Australia visa guide: ETA, eVisitor and the subclass 600
Australia visa requirements in 2026 — the ETA subclass 601, free eVisitor 651, Visitor visa 600 costs, health and character rules and processing times.
Australia requires a visa or authorisation from every non-citizen except New Zealanders. Eligible passports use the ETA (subclass 601, AUD 20) or the free eVisitor (subclass 651), both allowing 3-month stays within 12 months of validity. Everyone else applies for the Visitor visa subclass 600, from about AUD 210.
Choosing the right authorisation
eVisitor is for European passports and is free; the ETA covers North America, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and others and is applied for through Australia's official app. Both are electronically linked to the passport, multiple entry within 12 months, three months per visit.
Visitor visa subclass 600
Applied for online through ImmiAccount, this covers tourists, business visitors and family sponsored streams. Case officers may request health examinations, police certificates, or a bond in sponsored cases. Some grants allow stays of six or twelve months.
Health, character and no-further-stay
Applicants staying longer may need a medical. Visas can carry condition 8503, no further stay, which blocks onshore applications for another visa — check the grant notice before making plans.
Working holiday alternative
Travellers aged 18–30 (35 for some nationalities) can use the Working Holiday (417) or Work and Holiday (462) visas for 12 months of travel with work rights, extendable through specified regional work.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Australia?
Yes — everyone except New Zealand citizens needs a visa or an ETA/eVisitor authorisation before boarding.
How long does an Australian ETA take?
Most ETA and eVisitor applications are granted within minutes to 24 hours; some are referred for manual assessment taking several days.
Can I work on an Australian visitor visa?
No. Visitor visas prohibit work; short unpaid business meetings are allowed under the business visitor stream.