ETA 601 vs eVisitor 651: Which Short-Stay Visa Do You Need?

If you're planning a short trip to Australia, up to three months for tourism or business, you likely need either an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, Subclass 601) or an eVisitor (Subclass 651). Both are quick, electronic, and linked to your passport. But which one do you need?

The answer depends entirely on your nationality.

Side-by-Side Comparison

ETA (Subclass 601): Eligible Countries

The ETA is available to passport holders from:

• Asia-Pacific: Brunei, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan
• North America: Canada, United States
• Others: As announced by the Department

How to Apply for an ETA

The ETA is applied for through the Australian ETA app, available on iOS and Android:

1. Download the Australian ETA app
2. Scan your passport using your phone's NFC reader
3. Take a selfie for identity verification
4. Answer the application questions
5. Pay the AUD $20 service charge
6. Receive your ETA: usually within minutes

The app uses biometric verification, so you'll need a phone with NFC capability. You cannot apply through ImmiAccount or paper forms.

eVisitor (Subclass 651): Eligible Countries

The eVisitor is available to passport holders from European Union member states and several other European nations:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and Vatican City.

How to Apply for an eVisitor

1. Create an account at ImmiAccount
2. Select eVisitor (Subclass 651)
3. Complete the online form (personal details, passport information, travel plans)
4. Submit: there is no application fee
5. Receive your eVisitor electronically: usually within minutes

What If My Country Isn't Listed?

If your passport country isn't eligible for either the ETA or eVisitor, you'll need to apply for a Visitor visa (Subclass 600). This is a more detailed application process with higher fees (AUD $190+) and longer processing times. See our Subclass 600 guide for details.

Conditions and Limitations

Both the ETA and eVisitor come with similar conditions:

What You CAN Do

• Tourism: sightseeing, visiting family and friends, recreation
• Business activities: attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs, negotiations
• Study: enrol in a short course of up to 3 months
• Volunteer work: for a registered not-for-profit organisation

What You CANNOT Do

• Work for an Australian employer (paid or unpaid)
• Sell goods or services to the public
• Provide professional services in exchange for payment
• Study for more than 3 months

Common Visa Conditions

If your ETA or eVisitor includes Condition 8558, use our 8558 Calculator to track your permitted days.

Multiple Entries

Both visas allow multiple entries during the 12-month validity period. You can leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you want; each visit can be up to 3 months.

However, be aware that:

• Immigration officers can question your intentions if you appear to be living in Australia through repeated short visits
• If Condition 8558 applies, your cumulative days are tracked across all visits
• Each time you enter, you must satisfy the genuine visitor requirement

Transitioning to a Longer Stay

If you arrive on an ETA or eVisitor and decide you want to stay longer, your options depend on your conditions:

Practical Tips

• Check your passport validity: your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay
• Apply before booking flights: while approval is usually instant, delays can occur
• Screenshot your grant notification: save the email/notification confirming your ETA or eVisitor
• Carry proof of return travel: immigration officers may ask for evidence of onward travel
• Know which visa you have: at the airport, you may be asked. "ETA" or "eVisitor" is the answer, not "I don't have a visa"

Official Resources

• ETA Subclass 601: Home Affairs
• eVisitor Subclass 651: Home Affairs
• Australian ETA app: Home Affairs
• VEVO: Check visa conditions

⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Always verify with the Department of Home Affairs.