Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)

The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) – Subclass 601 is a convenient short-term visa that allows eligible passport holders to visit Australia for tourism, business visitor activities, or to see family and friends. It is ideal for frequent travellers who want to enter Australia multiple times within a 12-month period, with each stay limited to up to three months.

Key Benefits of the ETA Visa (Subclass 601)

• Multiple Entries: Travel to Australia as many times as needed within 12 months.
• Short-Term Stay: Stay up to 3 months per visit.
• Fast Processing: Most applications are approved instantly via the ETA app.
• Low Cost: Only a small service fee of AUD $20
• No Visa Label Required: The visa is electronically linked to your passport.
• Tourism & Business Use: Attend conferences, meetings, or explore Australia’s attractions.
• Short-Term Study: You may study or train for up to 3 months.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Subclass 601 ETA Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Passport from an Eligible Country
  You must hold a passport from a country listed by the Department of Home Affairs (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Japan, Singapore, etc.)
• Apply from Outside Australia
  You must be outside Australia at the time of application and visa grant
• Genuine Visitor Intent
  You must intend to visit Australia temporarily for tourism or approved business purposes.
• Health Requirements
  You must not have active tuberculosis and may be required to undergo health checks depending on your travel history
• Character Requirements
  You must not have criminal convictions resulting in a sentence of 12 months or more
• No Outstanding Debts
  You must not owe money to the Australian Government or must have arranged repayment

Visa Conditions

Once granted, the ETA Visa comes with specific conditions that must be followed:

• Maximum Stay of 3 Months Per Visit
  You must leave Australia before your three-month stay expires
• No Paid Work Allowed
  You cannot engage in paid employment. Business visitor activities like attending meetings or conferences are permitted
• Short-Term Study Permitted
  You may undertake study or training for up to 3 months
• Health Insurance Recommended
  While not mandatory, it is strongly advised to have travel insurance to cover medical costs
• No Further Stay Condition (8503)
  In some cases, this condition may be applied, preventing you from applying for another visa while in Australia
• Linked to Your Passport
  The ETA is electronically linked to your passport. If you get a new passport, you must apply for a new ETA

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)