Do I need a visa to visit Australia?

Yes, almost all visitors need a visa or electronic travel authority. New Zealand citizens get a Special Category visa on arrival. EU citizens use the free eVisitor (651); UK, USA, Canada, Japan, Singapore etc. use the ETA (AUD 20). Other nationalities apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600, AUD 145).

What is the difference between the ETA and eVisitor?

Both allow multiple entries with 3-month stays over 12 months. The ETA (AUD 20) covers UK, USA, Canada, Japan, Singapore and others. The eVisitor is free and covers EU passport holders and a few additional countries. Both are electronic — no visa label in passport.

How do I apply for an Australian Working Holiday visa?

Apply online via ImmiAccount at online.immi.gov.au. You must be 18–30 (or 35 for some countries), hold a passport from an eligible country (UK, Ireland, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea and more), and pay AUD 640. The visa is granted for 12 months with work and travel rights.

How long can I stay in Australia on a tourist visa?

On an ETA or eVisitor you may stay up to 3 months per visit, with multiple entries over 12 months from grant date. A Visitor visa (subclass 600) may be issued for 3 or 6 months stay, sometimes up to 12 months depending on circumstances.

Can I work in Australia on a tourist visa?

No. Tourist visas (ETA, eVisitor, Visitor 600) do not permit paid work. You must hold a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417 or 462), a TSS work visa, or another visa with work rights to earn income in Australia.

Australia eVisa & Travel Information (2026)

Key Facts — Australia
Capital	Canberra
Currency	Australian Dollar (AUD)
Main Airports	Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Brisbane (BNE), Perth (PER)
Tourist eVisa (ETA/eVisitor)	AUD 20 (ETA) / Free (eVisitor)
Max Stay (tourist)	3 months per visit (up to 12-month validity)
Processing Time	Instant–48 hours (ETA/eVisitor); 4–8 weeks (other visas)
Visa-Free Access	No general visa-free; ETA/eVisitor replaces stamp for eligible countries

Introduction

Australia is a top destination for tourism, education, and skilled migration. All visitors except New Zealand citizens require a visa or travel authority before arrival. The eVisitor (subclass 651) and Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) cover most short-stay needs for eligible passport holders. Australia uses an online ImmiAccount portal for most visa applications.

Tourist & Short Stay

Two electronic options cover short tourism stays:

eVisitor (subclass 651) — Free: For passport holders from EU countries and selected others. Apply free online at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Allows multiple entries, 3 months per visit, valid 12 months. Approved electronically — no label in passport.
ETA (subclass 601) — AUD 20: For passport holders from UK, USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Brunei, and a few others. Apply via the Australian ETA app or travel agents. Same conditions as eVisitor.
Visitor Visa (subclass 600) — AUD 145+: For nationalities not covered by ETA/eVisitor. Apply online via ImmiAccount. Can request 3 or 6 months stay; multiple-entry possible. Processing 20–30+ business days.

Business Visa

Short business visits (meetings, conferences) use the Visitor visa (subclass 600) with a business stream or ETA/eVisitor if eligible. For longer business engagement, the Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188) and Business Talent visa (subclass 132) offer pathways for investors and entrepreneurs. The temporary Business Long Stay (subclass 400) covers specialist work for up to 4 months.

Work & Long-Stay Visas

Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa — subclass 482: Employer-sponsored; 2-year (short-term stream) or 4-year (medium-term stream). Salary threshold: AUD 73,150 (TSMIT, 2024). Pathway to PR for medium-term stream.
Skilled Independent visa — subclass 189: Points-tested, no sponsorship needed. Minimum 65 points. Permanent residence immediately.
Skilled Nominated — subclass 190: State/territory nomination, 5 extra points, 65-point minimum.
Working Holiday — subclass 417/462: Ages 18–35 (some countries to 30). 12 months; extendable to 2nd/3rd year with regional work. AUD 640 fee.
Global Talent visa — subclass 858: For high-achievement in target sectors; no points test, income threshold AUD 167,900.

Student Visa

Subclass 500 is required for full-time study in Australia. Apply online; provide CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment) from a CRICOS-registered provider, proof of funds (AUD 21,041/year for living costs plus tuition), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and English proficiency evidence. Fee: AUD 710. You may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study. Partner/dependent visa (subclass 590) allows accompanying family.

Airport Transit

Transit Without Visa (TWOV) is not available in Australia — all transiting passengers who pass immigration require a valid visa or electronic travel authority. If you remain airside without clearing customs/immigration, you do not need a visa but must hold a confirmed onward ticket.

Required Documents

Valid passport (6 months validity beyond intended stay)
Completed online visa application (ImmiAccount)
Recent passport-size photograph (digital)
Return or onward flight itinerary
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements)
Accommodation evidence (hotel bookings or host invitation)
Travel insurance (strongly recommended; mandatory for some categories)
For work/student visas: skills assessment, qualifications, CoE, employer nomination
Health checks and police clearances (for permanent visas)

Visa Fees

Visa Type	Fee (AUD)
eVisitor (subclass 651)	Free
ETA (subclass 601)	AUD 20
Visitor (subclass 600)	AUD 145
Working Holiday (417/462)	AUD 640
Student (subclass 500)	AUD 710
TSS (subclass 482)	AUD 3,115 (primary)
Skilled Independent (189)	AUD 4,640

How to Apply

Determine your visa subclass at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder.
For ETA: download the Australian ETA app or apply via a travel agent.
For eVisitor and other visas: create/log in to your ImmiAccount at online.immi.gov.au.
Complete the application form, upload documents, and pay the fee.
Receive email notification when visa is granted (linked to your passport electronically).
On arrival, present your passport — immigration can verify electronically.

Official Links

Who Is Visa-Exempt / ETA Eligible?

New Zealand citizens may enter Australia visa-free with a Special Category visa (granted on arrival). ETA (subclass 601) eligible: UK, USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Brunei. eVisitor (subclass 651) eligible: EU member states, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican. All other nationalities must apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) or other appropriate visa.

Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.

Editorial Team — eVisa-Card.com

This guide is maintained by our visa research team. Last updated: March 2026.

Important: Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements at the official Australia immigration authority before booking travel. This page is for informational purposes only.