ETA Australia for Tourism – Holiday Travel Guide
Planning a holiday to Australia? The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is the easiest and fastest way for eligible travelers to get tourist entry to Australia. This guide covers everything you need to know about using the ETA for tourism, from application to arrival, including practical tips for your Australian holiday.
For a general overview of the ETA system, see our ETA Australia guide.
What Is the ETA for Tourism?
The ETA (Subclass 601) is an electronic visa that allows passport holders from eligible countries to visit Australia for tourism and holiday purposes. It is linked electronically to your passport, so there is no physical visa label or stamp required.
Key features for tourists:
- Cost: AUD 20 application fee
- Validity: 12 months from the date of grant
- Stay per visit: Up to 3 months (90 days) per entry
- Multiple entries: Enter and leave Australia as many times as you want during the validity period
- Processing time: Usually approved within minutes
The ETA covers typical tourist activities including sightseeing, visiting friends and family, attending cultural events, and short recreational courses.
Who Can Use the ETA for Tourism?
The ETA is available to passport holders of specific countries. Eligible nationalities include:
- United States – US passport holders
- United Kingdom – British passport holders
- Canada – Canadian passport holders
- Japan – Japanese passport holders
- Singapore – Singapore passport holders
- Malaysia – Malaysian passport holders
- South Korea – South Korean passport holders
- Hong Kong SAR – HKSAR passport holders
If your country is not on the ETA eligible list, you may need to apply for a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) instead.
What Tourism Activities Are Allowed on an ETA?
With an approved ETA, you can:
- Sightseeing – Visit landmarks, national parks, beaches, and cities
- Visiting family and friends – Stay with relatives or friends in Australia
- Cultural activities – Attend concerts, festivals, exhibitions, and sporting events
- Short courses – Take recreational courses for up to 3 months (not formal study)
- Cruises – Join cruise ships departing from or visiting Australia
- Road trips – Drive across Australia with a valid international driving permit
- Adventure activities – Surfing, diving, hiking, and other recreational activities
What Tourism Activities Are NOT Allowed
- Working – Employment of any kind requires a work visa
- Formal study – Enrolled courses exceeding 3 months require a student visa
- Medical treatment – Medical visas are available for this purpose
- Business operations – Running a business requires appropriate visas
How to Apply for an ETA for Tourism
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, confirm:
- Your passport is from an eligible country
- Your passport is valid for at least 6 months
- You have no criminal convictions that would fail the character test
- You have not had a previous Australian visa cancelled
Step 2: Download the AustralianETA App
The AustralianETA app is the fastest way to apply:
- Download from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android)
- The app is free and officially maintained by the Australian Government
Step 3: Complete Your Application
- Scan your passport’s Machine Readable Zone (MRZ)
- Verify your identity through facial recognition
- Answer eligibility questions honestly
- Pay the AUD 20 application fee
Step 4: Receive Your ETA
Most applications are approved within minutes. You will receive a notification when your ETA is granted. Your ETA is then electronically linked to your passport.
For complete application instructions, see our how to apply guide.
ETA Application Requirements for Tourists
You will need:
- Valid passport from an eligible country with at least 6 months validity
- Smartphone with the AustralianETA app installed
- Credit or debit card to pay the AUD 20 fee
- Email address for application notifications
- Travel details (approximate dates, accommodation if known)
For a complete list of requirements, see our ETA requirements page.
How Much Does a Tourism ETA Cost?
The ETA cost for tourists is AUD 20 (approximately USD 13, GBP 10, or EUR 12, depending on exchange rates).
This fee:
- Is non-refundable, even if your application is denied
- Covers the processing of your application
- Is paid online through the app
- Accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express
Tip: Apply for your ETA well in advance to avoid last-minute issues, even though processing is usually fast.
When to Apply for Your Tourism ETA
While processing time is usually just minutes, it is best to apply:
- At least 48 hours before departure – Allows time for any unexpected processing delays
- 2-4 weeks before travel – Ideal window for peace of mind
- After booking flights – Your ETA is valid for 12 months, so you can apply as soon as you know your travel dates
Important: Do not wait until you are at the airport. While most approvals are fast, some applications require additional review that can take several days.
Top Australian Destinations for Tourists
Sydney (NSW)
- Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge
- Bondi Beach and coastal walks
- Blue Mountains day trips
- Taronga Zoo and Darling Harbour
Melbourne (VIC)
- Federation Square and laneways culture
- Great Ocean Road scenic drive
- Yarra Valley wine region
- Phillip Island penguin parade
Queensland
- Great Barrier Reef (Cairns)
- Gold Coast theme parks and beaches
- Daintree Rainforest
- Whitsunday Islands
Western Australia
- Perth and Rottnest Island
- Ningaloo Reef
- Margaret River wine region
- Kimberley region
Other Highlights
- Uluru and the Red Centre (Northern Territory)
- Adelaide and Barossa Valley (South Australia)
- Hobart and MONA (Tasmania)
- Canberra (Australian Capital Territory)
Practical Tips for Tourists
Before you travel:
- Ensure your ETA is approved and linked to your passport
- Check passport validity (at least 6 months)
- Arrange travel insurance
- Book accommodation in advance during peak season (December-February)
- Check Australian customs regulations for prohibited items
On arrival:
- Complete the incoming passenger card on the plane
- Pass through immigration (your ETA will be verified electronically)
- Collect your luggage and clear customs
- Declare any food, plant material, or animal products
During your stay:
- Keep a digital copy of your passport and ETA grant notification
- Follow local laws and road rules
- Respect wildlife and natural environments
- Tip is not expected but appreciated (10% is generous)
- Tap water is safe to drink in all cities
Driving in Australia:
- Drive on the left side of the road
- Carry your international driving permit
- Speed limits are strictly enforced
- Distances between cities are very large – plan accordingly
FAQ – ETA Australia for Tourism
Can I visit multiple cities on one ETA?
Yes, you can travel anywhere in Australia during your stay. There are no internal travel restrictions. You can visit as many cities and states as you want within your 3-month stay limit.
Do I need a return ticket to enter Australia on an ETA?
While not always checked at immigration, having a return or onward ticket is recommended. Immigration officers may ask about your departure plans as part of the entry process.
Can I stay in hotels or must I stay with friends?
You can stay anywhere – hotels, hostels, Airbnb, camping, or with friends and family. There are no accommodation requirements for ETA holders.
Is travel insurance required for a tourism ETA?
Travel insurance is not a visa requirement, but it is strongly recommended. Medical treatment in Australia can be expensive for visitors, and travel insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
Can I take a short course while visiting on a tourism ETA?
Yes, you can take recreational or short courses lasting less than 3 months. This includes things like surf lessons, cooking classes, or photography workshops. Formal academic enrollment requires a student visa.
What happens if I overstay my 3-month visit?
Overstaying your visa is a serious offense. You may face detention, removal from Australia, and a re-entry ban. If you need to extend your stay, apply for a different visa before your 3 months expire.
