Overview
Which Australian visa you apply for depends entirely on your passport. Eligible passport holders (many, though not all, developed-economy passports) use the official AustralianETA app to get an Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) in minutes — scan your passport, take a selfie, pay a small service fee. European Union passport holders instead use the free eVisitor (subclass 651) through ImmiAccount. Everyone else applies for the standard Visitor visa (subclass 600) through ImmiAccount, the government's full online visa system, which asks for more supporting evidence. All three routes are self-service — the government explicitly warns that applications are made only through official channels, not third-party sites.
Visa categories under this route
| ETA (subclass 601) | For eligible passport holders, applied for via the AustralianETA app only. Tourism or business visits. |
|---|---|
| eVisitor (subclass 651) | Free visa for eligible European passport holders, applied for via ImmiAccount. |
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) | Standard route for all other passports, or when the ETA/eVisitor doesn't apply. Requires evidence of finances, ties and travel plans. |
Documents checklist
- Valid passport (biometric ePassport, for the ETA app route)
- A selfie/photo taken within the app, or a digital photo uploaded via ImmiAccount
- Evidence of your reason for travel (itinerary, invitation, conference details)
- Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
- Evidence of ties to your home country (employment, family, property) — mainly for subclass 600
- Health and character declarations, as prompted in the form
- Payment method for the applicable service/visa fee
Photo requirements
| ETA app | A live selfie captured within the app during the application — no separate upload needed |
|---|---|
| eVisitor / Visitor 600 (ImmiAccount) | Digital photo/document upload; accepted formats include PDF, JPG and PNG, with file-size limits shown in ImmiAccount |
| General standard | Recent, plain background, full face visible, no glasses reflections |
Step-by-step application process
1. Work out which visa applies to you
Use the Department of Home Affairs visa finder for your passport and travel purpose — this determines whether you use the app or ImmiAccount.
2a. ETA route
Download the official AustralianETA app, scan your ePassport's chip, take a selfie, and pay the service fee. Most approvals arrive within minutes to a few days.
2b. ImmiAccount route (eVisitor / Visitor 600)
Create an ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, select the correct visa, and complete the online form.
3. Upload supporting documents
For subclass 600 in particular, upload evidence of funds, ties and your travel itinerary — incomplete files are the most common cause of delay.
4. Pay the fee
Pay by card within the app or ImmiAccount.
5. Track and receive your visa
Visas are electronically linked to your passport — there's no physical sticker. Check status through the app or ImmiAccount, or via VEVO.
Fees & processing time
| ETA (601) | Small service fee (around AUD 20 at last check); many approvals are near-instant |
|---|---|
| eVisitor (651) | Free; processing typically fast for straightforward applications |
| Visitor visa (600) | Fee varies by stream; processing ranges from days to several weeks depending on evidence provided |
Frequently asked questions
Can New Zealand citizens use these routes?
No — New Zealand citizens generally get a Special Category visa automatically on arrival and don't need to apply in advance through these channels.
What if the ETA app won't scan my passport?
Try better lighting and a flat surface; if it still fails, you can apply for the standard Visitor visa (subclass 600) via ImmiAccount instead.
Is ImmiAccount the same as the AustralianETA app?
No — they're separate official systems. ETA-eligible travelers use the app; eVisitor and subclass 600 applicants use ImmiAccount on the Home Affairs website.
Sources reviewed: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au (Department of Home Affairs), official AustralianETA app listings (Apple App Store / Google Play). Eligibility lists and fees change — always verify your specific passport's route on the official Home Affairs site.