Electronic Travel Authority (Class UD, Subclass 601)
The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, 601 visa) allows eligible passport holders to visit Australia for short-term tourism or business purposes. While the ETA process is usually quick and electronic, applicants should be aware that Australian Border Force (ABF) officers have discretion to assess eligibility and compliance with visa conditions upon arrival.
You must be outside of Australia to apply for the Electronic Travel Authority (601 visa). This is a visa only available for persons holding the following passport:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Canada
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong (SAR of China)
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Monaco
- Norway
- Portugal
- Republic of San Marino
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan (excluding official or diplomatic passports)
- The Netherlands
- United Kingdom—British Citizen
- United Kingdom—British National (Overseas)
- United States of America
- Vatican City
The visa is granted for 12 months with 3 months stay in Australia upon each entry. This can be applied for at the airport by the airline provider, travel agents or other specialist service providers. Otherwise, passport holders of the following countries can also apply online:
- Brunei
- Canada
- Hong Kong (SAR of China)
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- United States
One of the key benefits of the Electronic Travel Authority visa is that it is automatically processed, allowing you to receive the visa grant quickly.
However, if you have had an adverse immigration record in Australia or have any character issues, your application will not be processed automatically. You will need to contact your embassy for more information to process the application or apply for the traditional 600 visitor visa.
Common Issues When Applying for the 601 Visa
Applicants may encounter the following challenges:
- Being turned away at the Australian border due to ABF’s discretionary power to assess GTE compliance.
- Adverse immigration or character issues preventing the automatic grant of the ETA.
Suggested Solutions
Guidance and solutions to the above issues are detailed in the Q&A section below.
601 ETA Visa FAQs
When assessing whether you meet the GTE requirement, Border Force officers may consider:
- Your personal circumstances and ties to your home country
- Your immigration history
- The purpose and intended length of your stay
- Any indication that you may overstay or breach visa conditions
Tip: Carry supporting documentation that demonstrates your intention to return home, such as proof of employment, family ties or onward travel bookings.
Under section 128 of the Migration Act, the Minister or a delegate may cancel a visa while the holder is outside Australia, including at the border.
If your ETA is cancelled:
- You must disclose this in any future visa applications.
- Your subsequent visa applications may face closer scrutiny.
- You may become subject to an exclusion period or re-entry ban, especially if the cancellation resulted from a breach such as undertaking paid work.
Note: A visa cancellation can have long-term consequences for your travel plans. It is advisable to seek professional assistance before reapplying.
An ETA may not be automatically approved where:
- The application is incomplete or lacks required information;
- There are adverse immigration, health, or character concerns; or
- There are circumstances suggesting you may not meet the GTE requirement.
If you believe any of these factors apply to you, it is strongly recommended that you seek professional advice and prepare comprehensive supporting evidence before lodging your application.
Our Strengths
- Expert Advocacy – If you encounter issues with your ETA application or visa status, we can help resolve the matter efficiently to avoid future complications. Our team specialises in complex applications, cancellations, and Department requests and will advocate for you at every stage.
- Comprehensive Expertise – Your ETA may form part of a broader migration plan. We can help you explore alternative visa pathways and build a holistic migration strategy tailored to your goals.
Need tailored advice?
Contact us to discuss your ETA options and ensure your travel plans go smoothly.