Subclass 601 Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) Visa

Overview

The Subclass 601 Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) Visa is a short-term travel visa that allows eligible passport holders to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes. This visa is electronically linked to your passport and is designed for people who intend to visit Australia for a short stay and who hold passports from specific eligible countries.

Unlike traditional paper visas, the ETA requires no label or stamp in your passport and is typically processed quickly via a dedicated mobile app.

Key Features

• Stay duration: Up to 3 months per visit
• Validity: 12 months from the date of grant
• Multiple entries allowed
• Online/mobile application only
• No work rights — tourism and certain business visitor activities only

What This Visa Allows

You can:

• Visit Australia for holidays, family visits, or recreational travel
• Engage in business visitor activities (e.g., attending conferences, making business inquiries, contract negotiations)
• Study or train for up to 3 months
• Enter and exit Australia multiple times while the ETA is valid
• Stay for up to 3 months on each visit

Who Can Apply

You must:

• Hold a passport from an eligible ETA country (see list below)
• Be outside Australia when you apply
• Have no intention to work while in Australia
• Apply via the official ETA app on a mobile device
• Meet health and character requirements

Eligible Countries for ETA (As of 2025)

Note: Indian passport holders and others not listed above must apply for a Subclass 600 Visitor Visa or eVisitor (Subclass 651), depending on eligibility.

Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Documents

• Valid passport from an eligible country
• Basic personal details
• Travel plans (dates, accommodation, purpose)
• Health insurance (optional but recommended)

Step 2: Download ETA App

• Download the Australian ETA app from the App Store or Google Play
• You must apply via the app, not through agents or websites

Step 3: Submit Application

• Fill in required details and take a photo of yourself and your passport
• Pay application service charge (approx. AUD $20)
• Submit and wait for outcome (usually within minutes or hours)

Processing Time

Some applications may take longer if:

• Additional identity checks are needed
• There is a travel history that requires review
• The applicant has medical conditions or prior visa issues

Visa Conditions

• Cannot work in Australia
• Cannot extend stay beyond 3 months per visit
• Must not study or train for more than 3 months
• Cannot apply from within Australia
• May be required to show proof of sufficient funds, return ticket, and travel plans

Common Use Cases

1. Frequent Business Travelers
   Professionals who visit Australia for business meetings, expos, and industry events on a recurring basis.

2. Tourists from Low-Risk Countries
   Leisure travelers on short visits for holidays, sightseeing, or to visit friends and family.

3. Transit Visitors
   Travelers stopping in Australia for a short period before continuing to another destination.

4. Family Members Visiting Expats
   Parents, siblings, or friends of temporary visa holders or Australian citizens visiting for short durations.

Common Hurdles

1. Using the wrong application channel
   Many applicants mistakenly try to apply via third-party websites or visa agents. Subclass 601 ETA can only be applied through the official mobile app.

2. Ineligible passport
   Applicants from non-ETA countries must apply under other subclasses like 600 or 651.

3. Technical issues in app submission
   Inconsistent lighting during photo capture or incorrect document scans can delay or invalidate an application.

4. Visa history issues
   Prior overstays or visa refusals can trigger manual processing or outright rejection.

5. Unclear travel intentions
   If authorities suspect the applicant intends to work or overstay, the ETA may be denied even for eligible applicants.

FAQs

Can I apply for a 601 ETA inside Australia?

No. The ETA must be applied for and granted while you are outside Australia.

How many times can I enter Australia on an ETA?

Unlimited entries within the 12-month validity period, provided each stay is no longer than 3 months.

Do I need health insurance?

Not mandatory, but highly recommended. Tourists are not covered under Medicare unless there’s a reciprocal healthcare agreement.

Can I work while on an ETA?

No. Paid work is not allowed. You can attend business meetings and conferences, but not engage in paid employment or services.

What if my ETA is refused?

You may re-apply or consider applying for a Subclass 600 Visitor Visa. Contacting a registered migration agent is advisable.

Can I study on an ETA visa?

Yes, for a maximum of 3 months. Anything longer will require a Student Visa (Subclass 500).

Trends and Insights

• Travel rebound post-COVID: Applications have surged again, especially from the US, UK, and East Asia.
• Increased scrutiny: Despite ETA's ease, some applications from high-risk countries or with complex travel histories face longer assessments.
• Mobile-only application trend: In an effort to digitize and reduce fraud, Australia now only accepts ETA applications through its official app.

Useful Resources

• Official ETA App Instructions
• Download ETA App (App Store)
• Download ETA App (Google Play)

Need Help?

Navigating visa options — even the quick and easy ones — can raise questions. Whether you're unsure if you qualify for a 601 ETA, want help with technical issues, or are wondering if a different visa better suits your plans, Aus Visa Library has you covered.

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