Visa rules change frequently — always verify before you book.
This guide was last reviewed in May 2026. Entry requirements, fees, and stay lengths can change at short notice. Confirm the current rules with the official government sources linked below before booking flights or travelling.
- Visa needed?
- Yes — but an online ETA or eVisitor (both electronic, no embassy visit) for most Western nationalities
- Maximum stay
- Up to 3 months per visit
- Cost
- eVisitor is free; the ETA has a small service fee via the app
- Validity
- 12 months, multiple entries, up to 3 months per stay
- Processing time
- Often quick, but apply well before travel
Australia requires all visitors to hold a visa before arrival — there is no visa-free entry and no visa on arrival. The good news for most Western travellers is that the required authorisations are electronic, free or inexpensive, and applied for entirely online.
Which one you need depends on your nationality: the eVisitor (subclass 651) for European passport holders, or the ETA (subclass 601) for the US, Canada, Japan, and several others. This guide explains both.
eVisitor (Subclass 651) — For European Citizens
The eVisitor is a free electronic visa for passport holders from the European Union, the UK, and several other European countries. It is applied for online, is usually granted quickly, and allows multiple visits of up to three months each within a 12-month validity period.
There is no application charge for the eVisitor, making it the simplest and cheapest route for European travellers.
ETA (Subclass 601) — For the US, Canada, Japan & Others
The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is for passport holders from countries including the US, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and others. It is applied for through the official Australian ETA mobile app and carries a small service fee.
Like the eVisitor, it allows multiple visits of up to three months each over a 12-month period. It is electronically linked to your passport.
Which One Do I Need?
| Your passport | Visa you need | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| EU / UK / European | eVisitor (subclass 651) | Free |
| United States | ETA (subclass 601) | Small service fee |
| Canada | ETA (subclass 601) | Small service fee |
| Japan, South Korea, Singapore | ETA (subclass 601) | Small service fee |
| Other nationalities | Visitor visa (subclass 600) | Higher fee; applied online |
Travel insurance is often required
Many visas and entry systems require proof of travel medical insurance — and even where it is not mandatory, it protects you against medical bills, cancellations, and lost baggage. Compare cover that meets visa requirements.
Compare travel insurance →Entry Requirements
- A valid passport from an eligible country
- An approved ETA or eVisitor (or a Visitor visa) before travel
- Australia has strict biosecurity rules — declare all food, plant, and animal products on arrival
- Proof of onward travel and sufficient funds may be requested
Official Sources
Always confirm the latest requirements directly with the official government website before travelling:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — but US citizens apply for the electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) through the official Australian ETA app. It carries a small service fee, is usually granted quickly, and allows multiple visits of up to three months each over 12 months. There is no visa-free entry or visa on arrival in Australia.