What is the ETA (Subclass 601) Visa?
The Electronic Travel Authority (Subclass 601) is a temporary visitor visa that allows eligible travelers to visit Australia for:
- Tourism or holidays
- Visiting family and friends
- Short-term business activities such as conferences or meetings
The ETA is electronically linked to your passport, so there is no need for a physical visa label or stamp, making it a fast and convenient option for short-term travel.
Who can apply for the 601 Visa?
You are eligible to apply for a Subclass 601 ETA if you:
- Are outside Australia at the time of application
- Hold a passport from an eligible country
- Meet basic health and character requirements
- Intend to visit Australia temporarily for tourism, family, or business
- Have no outstanding debts to the Australian government
Eligible passports include countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and most of Western Europe.
Validity and duration of stay
- The ETA is valid for 12 months from the date of grant
- You can enter Australia multiple times within this period
- Each stay can last up to three months
This makes it ideal for travelers who may want flexible short-term visits to Australia within a year.
What you can do on a 601 visa
While on a Subclass 601 visa, you can:
- Travel to Australia for tourism or leisure
- Visit family or friends
- Attend business events, such as conferences, seminars, or meetings
Important: The visa does not allow paid work or providing services to the public.
Important points to remember
- Applications must be made while outside Australia
- Each traveler, including children, requires their own ETA
- The visa cannot usually be extended; longer stays require a different visa
Need help finding a migration agent for your ETA 601 Visa?
Applying for an Australian visitor visa can be confusing. At ImmigrationAU.com.au, we make it easy to find and connect with registered migration agents near you who can guide you in your language.
Our platform helps you locate agents for:
Whether you’re planning a holiday, visiting family, or attending business events, ImmigrationAU helps you connect with the registered migration agent to support your visa journey.
DISCLAIMER: This disclaimer applies to all content published on immigrationau.com.au and its associated social media channels. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. It is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon for making any visa or migration decisions. Immigration laws and policies are subject to change, and the material may not reflect the most current regulations. For guidance specific to your circumstances, please consult a Registered Migration Agent (MARA) or a qualified Australian lawyer before submitting any applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – ETA (Subclass 601) Visa
No. The ETA does not allow you to work or provide services to the public. It is strictly for tourism, visiting family or friends, or attending short-term business events.
Generally, the ETA cannot be extended. If you want to stay in Australia longer than three months per visit, you will need to apply for a different type of visa.
Yes. Each traveler, including children, must have their own ETA visa to enter Australia.
Applications must be made online while you are outside Australia. The visa is linked electronically to your passport, making the application process fast and convenient.
Yes. The ETA allows multiple entries within the 12-month validity period, with each stay capped at three months.
ImmigrationAU.com.au can help you find registered migration agents near you who can guide you through the application process in your preferred language.
