Visit Australia

Visitor visas are managed by the Department of Home Affairs. Apply for the correct visa type and stream before you travel.

Your passport determines whether you’re eligible for a [Visitor Visa (subclass 600)](/en/australia/visas/VISITOR-600 visa), an [Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)](/en/australia/visas/ETA-601 visa), or an [eVisitor (subclass 651)](/en/australia/visas/EVISITOR-651 visa). You’ll need to select the visa and the right stream during your application.

Meeting eligibility criteria doesn’t mean you’ll be granted a visa. Home Affairs reviews every application individually.

Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)

The Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) allows eligible passport holders multiple entries to Australia. You must use the Australian ETA app, which is available through the Apple Store or Google Play.

No paper forms or alternative platforms are accepted. All ETA-eligible passport holders must apply through the app.

When applying, you must:

• Disclose all passports you hold
• Declare any criminal convictions
• Declare any history of domestic violence
• Ensure your ETA details match your passport exactly

If your ETA details don’t match your passport, airlines may refuse boarding or you could be denied entry.

Australia’s health and character requirements also apply. These standards remain in effect even if the process seems simple.

eVisitor (subclass 651) and Visitor Visa (subclass 600)

If you’re not ETA-eligible, you may need the eVisitor (subclass 651) or the Visitor Visa (subclass 600). Choose the correct stream as part of your application.

Home Affairs requires you to:

• Select the correct visa type
• Pick the appropriate stream
• Meet Australia’s health requirements

Health standards apply to all visitor categories. Failing to meet them can lead to refusal.

Application Accuracy and Decision Process

Be precise when completing your application. Incomplete or inaccurate information can delay or prevent approval.

Your passport details must match your visa records. Even minor mismatches can cause problems at boarding.

Home Affairs makes the visa decision. The Australian Border Force manages your entry at the border.

Review Department of Home Affairs guidance before applying, especially if you have multiple passports or prior convictions.

Apply through the Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs) and select the correct visa: Visitor Visa (subclass 600)), Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)), or eVisitor (subclass 651)).

Eligibility is determined mainly by your passport and citizenship. Non-citizen passports, certificates of identity, and some British travel documents are not accepted.

Confirm Your Eligibility

Before starting, make sure you:

• Hold a valid passport from an eligible country
• Apply under the correct category (Visitor Visa (subclass 600), Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601), or eVisitor (subclass 651))
• Meet citizenship requirements for the Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) or eVisitor (subclass 651)
• Use a standard passport (not a non-citizen passport or certificate of identity)

If your passport isn’t eligible for ETA or eVisitor, consider the Visitor Visa (subclass 600).

Prepare Your Personal and Passport Information

Provide complete and accurate personal details. Any inconsistency can slow down your application.

Prepare:

• Your full legal name as shown on your passport
• Your date of birth
• Your passport number and details
• A recent photo taken as part of the application process

When using the ETA app, you’ll need to take a photo through the app as instructed.

Gather Supporting Evidence

Home Affairs may request evidence to support your visa type and stream.

Have these documents on hand:

• A valid passport
• Evidence of your travel purpose
• Financial evidence showing you can support yourself
• Sponsorship documents, if someone in Australia is supporting your visit

Provide clear and accurate information. Don’t leave out details or submit inconsistent records.

Submit Your Application

For the Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601):

Download and open the Australian ETA app to start your request. Enter your personal and passport details, ensuring everything matches your passport. Take your photo within the app, following the instructions. Submit the application and pay the service fee through the app.

For the Visitor Visa (subclass 600) or eVisitor (subclass 651), follow Home Affairs’ instructions and upload all required documents.

Review your application before submitting. You’re responsible for all details provided.

Many visitors select the wrong visa, focusing on travel plans instead of legal eligibility. You must pick the correct visa type before applying through the Department of Home Affairs.

Australia requires visa type selection at the start. Applying for the wrong category can mean refusal or long delays.

Choosing the Wrong Visitor Category

Match your travel purpose to the correct visa.

Common visitor options:

• Visitor Visa (subclass 600))
• Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601))
• eVisitor (subclass 651))

Each visa has its own eligibility rules. They aren’t interchangeable, even if they allow short stays.

If you apply for the wrong category, Home Affairs will assess your application under the visa you selected.

Providing Incorrect or Incomplete Information

You must provide accurate, complete information.

Incorrect details can result in:

• Visa refusal
• Visa cancellation after grant

Home Affairs will review the information you submit. Inconsistencies or missing details can trigger further review and delays.

Ignoring Character Requirements

Character requirements apply to visitor visa applicants.

If you don’t meet the character requirement, your visa can be refused. This applies across visa categories.

Visitor visas aren’t exempt from character assessment.

Confusing Visitor Visas With Skilled Pathways

Some travelers apply for a visitor visa when their real goal is skilled migration.

For instance, the Skilled – Independent visa (subclass 189) has specific criteria tied to in-demand skills. It’s not a visitor visa.

Applying for a short-term visa when you intend to migrate can complicate future applications if your intentions don’t match your visa conditions.

Misjudging Processing Times

Applicants sometimes book flights before understanding processing times.

Home Affairs publishes processing times for recently decided applications. These timeframes change.

Review current processing information through the Department of Home Affairs before making non-refundable travel bookings.

You must hold a valid visa if you want to stay in Australia longer. The Department of Home Affairs decides all visa applications and sets your stay conditions.

If your visa is expiring soon, review your options early. Pick a visa type and stream matching your purpose, such as tourism, visiting family, or cruising.

Applying for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) in Australia

If you’re already in Australia and want to stay longer, the Visitor Visa (subclass 600)) may fit. You must be in Australia when you apply and when Home Affairs decides.

You may be granted a stay of 3, 6, or up to 12 months, depending on your situation and selected stream.

You must:

• Show you’re a genuine visitor
• Demonstrate financial means to support yourself
• Provide original documents and certified translations if required
• Select the correct visa stream for your situation

If you have a criminal conviction, apply for a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) instead of an Electronic Travel Authority.

Extending from an ETA or eVisitor

If you entered on an Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)) or an eVisitor (subclass 651)) and want to stay longer, you can’t “extend” that visa. You’ll need to apply for another visa before your current one expires.

For an ETA application, you must:

1. Use the Australian ETA app on a mobile device.

2. Enable NFC and location services on your device.

3. Enter accurate personal details, including your full name and date of birth.

Incorrect information can lead to cancellation of your ETA. In most cases, you get an ETA decision right away.

For the Visitor Visa (subclass 600), processing times vary depending on your application type and where you apply from.

You may need to attend a consular interview if Home Affairs asks for more information about your application. This happens most often with the Visitor Visa (subclass 600)).

Electronic applications like the Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)) or eVisitor (subclass 651)) are usually processed automatically. If you didn’t qualify for these, you might be directed to apply for the Visitor Visa (subclass 600).

Prepare Your Core Documents

Bring documents that confirm your identity and eligibility. You must present:

• A valid passport that covers your intended stay in Australia
• A valid payment method if any outstanding service fee applies
• Any confirmation related to your current visa application

Your passport details must match what you submitted. Many applications pre-fill your name and date of birth by scanning your passport, so inconsistencies raise concerns.

Keep documents organized and easy to access. Don’t rely on digital copies unless specifically allowed.

Understand Your Visa Type

Know exactly which visa you applied for. Officers expect you to understand whether you requested:

• Visitor Visa (subclass 600) for temporary tourism, business, or family visits
• Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)
• eVisitor (subclass 651)

Don’t confuse these with other visa types such as the Student visa (subclass 500) or Working Holiday visa (subclass 417). Each visa is for a different purpose.

If you didn’t qualify for an electronic option before, be ready to explain why you’re applying for the Visitor Visa (subclass 600) now.

Answer Clearly and Directly

Follow these steps during the interview:

Confirm your identity.

Present your passport immediately and let the officer verify your biographical details.

State your purpose of travel.

Explain whether your trip is for tourism, business, or a family visit. Keep your explanation consistent with your application.

Clarify your visa category.

Identify your visa subclass accurately and describe its purpose.

Address prior issues honestly.

If you didn’t qualify for another visa option before, give a straightforward explanation.

Keep answers short and factual. Don’t offer unrelated information.

Home Affairs assesses your eligibility based on the visa subclass requirements. Your job is to show that your application matches the temporary purpose of the visa you chose.

You deal directly with the Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs) for visa matters. This agency processes applications for the Visitor Visa (subclass 600)), Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)), and eVisitor (subclass 651)).

The Australian Border Force manages entry at the border. Keep this distinction clear so you contact the right authority.

Choosing the Correct Visa Type

You must select a visa stream and type that matches your purpose of travel. Your reason for visiting—such as tourism or another short‑term activity—determines which option fits your situation.

Don’t guess. Review the descriptions provided by Home Affairs and align your application with your actual plans.

If you apply under the wrong stream, Home Affairs may not process your application as intended.

Preparing Your Application

Accuracy matters. Enter your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport.

Use this checklist before you start:

• Valid passport with correct biographical details
• Consistent personal information across all entries
• Clear travel purpose that matches the visa stream you select

Errors in names, passport numbers, or dates of birth can delay processing.

Completing the Online Process

Follow these steps in order:

Select your visa stream.

Choose the option that matches your travel purpose, such as the Visitor Visa (subclass 600), Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601), or eVisitor (subclass 651).

Choose the correct visa type.

Make sure the selected type aligns with your reason for visiting Australia.

Enter your biographical details.

Copy the information directly from your passport to avoid discrepancies.

Review all entries carefully.

Check spelling, numbers, and travel intent before submitting to Home Affairs.

Keep copies of your confirmation records for reference.

Practical Reminders Before Travel

Apply early enough for Home Affairs to process your application. For current processing times or application requirements, refer to the Department of Home Affairs.

Carry the same passport you used in your application when you travel. Border officials rely on consistent identification details.

Stay consistent and precise at every stage. Clear, accurate information reduces avoidable delays and helps your visit proceed as planned.