Planning a trip to Australia makes the ETA vs eVisitor Visa comparison important for travellers. Both the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa subclass 601 and eVisitor visa subclass 651 allow short stays for visitors, but they are available to different passport holders. They also differ in eligibility requirements, application process and costs. A clear understanding of these differences can help you identify the appropriate visa for your next trip to Australia.
What Is an ETA Subclass 601?
The electronic travel authority eta subclass 601 is a temporary Australian visa for eligible travellers visiting Australia for tourism, visiting family or friends and some limited business visitor activities. It allows multiple entries during its validity period, with stays of up to three months after each entry.
The electronic travel authority visa is typically valid for 12 months from the date of issue. This visa is electronically linked to the passport used for the application. To apply for this visa, you must apply using the official Australian ETA app.
What Is an eVisitor Subclass 651?
The eVisitor subclass 651 is a temporary Australian visa for eligible European passport holders travelling for tourism, visiting family or friends and permitted business visitor activities. This visa also allows approved applications to stay up to three months each time they travel to Australia.
The eVisitor visa Australia is valid for up to 12 months from the date of issue. With this visa, travellers can also study or train for up to three months in total and it is subject to visa conditions.
Also Read: How to Convert a Visitor Visa to a Work Permit in Australia
What are the Key Differences of ETA vs eVisitor Visa?
The main difference between ETA and eVisitor Visa is related to passport eligibility, application method and cost. The table below provides a quick overview of the main differences between Australian visa eVisitor 651 and ETA subclass 601 visa:
| Feature | ETA travel visa Australia | eVisitor Subclass 651 |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Tourism, visiting family or friends, and permitted business visitor activities | Tourism, visiting family or friends, and permitted business visitor activities |
| Eligible travellers | Holders of eligible passports | Holders of passports from specified eligible countries |
| Application method | Australian ETA app | Online |
| Visa Application Charge | No Visa Application Charge | Free |
| Application service fee | AUD 20 for using the Australian ETA app | None |
| Validity | 12 months or until passport expires, whichever is earlier | 12 months from grant |
| Entries | Multiple | Multiple |
| Stay per entry | Up to 3 months | Up to 3 months |
| Work rights | No | No |
| Study or training | Up to 3 months in total, subject to conditions | Up to 3 months in total, subject to conditions |
Who Can Apply for an ETA Subclass 601?
ETA Visa subclass 601 is for passport holders who hail from countries/jurisdictions that are on the Australian eVisitor visa eligibility list maintained by Australia. Countries whose citizens are eligible to apply include but are not limited to Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and the US.
Who Can Apply for an eVisitor Subclass 651?
eVisitor Visa Subclass 651 is for passport holders from eligible European countries. Countries whose citizens are eligible to apply include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, among others.
Both Australia eVisitor visa and ETA visa applicants must be outside Australia during the process of applying for their visas and when the decision on their applications is made. In addition, both applicants have to meet the health, character, financial and genuine temporary visitor criteria for their visas.
What Tourism Activities Can You Do on an ETA vs eVisitor Visa?
Both the ETA subclass 601 visa and eVisitor visa permit individuals who qualify for these visas to visit Australia for leisure and social purposes.
In accordance with visa requirements, travellers are generally allowed to:
- Go on vacation
- Visit friends and family
- Go on a cruise
- Explore various places in Australia
- Attend social gatherings
- Visit several Australian cities within a single journey
Also Read: Visitor Visa 600 Refusal: Reapplication Process Explained
What Business Activities Are Allowed on an ETA or eVisitor Visa?
Activities of business visitors may be allowed under either ETA subclass 601 or eVisitor 651. Such activities are distinct from employment and should be within the conditions of the visitor visa.
The types of permitted activities include the following:
- Business meetings
- Conferences/seminars/trade shows
- General business inquiries
- Business investigations
- Contract negotiations
Both the Australian visa subclass 651 and subclass 601 visas usually do not allow applicants to:
- Work for an Australian employer
- Render services for payment in Australia
- Sell your goods or services directly to the public
- Perform ongoing project work
- Do manual labour
- Work in an ongoing position for an Australian business
If your objective involves employment in Australia, then it is better to think about some other type of visa.
Can You Study or Train on an ETA vs eVisitor Visa?
Short studies or training may be undertaken on australia eta subclass 601 and eVisitor subclass 651 visas subject to the requirements of such visas. However, visitor-type visas cannot substitute for a Student visa. In case your purpose of coming to Australia is education, you need to see if a Student visa would suit your needs better.
Why Might an ETA or eVisitor Application Be Delayed or Refused?
Simple cases of eVisitor subclass 651 visa and ETA visa subclass 601 Australia can be reviewed without any problem, but further review is needed if there is any doubt about the applicant or the information presented by the applicant.
Some of the problems that may arise are:
- Past visa rejection or cancellation
- Exceeding the period of previous visa
- Criminal record or character issues
- Mistakes in the passport information
- Inconsistencies in personal information
- Problems with legitimate temporary presence
- Relevant health issues
- Previous immigration non-compliance
- Use of improper application procedure
- Unclear travel objective
What Documents Should You Prepare for an ETA or eVisitor Application?
Applying for the Australia visa eta subclass 601 and an eVisitor subclass 651 visa usually tends to be relatively simple, but applicants need to have all their main information at hand.
This could consist of:
- A valid passport
- Correct personal information
- Email Address
- Purpose of visit
- Previous Australian visa information, if any
- Character information
- Payment option for the ETA app fee, if relevant
- Evidence of funds or travel plans if required
- Health insurance, if necessary
Requirements will vary depending upon the individual applicant and must be compared to the current Australian Department of Home Affairs instructions.
Also Read: Visitor Visa 600 Processing Time 2026
When Might You Need Another Australian Visa?
The eVisitor subclass 651 and ETA subclass 601 Australia visa is not right for every individual and every purpose of travel. Another visa might be better suited if you:
- Have to stay beyond the allowed duration of time
- Are not eligible for an ETA or the eVisitor visa
- Want to work in Australia
- Plan to undertake studies for longer durations
- Have complicated immigration issues
- Require an alternative visitor visa
Final Thoughts
Both ETA and eVisitor allow you to travel to Australia briefly for the purposes of tourism or as a business visitor, but neither will allow you to work while visiting. Before applying, be sure to familiarise yourself with the current requirements for each visa using the Australian Department of Home Affairs website. If you are planning to get an Australian visitor visa, consult a local expert like an immigration agent in Perth for personalised assistance.
FAQs
1. Can I extend my ETA while I am in Australia?
No, an ETA cannot be extended, so you need to consider another visa if you need to stay longer.
2. Do I need a separate ETA for each family member?
Yes, each traveller must have their own ETA linked to their individual passport.
3. Can I visit Australia for a wedding on an ETA or eVisitor?
Yes, attending a wedding as a visitor generally falls within the tourism and visiting family or friends purposes permitted by these visas.
4. Can I volunteer in Australia on an ETA or eVisitor?
You should check whether the proposed volunteer activity is permitted under the specific visa conditions, as visitor visas do not provide general work rights.
5. Can I bring my children on my ETA?
No, children require their own visa, and each traveller must meet the applicable eligibility requirements.
