Australian Visitor Visa – Subclass 600, eVisitor 651 and ETA 601
The Australian Visitor Visa gives eligible travelers the chance to explore Australia for tourism, visit family, or attend business meetings. There are three main pathways — the Visitor visa (subclass 600), the eVisitor (subclass 651) and the Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) — and choosing the right one depends on your nationality and travel purpose.
Visitor visa applications are commonly refused when the Department isn't satisfied the applicant is a genuine temporary visitor, or where supporting evidence is insufficient. Read the top reasons visitor visa applications are refused
As a MARN-registered Canberra migration agent (MARN 1576529), Jason Browne and the Canberra Visa & Migration Services team help applicants prepare well-documented, genuine visitor visa applications before they're lodged — not after they've been refused.
1. Visitor Visa (subclass 600)
The Tourist Visa (Subclass 600) is the most common visitor visa for those traveling to Australia for leisure. This is a temporary visa, which lets you visit Australia as a tourist, to see family and friends or for purposes other than paid employment or medical treatment.
What you can do:
The Visitor Visa (subclass 600) allows you to visit Australia for:
holiday or sightseeing
studying for less than 3 months
business trips
visiting relatives or friends
A visitor visa may be granted for up to three, six or twelve months. Longer validity visitor visas are available for parents of Australian permanent residents and citizens.
Applicant requirements
be a genuine tourist to Australia
meet health and character requirements
intend to stay temporarily in Australia
have enough money to support yourself while in Australia
When to Apply:
If you are planning a vacation, attending a special event, or visiting family or friends, this visa is the ideal choice. You must apply at least a few months before your planned travel date to ensure your visa is processed on time.
2. eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651)
The eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651) is a digital visa designed for travellers from certain countries who want to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes. This visa is processed online, which makes it one of the easiest and quickest options.
Key Features:
Duration: Stay up to 3 months per visit.
Eligibility: Citizens of eligible countries, primarily from Europe and the UK.
Work Rights: No work rights.
Cost: Free of charge for eligible travellers.
Processing Time: Processing times are often short, but they vary. Do not make travel arrangements until the Department confirms that the visa has been granted.
When to Apply:
If you're a citizen of an eligible country (such as the UK, most European Union nations, or several others), and you're visiting for tourism or business meetings, the eVisitor visa is an ideal option due to its convenience and fast processing time.
3. Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601)
The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601) is another popular visitor visa for short visits to Australia. Like the eVisitor, this visa allows you to travel to Australia for tourism or business purposes. The ETA is available to citizens from certain countries, primarily the US, Canada, and several Asian nations.
Key Features:
Duration: Stay up to 3 months per visit.
Eligibility: Available for citizens of specific countries, including the US, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Work Rights: No work rights.
Cost: A small processing fee applies.
Processing Time: Most applicants receive a result quickly, but processing can take longer if further information or verification is required.
When to Apply:
The ETA is suitable for travellers from eligible countries who are visiting Australia for tourism, business, or short-term studies. The ETA can only be applied for through the Australian ETA app (not a website), which requires a smartphone with NFC and camera access. It costs a AUD 20 service fee and is valid for 12 months with unlimited entries. If you're traveling for leisure, business meetings, or attending conferences, the ETA visa is a simple and fast option.
