Australia Visitor Visa vs. ETA: What’s the Difference?

When planning a trip to Australia, it's essential to pick the right visa for your needs. Two common choices are the Australia Visitor Visa and the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). While both allow you to visit Australia for tourism or short-term purposes, they differ in a few important ways. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between these two options in simple terms.

1. What is the Australia Visitor Visa?

An Australia Visitor Visa (subclass 600) is a visa for people visiting Australia for tourism, family visits, or business purposes. You can apply for this visa online or on paper. This visa typically lets you stay in Australia for up to 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on what is granted to you.

Common reasons people apply for the Australia Visitor Visa include:

• Going on vacation or sightseeing

• Visiting friends or family

• Attending business meetings

• Joining an event or course for a few months

2. What is an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority)?

An ETA (subclass 601) is an electronic travel authorization for short visits to Australia. It's available to passport holders from certain countries like the United States, Canada, Japan, and a few others. This visa lets you stay in Australia for up to 3 months and is valid for 12 months from the issue date.

The ETA is ideal for:

• Tourists visiting for a short trip

• Business visitors attending meetings

• Frequent travelers who need a quick visa option

3. Who Can Apply for an ETA?

Only citizens of certain countries can apply for an ETA. These countries include the United States, Canada, Japan, and Singapore, among others. If you hold a passport from one of these eligible countries, you can apply for an ETA online or through an app.

If you're from a country not on the ETA list, you’ll need to apply for the Australia Visitor Visa instead.

4. Who Needs an Australia Visitor Visa?

If you’re not from one of the eligible countries for an ETA, or if you plan to stay for longer than 3 months, you should apply for the Australia Visitor Visa. This is also the right visa if you have specific reasons for visiting, like attending a family wedding or caring for a sick relative.

Additionally, if you’ve had trouble getting an ETA in the past or have certain visa issues, the Australia Visitor Visa might be your best choice.

5. How Do You Apply for Each Visa?

ETA Application Process:

• Apply online through the ETA app or with a travel agent.

• Quick approval, usually within minutes to a couple of days.

• Very few documents needed.

• No visa label will be placed in your passport.

Australia Visitor Visa Process:

• Apply through ImmiAccount or use a visa agent.

• May need documents like passport copies, travel plans, and financial proof.

• Processing time can take a few days to several weeks.

• You’ll receive a visa grant notice when approved.

6. How Long Can You Stay?

ETA:

• Valid for 12 months from the issue date.

• Can stay up to 3 months per visit.

• Allows multiple visits within the year.

• No work allowed.

Australia Visitor Visa:

• Stay length can be 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on the approval.

• Single or multiple entries allowed.

• You can't work, but business activities are allowed.

• Some visas may come with a “No Further Stay” condition.

7. How Long Does It Take to Process?

ETA:

• Processing time is usually minutes to a couple of days.

• Low cost or sometimes free.

Australia Visitor Visa:

• Processing time can be a few days to several weeks.

• The application fee starts around AUD 190.

• Additional costs might apply if you use an agent or need health checks.

8. Can You Enter Multiple Times?

The ETA lets you enter and leave Australia as many times as you want within 12 months, as long as each stay is under 3 months. It’s convenient for short, frequent trips.

The Australia Visitor Visa can also allow multiple entries, depending on the type of visa you apply for. It’s a good option for those who plan to visit for a longer time or who want more flexibility.

9. What Happens if Your Visa Expires?

Whether you have an ETA or an Australia Visitor Visa, it’s important not to overstay. Overstaying can result in fines or getting banned from returning to Australia for some time.

If you need to extend your stay, you cannot do so with an ETA. You would need to leave Australia and apply for another visa. However, if you have an Australia Visitor Visa, you might be able to apply for a different visa depending on the visa conditions.

10. Which Visa Should You Choose?

Here’s a simple comparison to help you choose the right visa:

Criteria	ETA (subclass 601)	Australia Visitor Visa (subclass 600)
Eligible Countries	Limited (e.g., USA, Canada, Japan)	Available for all countries
Application Time	Fast – minutes to a few days	Slower – a few days to weeks
Cost	Low or free	AUD 190+
Stay Duration	Up to 3 months	Up to 12 months
Entry Type	Multiple	Single or multiple
Can Extend Stay?	No	Maybe, depending on the visa
Documents Needed	Minimal	Often required
Purpose	Short trips, tourism, business	Longer stays, family visits, tourism

Conclusion

Choosing between an ETA and an Australia Visitor Visa depends on your nationality, how long you want to stay, and the purpose of your visit. If you are from an eligible country and plan a short visit, the ETA is quick and easy. If you need a longer stay or are from a non-ETA country, the Australia Visitor Visa is a better option.

For more information and help with your visa application, visit Immi Smart. They offer professional assistance to ensure you get the right visa for your trip to Australia.