Australia ETA vs eVisitor Visa in 2025: Key Differences Explained

When planning a trip to Australia in 2025, many travelers are faced with two common electronic travel authorizations: the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) and the eVisitor visa. On the surface, they appear similar—both are short-term visas that allow visits for tourism, family, or limited business purposes. However, the two visas differ in eligibility, application process, fees, validity, and usage conditions. For travelers, understanding these differences is crucial to avoid application mistakes and ensure smooth entry into Australia.

Eligibility
The ETA (subclass 601) is available to passport holders of specific countries, mostly outside Europe, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea. These countries have agreements with Australia that allow streamlined entry through the ETA system.

Application Method
In 2025, the ETA can only be applied for through the Australian ETA mobile app, available on iOS and Android. Applicants must scan their passport, provide personal details, and complete health and character declarations. Unlike the eVisitor, the ETA is not available via the Department of Home Affairs website.

Cost
The ETA requires a service fee (around AUD $20 in 2025), even though it is technically labeled as a “free” visa subclass. This makes it more expensive than the eVisitor visa, which has no application charge.

Validity & Stay Conditions

• Multiple entry visa
• Valid for 12 months from grant date
• Allows stays of up to 3 months per entry
• Strictly for tourism, family visits, or attending business meetings (not work)

Key Restrictions
ETA holders are not allowed to work in Australia, but unpaid volunteer roles may be accepted if they are incidental to tourism. Any study or training cannot exceed three months.

Eligibility
The eVisitor visa (subclass 651) is specifically designed for citizens of the European Union (EU) and other eligible European countries. Passport holders from nations such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, and Nordic states commonly use this visa.

Application Method
Unlike the ETA, the eVisitor visa is applied for online through the Australian Government’s official Home Affairs website. It does not require a mobile app or third-party service, which makes it easier for many applicants who prefer desktop applications.

Cost
The eVisitor visa remains completely free in 2025. No government fee is applied, making it a cost-effective option for eligible travelers.

Validity & Stay Conditions

• Multiple entry visa
• Valid for 12 months from grant date
• Each entry allows up to 3 months of stay
• Covers tourism, family visits, and limited business purposes

Key Restrictions
Similar to the ETA, eVisitor holders cannot work in Australia. They are also restricted to three months of study or training during their visits.

1. Eligible Countries

• ETA: Open to select non-European countries (e.g., USA, Japan, Canada, Singapore).
• eVisitor: Exclusively for European Union and other European nationals.

2. Application Platform

• ETA: Only via the Australian ETA app.
• eVisitor: Only via the Department of Home Affairs website.

3. Cost

• ETA: Approximately AUD $20 fee.
• eVisitor: Completely free.

4. Technical Process

• ETA: Requires mobile app usage, passport scanning, and facial verification.
• eVisitor: Requires online form submission through the government site.

5. Common Pitfalls

• Many travelers from Europe mistakenly apply for an ETA through third-party agencies and end up paying unnecessary service fees.
• Some travelers eligible for ETA try applying via the Home Affairs website but find no option—since ETA is app-based only.

If you are from Europe:
The eVisitor visa is the best option. It is free, straightforward, and valid for the same period as the ETA.

If you are from outside Europe (eligible countries like USA, Canada, Japan):
The ETA is your only choice. Even though it requires a fee, it is fast and widely accepted for short-term visits.

• Case 1: A German tourist planning a two-month trip across Australia.
  They are eligible for the eVisitor visa, which is free and covers their entire trip duration with multiple entries if they leave and re-enter.

• Case 2: A Japanese business traveler attending a two-week conference in Sydney.
  They must apply for an ETA via the mobile app, pay the AUD $20 fee, and can re-enter Australia for future short visits within 12 months.

• Case 3: An American backpacker wanting to explore Australia for three months.
  They will need an ETA, which allows exactly 90 days per entry, but they must ensure not to overstay or work illegally.

While the key differences matter, both visas share several similarities:

• Multiple entry within 12 months
• Maximum 3 months per stay
• No work rights, except incidental volunteer roles
• Limited study allowance (up to 3 months)
• Electronic linking to the applicant’s passport (no paper label required)

These shared rules are important because many travelers mistakenly think one visa offers more flexibility than the other in terms of length of stay.

• Overstaying: Both visas allow only three months per visit, regardless of how long the visa itself is valid. Exceeding this can result in cancellation and future entry bans.
• Using the wrong platform: Applying for an ETA on the Home Affairs site is not possible, and applying for an eVisitor via the mobile app is also not possible.
• Paying unnecessary fees: Some agencies charge high service fees for both visas. For Europeans, applying directly for the eVisitor avoids these costs.
• Assuming work rights: Neither visa allows employment. Attempting to work on either can lead to visa cancellation and removal from Australia.

Conclusion

In 2025, the Australia ETA and eVisitor visa remain functionally similar in terms of stay period, purpose, and conditions. The true difference lies in eligibility, application platform, and cost. Europeans benefit from the free eVisitor visa, while eligible non-Europeans must use the ETA app with a small fee. Choosing the correct visa not only saves time and money but also prevents avoidable complications at the border.

For travelers, the rule of thumb is simple: Europe = eVisitor, Non-Europe = ETA. Once you know which category you fall into, the application is straightforward and ensures that your journey to Australia starts on the right note.