eVisitor vs ETA: Which Australian Visa Do You Need?

Planning a trip to Australia? One of the first questions you will face is eVisitor vs ETA: which travel authorisation actually applies to you? Both are electronic authorisations tied to your passport. They both cover short tourism and business visits, and you apply for either one online. But they are not interchangeable. Which one you need depends entirely on the country that issued your passport.

What is the eVisitor (Subclass 651)?

Passport holders from the European Union can use the eVisitor. So can citizens of several other European countries, including the United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City. It allows multiple visits to Australia within its validity period, with each stay lasting up to three months. It covers holidays, visiting family and friends, and business activities such as meetings and conferences. If your passport is on this list, you can start your eVisitor application online in a few minutes.

What is the ETA (Subclass 601)?

The Electronic Travel Authority serves a different group of countries. These include the United States, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Hong Kong SAR and South Korea. Like the eVisitor, it covers short tourism and business visits of up to three months per stay. It also links electronically to your passport. The purpose of the two authorisations is almost identical — what separates them is who is eligible.

eVisitor vs ETA: the real difference

Here is the simplest way to think about it. The eVisitor serves European passports, while the ETA serves a specific set of other countries. You cannot choose between them freely. If you hold a European passport, the eVisitor is the right authorisation for you. Applying for the wrong one is a common mistake. So check carefully before you start. Our full eVisitor country list sets out exactly which passports qualify.

Which one do you need?

Look at the country printed on your passport. If it is one of the European countries on the eVisitor list, you need the eVisitor. If it is one of the ETA countries, you need the ETA. If your passport is not on either list, you will need a different visitor visa. Do you want to work while you travel? Then neither is right for you. Read our Working Holiday visa guide instead.

What both authorisations have in common

Whichever applies to you, the same good habits make the process smooth. Apply before you book non-refundable travel and copy your passport details exactly. Also, keep your confirmation handy for check-in and arrival. Neither authorisation lets you work for an Australian employer. Both cover genuine short visits only.

Frequently asked questions

Can a European passport holder apply for an ETA instead? No. The eVisitor covers European passport holders, so it is the right authorisation for them.

How long can I stay? Both allow stays of up to three months per visit within their validity period.

Where can I learn more? Our complete eVisitor guide and visa comparison guide go into more detail. Our Frequently Asked Questions page answers the most common questions.

Ready to apply?

If you hold an eligible European passport, the eVisitor is your next step. Begin your Australia eVisitor application today and have your travel authorisation sorted well before you fly.