processing the ETA application.

Am I able to extend my 601 visa while I’m in Australia?
No, you cannot extend it; the expectation is you must depart Australia before the expiration date of your visa. After that, you will be eligible to reach out for a new Electronic Travel Authority visa while outside of Australia.

What if I make a mistake in my passport details?
If you spot a mistake after submitting an application, you can cancel that application and submit a new application with the correct information. Even a simple spelling mistake could create issues at the airport.

Is the 601 visa the same as subclass 601 visa or Electronic Travel Authority visa?
Yes, all three terms refer to the same type of visa. The formal name is subclass 601 visa; however, most people refer to the visa as an Electronic Travel Authority visa or ETA.

Final Thoughts

The 601 visa works best for travelers who only want to explore, meet family, or attend a short event. You just apply online, pay a small fee, and you are ready to fly.

If you are planning your trip and are unsure about eligibility or small details, Uniway Australia can always guide you through the full process. The Electronic Travel Authority visa is simple, but it is always smart to get expert help to make sure your travel goes smoothly from start to finish.