ETA Australia Cost – Fees, Payment & Refund Guide
The ETA Australia (Subclass 601) costs AUD 20 per person – that is approximately USD 13, GBP 10, or EUR 12. This is a flat government fee charged by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. It applies to every traveler regardless of nationality or age, and it is the only fee you should ever pay.
For a complete overview of the visa itself, see our ETA Australia guide.
How Much Does the ETA Australia Cost?
The government application fee is AUD 20. This is the official price set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and has been the same since the ETA system launched. There are no discounts, no variable pricing, and no price differences by nationality.
Cost in Different Currencies
| Currency | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| AUD (Australian Dollar) | 20.00 |
| USD (US Dollar) | ~13.00 |
| GBP (British Pound) | ~10.00 |
| EUR (Euro) | ~12.00 |
| CAD (Canadian Dollar) | ~17.50 |
| JPY (Japanese Yen) | ~1,950 |
| SGD (Singapore Dollar) | ~17.50 |
| MYR (Malaysian Ringgit) | ~58.00 |
Exchange rates fluctuate daily. Check current rates at the time of application. The fee is always charged in AUD.
Children and Infant Fees
Every traveler needs their own ETA, and every application costs AUD 20. This includes:
- Adults: AUD 20 per person
- Children (any age): AUD 20 per person
- Infants: AUD 20 per person
- Family of 4: AUD 80 total
There are no family discounts, group rates, or age-based exemptions. A family of four (two adults, two children) pays AUD 80 for four separate ETAs.
Payment Methods Accepted
The AustralianETA app accepts the following payment methods:
Credit and Debit Cards
- Visa – Credit and debit cards accepted worldwide
- Mastercard – Credit and debit cards accepted worldwide
- American Express – Accepted but may have regional limitations
There are no credit card surcharges. The total charge will be exactly AUD 20 (plus any currency conversion fee your bank may apply – this is charged by your bank, not by the Australian government).
PayPal
PayPal is available as a payment option in selected regions. If PayPal does not appear in your app, it is not available in your region. Use a credit or debit card instead.
Note: The fee is always charged in Australian Dollars (AUD). Your bank or card issuer will convert this to your local currency at their prevailing exchange rate. Some banks charge a small foreign transaction fee (typically 1-3%) – this is standard banking practice and is not an ETA-specific charge.
Is the ETA Fee Refundable?
No. The AUD 20 fee is non-refundable. This applies in all cases:
- Application approved: No refund (you received the visa)
- Application refused: No refund (processing costs were incurred)
- Application withdrawn: No refund (processing already started)
- Duplicate application: No refund (you should have been more careful)
- Changed travel plans: No refund (the visa is valid for 12 months regardless)
This is standard government practice. The fee covers the cost of processing your application, which includes automated security checks against international databases. These checks happen whether or not the visa is ultimately granted.
Tip: If your ETA is refused, the notification will explain why. You can address the issue and reapply (paying another AUD 20), or consider a different visa subclass such as the Visitor Visa 600. For more on processing times, see our processing time guide.
Beware of Third-Party Overcharging
This is the most important section of this guide. Some unofficial websites charge AUD 50-100+ to process your ETA. These sites are legal but unnecessary – they are middlemen that add no value.
How the Scam Works
- You search for “ETA Australia” and click on a third-party site
- The site looks official and asks for your details
- They charge you AUD 50-100+ (2.5 to 5 times the official fee)
- They submit your application through the same official app you could use yourself
- You receive the same ETA you would have gotten for AUD 20
Official vs Third-Party Pricing
| Source | Fee | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Official AustralianETA app | AUD 20 | ETA linked to your passport |
| Third-party site A | AUD 59 | Same ETA + unnecessary “service” |
| Third-party site B | AUD 89 | Same ETA + “priority processing” (not real) |
| Third-party site C | AUD 109 | Same ETA + “guaranteed approval” (impossible) |
Always apply through the official AustralianETA app, available free on the App Store and Google Play. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our application guide.
ETA Cost vs Other Australian Visas
The ETA is the cheapest paid Australian visa:
| Visa | Cost | Who It Is For |
|---|---|---|
| ETA (601) | AUD 20 | 30+ eligible countries |
| eVisitor (651) | Free | EU/EEA citizens |
| Visitor (600) | AUD 190+ | Non-eligible countries, longer stays |
| Transit (771) | Free | Passengers in transit |
If you are eligible for the ETA, it is almost always the best value. The eVisitor is free but only available to EU/EEA citizens. The Visitor Visa 600 costs nearly 10 times more and takes 20-30 days to process.
For a detailed comparison of what each visa offers, see our Subclass 601 guide.
Total Cost of an Australia Trip
The ETA fee is a small part of your total travel budget. Here is a rough breakdown for a typical 2-week trip:
| Expense | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA | AUD 20 (~USD 13) |
| Flights (return) | USD 500-1,500 |
| Accommodation (14 nights) | USD 700-2,000 |
| Travel insurance | USD 50-150 |
| Food and activities | USD 500-1,000 |
| Total estimate | USD 1,770-4,663 |
The ETA represents less than 1% of your total trip cost. It is one of the most affordable visa processes in the world.
FAQ
How much does the ETA Australia cost in US dollars?
The ETA costs AUD 20, which is approximately USD 13. Exchange rates fluctuate, so the exact USD amount depends on the rate at the time of payment. Your bank may also charge a small foreign transaction fee.
Is the ETA for Australia free?
No. The ETA costs AUD 20 per person. However, EU/EEA citizens may qualify for the free eVisitor visa (Subclass 651) instead. Check your eligibility before paying for the ETA.
Do children pay the same ETA fee as adults?
Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children, needs their own ETA and pays the full AUD 20 fee. There are no age-based discounts or exemptions.
Can I get a refund if my ETA is refused?
No. The AUD 20 fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. This applies to approved, refused, and withdrawn applications alike. The fee covers processing costs that are incurred regardless of the decision.
Why do some websites charge more than AUD 20 for ETA?
These are third-party intermediary sites. They charge a markup (AUD 50-100+) for submitting your application on your behalf. They use the same official process you can access yourself through the free AustralianETA app. Always apply directly to save money.
Can I pay for the ETA with PayPal?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in selected regions. If PayPal does not appear as a payment option in your app, it is not available in your location. Use a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card instead.
Are there any hidden fees for the ETA?
No. The AUD 20 government fee is the only charge. There are no processing surcharges, stamp duties, or additional government taxes. Your bank may charge a small foreign transaction fee for the currency conversion, but this is standard banking practice.
How much does it cost to renew an ETA?
There is no “renewal” process. When your ETA expires (after 12 months), you must apply for a new one, which costs another AUD 20. The process is identical to your first application.
Is the ETA cheaper than a Visitor Visa?
Yes, significantly. The ETA costs AUD 20, while the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) costs AUD 190 or more. The ETA also processes in minutes rather than weeks. However, the Visitor Visa allows longer stays and is available to all nationalities.
Can someone else pay for my ETA application?
Yes. A family member, travel agent, or friend can pay for your application using their own credit card or PayPal account. The person paying does not need to be the applicant.
This guide is for informational purposes only. Fees are set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and may change. Always verify current fees at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Last updated: July 2026.
