e Visa Australia: Latest Eligibility, Time, Cost & Tips 2025

Written by

Shreya Pandey

Fact check by

Divyansh Chaudhari

Updated on

Jun 06,2025

e Visa Australia: Definition, Types, Cost, Process & More - TerraTern

Planning your Canada PR
Free last minute checklist

Formulating your trip plans for Down Under? Since the rules and processes for e visa Australia are constantly being updated, people can find them hard to follow. If you’re from India, Japan, or the EU, the information in this 2025 guide will help you decide whether you are eligible, the processing times, what you should present, and ways to confidently approach the process.

 

Latest Facts & News (June 2025) 

  • e visa Australia Visitor approval rate remains above 95% for most eligible countries, with some exceptions in Eastern Europe.

  • Indian citizens are not eligible for eVisitor or ETA; they must apply for a regular visitor visa online.

  • The fastest processing time for eVisitor visas is 1–2 days, but standard tourist visas for Indians take 2–4 weeks.

  • The Australian ETA app is now mandatory for ETA applications from eligible countries.

  • No visa-on-arrival for Indian travellers; all visas must be obtained before travel.

  • Multiple visa streams exist: eVisitor (651), ETA (601), Visitor Visa (600), and Working Holiday (417/462).

  • Applicants can check status and manage applications online via ImmiAccount.

  • SmartGate automated border processing is available for many e-passport holders.

  • Visa fees and requirements are updated frequently; always check the official Department of Home Affairs site.

  • Recent policy discussions suggest possible future expansion of e-visa eligibility to Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Planning a trip to Australia? Navigating the e Visa Australia process can be confusing, especially with frequent updates and country-specific rules. This 2025 guide covers everything you need to know—eligibility, processing times, application steps, and the latest changes—so you can travel with confidence.

What is an e Visa for Australia? Experts Guide 2025

Smartphone, passport, money and some vacation accessories; e Visa Australia - TerraTern

Applying for and getting an e visa Australia means eligible travelers can enter the country for tourism or business without visiting a consulate or embassy. There are two main categories called:

  • For European Union and EFTA citizens, eVisitor (subclass 651) allows many short visits over 12 months.

  • For passport holders from Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia, there is the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601), which allows many short trips.

  • You can get these e-visas by filling out the application on the website, and they are linked to your passport electronically. They enable a fast, easy, and paperless process, which is excellent for travelers visiting Australia for short trips or meetings. 

  • Although Australians under 31 can get a Working Holiday Visa, people from India and other countries must obtain a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) instead.

Current Types of Australian e Visas in 2025

Many e visa Australia are available for people based on their nationality and the reason for their visit to Australia. Thanks to digital authorisations, travelling for short periods does not require you to complete long processes at the embassy. The main types you should know are these:

  1. eVisitor (subclass 651) is for people from the European Union and EFTA nations. Anyone can use this program, and it lets you come and go as many times as needed for tourism or business, up to 3 months per visit over a year.

  2. People from the Asia-Pacific and North American countries such as Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the U.S. can apply for the ETA (subclass 601). It has many small pages and can only be obtained through the Australian ETA app.

  3. For Indian passengers and all other countries, the Visitor Visa (subclass 600) is the main option if they can’t get an eVisitor or ETA. A visitor visa allows you to visit for tourism, see family members, or participate in short-term business matters. The process uses ImmiAccount, which often gathers more papers and waits for a prolonged processing period.

  4. Because every visa is different, travellers should check if they meet the requirements before starting the application process.

Also Read: Best City In Australia For Jobs, Students & Visitors

1. eVisitor (subclass 651) under e Visa Australia in 2025

The eVisitor (subclass 651) was developed for people from the EU and EFTA countries and is the top choice among the options for an e visa Australia.

What draws people to it are the following points:

  • There are no costs involved in EU/EFTA citizens applying for a visa, so eligible tourists save money.

  • It is valid for 12 months: The visa allows you to travel anytime within this period.

  • Up to 3-month stays per trip, as people visiting for business or tourism can stay up to 90 days at a time.

  • You can travel in and out of Australia as much as you want during the 12 months the visa is valid.

  • The countries that allow travel without a visa are Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Norway, Sweden, and every EU/EFTA member. Confirm your eligibility by looking at the official list before you apply.

2. Latest Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) under e Visa Australia

Another possible e visa Australia is the ETA (subclass 601), which quickly allows short-term visitors from certain countries to use a digital application.

  • This visa is only open to people from countries such as Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and others in the region. Before completing your application, look at the current eligibility list available on the official ETA app.

  • Choose ETA through the official app to enjoy speedy processing and a secure application. All applications must be made from the app and be compatible with iOS and Android.

  • ITA is valid for 12 months, as the ETA is still valid for one year from when the government issues it.

  • Travellers can use a single visa up to 3 times, each time allowed to stay for 90 days.

3. Current Visitor Visa (subclass 600) under e Visa Australia for Indians

As the e visa Australia or ETA options are out of reach for Indian citizens, they must apply for the Visitor Visa (subclass 600) to enter Australia.

  • A Visitor Visa subclass 600 under the Australian Electronic Travel Authority (AETA) system is required by Indian citizens who wish to visit Australia for business, tourism, or to meet family.

  • ImmiAccount is the leading portal where you manage the online application for Australian immigration. As a result, files are safely transmitted, and it’s easy to check their progress.

  • It usually takes two to four weeks for your visa to be processed; you should apply a few weeks before your trip date.

  • Tourism, business travel, and visiting friends and family in Australia are permitted for this visa.

Also Read: What is the Average Salary in Australia per Month?

New e Visa Eligible Countries for Australia in 2025: Updated

Eligibility status is based on nationality. The e visa eligible countries for Australia are as follows (651):

  1. All states belonging to the EU

  2. The countries that belong to EFTA (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein)

  3. For ETA Countries, the number is 601 (reflects ETA in terms of two-character country code format).

  • Japan

  • Singapore

  • Malaysia

  • South Korea

  • United States

  • Canada

  • You Need a Visitor Visa:

  • India

  • China

  • Most Middle Eastern and African nations

  1. Check the official website often for news and changes regarding e visa eligible countries for Australia.

Latest Australia e Visa Application Process in 2025

Sydney Opera House; e Visa Australia - TerraTern

You can apply for an Australia e visa application online, which is easy for most people. Let’s look at the process in order of steps.

How You Can Apply for an Australia e visa Application:

  1. Go to the ImmiAccount Portal Web Page

Go to the official website for Australian immigration and register using ImmiAccount.

  1. Register With Hangouts

Create a new account with your email. This is where you will see all updates about your visa.

  1. Decide on Which Visa to Apply For

Find out which visa subclass you should apply for, according to your nationality and why you want to travel (e.g., eVisitor 651, ETA 601, or Visitor Visa 600).

  1. Double-Check the List of Required Documents to be Sure They are all There

Such may also require your passport, trip agenda, proof of adequate funds, and a photo. By looking at the visa subclass, find a complete list of what your visa can and cannot do.

  1. Cover any Necessary Visa Fees (if they apply to you)

Though e visa Australia does not cost anything, ETA and Visitor Visa applicants must pay a fee. Select the payment method for the credit/debit card.

  1. Follow Your Application

Once your application has been submitted, look at the status regularly in ImmiAccount. You will get an email informing you when the court decides.

Applying in advance and checking your papers helps avoid delays in processing and getting approval.

Current Required Documents under e Visa Australia

Don’t wait for your e visa Australia application to be delayed; have all these documents ready before you begin filling out the form.

  • A passport should be valid for at least 6 months from when you plan to travel.

  • A recently taken passport-sized photograph from Australia’s visa rules

  • Well-organised plans for both moving around and staying in different places

  • Show the embassy or immigration official proof that you have access to funds for your visit, such as pay slips or recent bank statements.

  • You should show a return or onward plane ticket to prove you will move on after visiting Australia.

  • Whenever these documents are current and correct, the process goes faster, and fewer requests for more information are needed.

How to Track Your e Visa Australia Application in 2025?

To follow the status of your e visa Australia processing time application:

  • Access your ImmiAccount from the official Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website.

  • Click the button that says “Visa Application Dashboard.”

  • Access real-time information, any extra documents you request, and your visa decision.

  • This level of online tracking gives you updates and allows you to act quickly when needed.

Latest E Visa Australia Processing Time in 2025: Updated

e visa Australia processing time varies by visa type:

Visa Type

Processing Time

eVisitor

1-2 business days

ETA

Within a few hours to 1 week

Visitor (600) for Indians

2-4 weeks

Current Australia e Visa for Indian Citizens in 2025

Photo of a Kangaroo; e Visa Australia - TerraTern

The current Australia e visa for Indian do not include eVisitor or ETA for those traveling from India. So, they have to submit their application for the:

Visitor Visa (subclass 600)

Purpose:

  • Seeing New Places – By taking trips for sightseeing or spending holidays

  • Interaction- Participating in events, meetings, or negotiations without doing any work (not allowed)

  • Family visits – To pay a visit to members of my family or friends who live in Australia

You must apply online for the Australia e visa for Indians via ImmiAccount since extra documentation is usually necessary, which is unnecessary for the eVisitor or ETA. It can take Indian applicants anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks to get their visa. Therefore, it is better to apply as soon as possible.

Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Applicants for e Visa Australia in 2025

Applying for the e Visa Australia (subclass 600) as an Indian traveller using ImmiAccount is simple.

  1. Make an account on the ImmiAccount site.

  2. Fill out the application form for the Visitor Visa (subclass 600).

  3. Please upload your passport, photo ID, travel plan, and financial proof when asked for this.

  4. Pay for the visa, which usually costs AUD 150.

  5. Apply and then wait for approval.

Expert Tips:

  • Submit your application 4–6 weeks in advance to avoid possible delays.

  • Review all your records and ensure the digitised copies are clear and correct.

Also Read: Dentist Salary Australia: Average Pay, Trends & Insights

Latest Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for an e-Visa Australia in 2025

Avoid these usual blunders while applying for an e visa Australia.

  • Providing image scans that are hard to read

  • Ensure all your scans are high-quality and readable to prevent your work from being sent back because of low quality.

  • Supplying details on the passport that do not match your identity

  • Whatever is written on your visa documents must match your name, passport number, and other information.

  • Make your booking very soon before your trip.

  • Some people get their visas fast, while others, such as Visitor Visa 600 for Indians, must wait for weeks. Apply several weeks before the deadline.

  • Not reading the updates Home Affairs sends

  • Email will be the main way you’re informed about critical updates and requests for further details.

Current Tips for a Smooth e-Visa Australia Application in 2025

Camera, compass and flowers on a map; e Visa Australia - TerraTern

Want your e visa Australia to be approved rapidly? Try using the tips below:

  • Start the visa process around 4–6 weeks before you travel, especially if you don’t qualify for eVisitor or ETA.

  • You cannot use eVisitor or ETA; therefore, Indian citizens should apply for a Visitor Visa (600).

  • Apply the official way by visiting the Department of Home Affairs website. Deal with the official travel agency for reduced risk.

  • Choose PDF or JPEG format and scan the documents so they are clear in your submission. Not uploading your documentation well might slow down your application.

Latest Updates and Policy Changes for E Visa Australia 2025

The following are updates and changes to the e visa Australia system for 2025:

  • From now on, people eligible for the Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) can only use the ETA app to apply; paper or website options are no longer allowed.

  • Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries could receive special treatment: There are ongoing discussions to let people from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar easily enter with eVisitor (651) visas.

  • AI technology helps the Department of Home Affairs to cut processing time and detect mistakes fast, so the process is done more effectively.

  • Indians applying for the Visitor Visa (subclass 600) must provide additional proof such as detailed travel itineraries, enough finances to cover their stay, and stronger links to their homeland.

Also Read: Freshers' Job in Australia for Indians: A Comprehensive Guide

 

Conclusion

In 2025, getting an e visa Australia will be simple, quick, and easy to do online if you know how. Starting from your eligibility and monitoring your application in ImmiAccount, being prepared helps you avoid stress when going to Australia.

Contact TerraTern for more information on e visa in Australia.

Get all the details on Australia PR with this visa checklist

AI Summary

At TerraTern, we adhere to a stringent editorial policy emphasizing factual accuracy, impartiality, and relevance. Our content is curated by experienced industry professionals, and reviewed by editors to ensure high standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for an Australian e visa if I have a criminal record?

Having a criminal record doesn’t automatically disqualify you from applying for an Australian e visa, but you must disclose any convictions honestly. The Department of Home Affairs will assess your application on a case-by-case basis, considering the nature and severity of your record.

What is the difference between ETA and eVisitor for Australia?

The ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) is for citizens of select Asia-Pacific and North American countries and requires applying via the official ETA app. The eVisitor visa is for EU and EFTA passport holders and is free; both allow multiple short visits but differ in eligibility and application platforms.

How long can I stay in Australia with an e visa?

With an eVisitor or ETA visa, you can generally stay up to 3 months per visit within a 12-month period. Visitor Visas (subclass 600) may allow longer stays depending on the stream and purpose of the visit.

Can I extend my e visa while in Australia?

Extensions on eVisitor and ETA visas are generally not allowed. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a new visa or a different visa subclass before your current visa expires.

What should I do if my e visa application is denied?

If your e visa application is denied, you will receive a notice explaining the reasons. You can reapply with correct information or appeal the decision if you believe an error was made, but you cannot travel to Australia without a valid visa.