Australia’s Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), classified as subclass 601, is available to passport holders from approximately 30 countries and jurisdictions across the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. The ETA allows multiple visits for up to 12 months, with stays of up to 3 months per visit, and costs AUD 20 via the official Australian ETA app. If your country is not on the ETA eligible list, you may qualify for the free eVisitor (subclass 651) if you hold a European passport, or you can apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) which is open to all nationalities.
Complete List of ETA-Eligible Countries
The Australian Department of Home Affairs maintains the official list of ETA-eligible countries. As of 2026, the following countries and jurisdictions are eligible for the Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601):
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Americas | Canada, United States |
| Asia-Pacific | Brunei, Hong Kong (SAR of China), Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan |
| Europe | Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Republic of San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom (British Citizen), Vatican City |
Important: The ETA is linked to your passport number. If you renew your passport after receiving an ETA, you must apply for a new one. Always verify the current list on the Department of Home Affairs website.
North America
Both major North American countries are eligible for the ETA:
| Country | Passport Type | Processing Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | US Passport | All US passport holders eligible; typically fast processing |
| Canada | Canadian Passport | All Canadian passport holders eligible; typically fast processing |
US and Canadian citizens are considered low-risk for immigration purposes and typically experience the fastest processing times. Both countries have strong bilateral agreements with Australia. You can apply through an authorised travel agent, but you must be physically present during the application as a live facial image is required.
Asia-Pacific Region
The Asia-Pacific region has the most ETA-eligible countries, reflecting Australia’s close ties with its regional neighbors:
| Country | Passport Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brunei | Brunei Passport | Standard processing |
| Hong Kong | Hong Kong SAR Passport | SAR passport holders only – not BNO or DOI |
| Japan | Japanese Passport | High approval rate; excellent NFC chip compatibility |
| Malaysia | Malaysian Passport | Standard processing; older passports may have NFC issues |
| Singapore | Singapore Passport | Fast processing; well-recognized passports |
| South Korea | Korean Passport | Fully compatible with ETA app |
| Taiwan | Taiwan Passport | Standard processing |
Important note for Hong Kong: Only holders of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) passport are eligible for the ETA. Holders of a Document of Identity (DOI) or a British National Overseas (BNO) passport alone may have different eligibility – check the Department of Home Affairs website for specifics.
If your ETA application requires further information, you will need to create an ImmiAccount and complete Form 1554: ETA request for further processing. You may be asked to provide evidence of employment, financial sufficiency, and travel arrangements.
Europe
Twenty-four European countries and jurisdictions are eligible for the ETA. However, most European passport holders from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland qualify for the free eVisitor visa (subclass 651) instead:
| Country | ETA Eligible | eVisitor Eligible |
|---|---|---|
| Andorra | Yes | No |
| Austria | Yes | Yes |
| Belgium | Yes | Yes |
| Denmark | Yes | Yes |
| Finland | Yes | Yes |
| France | Yes | Yes |
| Germany | Yes | Yes |
| Greece | Yes | Yes |
| Iceland | Yes | Yes |
| Ireland | Yes | Yes |
| Italy | Yes | Yes |
| Liechtenstein | Yes | Yes |
| Luxembourg | Yes | Yes |
| Malta | Yes | Yes |
| Monaco | Yes | No |
| Netherlands | Yes | Yes |
| Norway | Yes | Yes |
| Portugal | Yes | Yes |
| San Marino | Yes | No |
| Spain | Yes | Yes |
| Sweden | Yes | Yes |
| Switzerland | Yes | Yes |
| United Kingdom | Yes (British Citizen) | No |
| Vatican City | Yes | No |
If you hold a European passport that is eligible for both the ETA and eVisitor, the eVisitor is the better option because it is completely free (no AUD 20 service fee). The eVisitor cannot be extended once granted.
Countries NOT Eligible for ETA
If your country is not on the ETA eligible list, you have these alternatives:
- eVisitor (subclass 651): Free visa for European passport holders from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland
- Visitor visa (subclass 600): Open to all nationalities, requires a formal application through ImmiAccount and a government fee
- Other visa types: Working Holiday (subclass 417/462) for ages 18-30 (or 35 in some cases), Student (subclass 500), or various work visas
- New Zealand citizens: Can apply for a visa upon arrival in Australia
Countries that are not ETA-eligible include India, China, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil, Russia, and most African and Middle Eastern countries. Citizens of these countries must apply for the Visitor visa (subclass 600) through the ImmiAccount online system.
How to Apply for the ETA – App Prerequisites
The ETA can only be applied for through the Australian ETA app. Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Must be valid for the duration of your intended stay |
| Mobile device with camera | Required for passport scan and live facial image |
| NFC enabled | Near-field communication must be turned on to read the passport chip |
| Location services | Must be enabled on your device during application |
| Valid email address | Outcome notification sent within 72 hours |
| Payment method | Credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay for the AUD 20 service fee |
Application steps:
- Download the Australian ETA app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
- Scan your passport to pre-fill your personal details
- Take a live photo of yourself (facial image)
- Answer character and travel questions
- Pay the AUD 20 service fee
- Wait for outcome notification by email (typically within 72 hours)
Important: Each traveler, including infants and children, must submit a separate application. You can help a friend or family member apply using the same device, but they must be physically present for the photo. For group or family applications, use the Group ID function in ImmiAccount.
Apply at least 4 weeks before your intended travel date. Some applicants may be asked to provide additional information, which can extend processing time.
Scam Warnings – How to Protect Yourself
The Australian Embassy warns that third-party websites purporting to be associated with the Department of Home Affairs charge exorbitant fees to lodge ETAs. You are being scammed if:
- You apply for your ETA via a website – ETAs can only be applied for using the official ETA app
- You pay more than AUD 20 to lodge the application
- You are told to pay extra fees for “premium service” or “expedited” processing
- The information you are relying on has not come from an official website ending in .gov.au
If you suspect a scam, report it to Australia’s Border Watch at homeaffairs.gov.au/report. To verify a migration agent, check the OMARA register at mara.gov.au.
For assistance, contact the Global Service Centre at +61 2 6196 0196 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm your local time). Select option 6 for a Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) interpreter.
What If Your Country Is Not Listed?
If your country does not appear on the ETA eligible list, here are your options:
- Check eVisitor eligibility – If you hold a European passport from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you may qualify for the free eVisitor (subclass 651)
- Apply for Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Available to all nationalities, requires an online application through ImmiAccount
- Consult a registered migration agent – For complex situations, verify the agent on the OMARA register at mara.gov.au
- New Zealand citizens – You can apply for a visa upon arrival in Australia
ETA vs eVisitor vs Visitor Visa
Understanding the differences between Australia’s short-term visa options helps you choose the right one:
| Feature | ETA (601) | eVisitor (651) | Visitor Visa (600) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | AUD 20 service fee | Free | Government fee applies |
| Eligible countries | ~30 countries (US, Canada, Asia-Pacific, select Europe) | EU/EEA + Switzerland | All nationalities |
| Validity | 12 months | 12 months | Up to 12 months |
| Stay per visit | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months (up to 12 in some cases) |
| Entries | Multiple (unlimited) | Multiple | Single or multiple |
| Application method | Australian ETA app only | Online | Online via ImmiAccount |
| Extendable in Australia | Yes (apply for subclass 600) | No | Check conditions |
| Work permitted | No | No | No (unless specified) |
If you hold a passport eligible for both the ETA and eVisitor, choose the eVisitor – it is free and offers similar conditions.
Dual Citizenship and the ETA
If you hold dual citizenship with one passport from an ETA-eligible country and another from a non-eligible country:
- Apply for the ETA using the passport from the eligible country
- Enter and exit Australia on the same passport
- The ETA is linked to a specific passport number – you cannot use it with a different passport
- If you renew your eligible passport, you must apply for a new ETA
- If your circumstances change (new passport, criminal charges, health status), you must report this to the Department of Home Affairs immediately
Visa conditions to be aware of:
- Condition 8527: Unlimited entries into Australia while the ETA is valid, but no single stay can exceed 3 months
- Condition 8503 (no further stay): May be applied in some cases, preventing you from applying for another visa while in Australia
- Healthcare: ETA holders must cover their own medical costs in Australia. Medicare is not available unless your country has a healthcare agreement with Australia (currently UK, Ireland, and Sweden)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries can enter Australia with ETA?
About 30 countries are eligible, including the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong (SAR), Brunei, Taiwan, and 24 European countries including the United Kingdom (British Citizen passport). See the complete list above.
Do US citizens need an ETA for Australia?
Yes. US passport holders must apply for an ETA (subclass 601) before travelling to Australia. The application costs AUD 20 and is made through the official Australian ETA app. Processing typically takes up to 72 hours.
How long does ETA processing take?
Most applications are processed within 72 hours. However, some applicants may be asked to provide additional information, which can extend processing time. The Department of Home Affairs recommends applying at least 4 weeks before your intended travel date.
Can I extend my ETA while in Australia?
If you hold a valid ETA (subclass 601), you can extend your stay by applying for another visa, such as a Visitor visa (subclass 600), while in Australia. However, if your ETA has a “no further stay” condition (8503), this may not be possible.
What is the difference between ETA and eVisitor?
The ETA (subclass 601) costs AUD 20 and is available to ~30 countries including the US, Canada, and Asian countries. The eVisitor (subclass 651) is free and available only to European passport holders from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland. Both allow multiple entries for up to 12 months with 3-month stays.
Do children need their own ETA?
Yes. Every traveler, regardless of age, needs their own ETA. Each child must have their own passport and a separate ETA application through the Australian ETA app.
What if my ETA application needs more information?
If the Department of Home Affairs requests additional information, you must create an ImmiAccount and complete Form 1554: ETA request for further processing. You will need to provide your passport biodata page, a cover letter, evidence of employment or study, financial evidence, and travel arrangements.
Last updated: June 2026. Sources: Australian Department of Home Affairs, Australian Embassy (USA), Australian High Commission (Malaysia). For the complete and current list of eligible countries, visit the Department of Home Affairs ETA page.
