Planning a trip to Australia? This guide covers exactly who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes and where to apply — using figures from Australia's official immigration authorities.
Quick answer
Most visitors to Australia need electronic travel authority (subclass 601), with an official government fee of A$20 app service charge (no visa fee).
Australia visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) |
| Government fee | A$20 app service charge (no visa fee) |
| Processing time | Usually immediate |
| Validity | 12 months, multiple entry |
| Permitted stay | Up to 3 months per visit |
| Where to apply | Australian ETA mobile app only |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$50 per applicant (usually S$100) |
Who needs a visa for Australia?
Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601): Eligible passports: Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, USA, Canada, UK and others (must apply via the Australian ETA app).
Visitor visa (subclass 600) — Tourist stream: All nationalities not eligible for ETA/eVisitor, e.g. India, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand.
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) – Subclass 601: Passport holders of ~34 eligible countries/territories incl. Singapore. NOT available to Indian passport holders.
eVisitor – Subclass 651: Passport holders of eligible European countries only. NOT Singapore, NOT India.
Visitor visa (Tourist stream) – Subclass 600: Nationals not eligible for ETA/eVisitor — this is the route for Indian passport holders.
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) – Subclass 601: Passport holders of ~34 eligible countries/territories incl. Singapore. NOT available to Indian passport holders.
eVisitor – Subclass 651: Passport holders of eligible European countries only. NOT Singapore, NOT India.
Visitor visa (Tourist stream) – Subclass 600: Nationals not eligible for ETA/eVisitor — this is the route for Indian passport holders.
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) – Subclass 601: Passport holders of ~34 eligible countries/territories incl. Singapore. NOT available to Indian passport holders.
Visitor visa (Tourist stream) – Subclass 600: Nationals not eligible for ETA/eVisitor — this is the route for Indian passport holders.
Australia visa options, fees and processing times
| Option | Official fee | Max stay | Processing | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) | A$20 app service charge (no visa fee) | Up to 3 months per visit | Usually immediate | Australian ETA mobile app only |
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) — Tourist stream | From A$250 (concessions for some Pacific citizens from 1 Jul 2026) | 3, 6 or 12 months as granted | Varies — weeks; check official processing-time tool | Online via ImmiAccount, from outside Australia |
| Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) – Subclass 601 | 20 AUD (service charge) | 90 days | Often minutes; can take longer if referred | https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601 |
| eVisitor – Subclass 651 | 0 AUD (free) | 90 days | — | https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/evisitor-651 |
| Visitor visa (Tourist stream) – Subclass 600 | ~200 AUD (base application charge, offshore Tourist stream) | 90 days | Commonly ~15–30 days | https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/visitor-600 |
| Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) – Subclass 601 | 20 AUD (service charge) | 90 days | Often minutes; can take longer if referred | https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601 |
| eVisitor – Subclass 651 | 0 AUD (free) | 90 days | — | https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/evisitor-651 |
| Visitor visa (Tourist stream) – Subclass 600 | ~200 AUD (base application charge, offshore Tourist stream) | 90 days | Commonly ~15–30 days | https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/visitor-600 |
| Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) – Subclass 601 | 20 AUD (service charge) | 90 days | Often minutes; can take longer if referred | https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601 |
| Visitor visa (Tourist stream) – Subclass 600 | ~200 AUD (base application charge, offshore Tourist stream) | 90 days | Commonly ~15–30 days | https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/visitor-600 |
Documents required
For the Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601):
- Eligible e-passport
- Smartphone with Australian ETA app
- Contact & travel details
How to apply
- Check your requirement by nationality (table below) or use our checker.
- Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601): Australian ETA mobile app only — allow Usually immediate.
- Visitor visa (subclass 600) — Tourist stream: Online via ImmiAccount, from outside Australia — allow Varies — weeks; check official processing-time tool.
- Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) – Subclass 601: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601 — allow Often minutes; can take longer if referred.
- eVisitor – Subclass 651: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/evisitor-651
- Visitor visa (Tourist stream) – Subclass 600: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/visitor-600 — allow Commonly ~15–30 days.
- Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) – Subclass 601: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601 — allow Often minutes; can take longer if referred.
- eVisitor – Subclass 651: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/evisitor-651
- Visitor visa (Tourist stream) – Subclass 600: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/visitor-600 — allow Commonly ~15–30 days.
- Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) – Subclass 601: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601 — allow Often minutes; can take longer if referred.
- Visitor visa (Tourist stream) – Subclass 600: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/visitor-600 — allow Commonly ~15–30 days.
- Arrival formalities: Incoming Passenger Card on arrival
- Keep your approval/receipt with your passport; carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds.
Australia visa for children and families
Children usually need their own visa or entry authorisation, even infants. For family applications, prepare each traveller's passport and photo, and add birth certificates for minors and, where a child travels with one parent or a guardian, a consent letter. Applying for the whole family together keeps travel dates and reference numbers consistent.
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling Australia visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for Australia.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
- Forgetting the arrival card: Incoming Passenger Card on arrival — complete it in the correct window or you can be delayed at the border.
Practical timeline: application → approval → travel
- 6–8 weeks before travel: check your passport validity, confirm your requirement, and start gathering documents.
- 3–4 weeks before: book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your Australia application.
- Processing: allow Usually immediate. Do not make non-refundable bookings until approved.
- On approval: print/save the approval, keep it with your passport, and complete any arrival card before you fly.
Before you travel to Australia
- Arrival card / declaration: Incoming Passenger Card on arrival
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some AUD (Australian Dollar)).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Good to know
- European passports may use free eVisitor (subclass 651) instead.
- Must be outside Australia at lodgement and decision.
Australia visa requirements by nationality
| Passport | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Australia visa?
Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601): A$20 app service charge (no visa fee). HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$50.
How long does it take?
Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601): Usually immediate.
Apply for your Australia visa with HolidaySG
Flat S$50 assistance fee per applicant (usually S$100) — official government fee: ETA: A$20 app service charge · Visitor visa — Tourist: from A$250 · Electronic Travel: 20 AUD. We check your eligibility, send a personalised document checklist, complete the forms and track your application until the outcome.
Things to do once your Australia visa is sorted
- Village Roadshow 14 Day Mega Pass — from AUD 208
- The Q Train - First Class Lunch Or Dinner Departing Drysdale — from AUD 341
- The Q Train - Q Class Lunch Or Dinner Departing Drysdale — from AUD 246
- Village Roadshow 7 Day Super Pass — from AUD 189
- The Qualifier 2 Hot Laps — from AUD 209
- Village Roadshow Theme Parks — from AUD 175
Official sources
- Australian Dept of Home Affairs — verified 16 August 2026
- Australian Dept of Home Affairs — verified 16 August 2026
- Official government source — verified 19 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.