Visa resource
Australia visitor visas explained
Australia has three main ways to visit for a short stay — the Electronic Travel Authority, the eVisitor and the Visitor visa — and which one you use depends mainly on the passport you hold. This page explains them in plain language, drawing on the official Department of Home Affairs guidance; always confirm the option open to your passport before you apply.
ETA vs eVisitor vs Visitor visa
The Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) and the eVisitor (subclass 651) are electronic visas for holders of eligible passports. The Visitor visa (subclass 600) is open to any passport holder and has tourism, business and family streams. Which one applies depends on your passport and purpose.
How long you can stay
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the ETA and eVisitor let you visit as often as you wish within a 12-month period, staying up to three months on each visit. The Visitor visa can be granted for a stay of up to 12 months as a tourist, decided case by case. Confirm the current conditions on the official pages.
Choosing the right one
Start by checking whether your passport qualifies for the ETA or eVisitor. If it does not, the Visitor visa (subclass 600) is the general route. The official visa listing has a tool to help you find the right visa.
Need help getting this right?
We check your documents as part of your application, so you don't submit the wrong thing.
Official sources