Subclass 601 Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
Passport holders from eligible countries who want a quick, electronically-linked short visit for tourism or business.
The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (subclass 601) is an Australian visitor & working holiday visa. This guide covers who the 601 visa is for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025–26 cost (≈ $20 service charge (no visa application charge)) and processing time (≈ minutes to a few days), the pathway to permanent residence, common pitfalls, and frequently asked questions — in plain English.
Who the 601 visa is for
Passport holders from eligible countries who want a quick, electronically-linked short visit for tourism or business.
No — short visits only.
Subclass 601 eligibility criteria
- Hold an eligible ETA-country passport
- Visiting for tourism or business visitor activities
- No serious health or character concerns
- Apply via the Australian ETA app
Subclass 601 cost & processing time (2025–26)
The indicative government visa application charge for the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (subclass 601) is ≈ $20 service charge (no visa application charge), with an indicative processing time of ≈ minutes to a few days. Figures are for 2025–26 and government charges usually change on 1 July.
| Visa type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Location | Offshore |
| Length of stay | Up to 3 months per entry, within 12 months |
| Work rights | No work permitted |
| Study rights | Up to 3 months |
| Government charge | ≈ $20 service charge (no visa application charge) |
| Processing time | ≈ minutes to a few days |
| Pathway to PR | No — short visits only. |
Pathway & next steps
No — short visits only.
Many applicants also compare the 651 (eVisitor visa), the 600 (Visitor visa), the 771 (Transit visa). Run a free 60-second VisaChief check to see which subclass best fits your profile, then prepare a lodgement-ready application reviewed by a registered migration agent.
Common 601 visa pitfalls we fix
Subclass 601 visa — frequently asked questions
How much does the subclass 601 visa cost?
The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (subclass 601) base application charge is ≈ $20 service charge (no visa application charge). Government charges are indicative for 2025–26 and usually change on 1 July — always confirm the current visa application charge at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging.
How long does the subclass 601 visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ≈ minutes to a few days. Actual timeframes depend on the Department of Home Affairs caseload, how complete your application is, and your individual circumstances.
Does the subclass 601 visa lead to permanent residence?
No — short visits only.
Can I work on the subclass 601 visa?
Work rights on the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (subclass 601): No work permitted.
Who can apply for the 601 visa?
Passport holders from eligible countries who want a quick, electronically-linked short visit for tourism or business.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Australian Government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, charges and processing times change — confirm the current rules before you lodge:
- Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) — official Australian immigration authority