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Australia ETA (601): how to apply · entry

South Korean passport holders visiting Australia for tourism or business-visitor activities apply for the Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) only through the Australian ETA app. There is no visa charge, only an AUD 20 app service charge. It is valid for 12 months with stays of up to 3 months per entry. EU passport holders use the free eVisitor (651). Everyone completes an Incoming Passenger Card on arrival.

Travel authorisation · Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)Travel authorisation · eVisitor (subclass 651)Arrival card · Incoming Passenger Card (IPC)

RequiredTravel authorisation

Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)

Who
Holders of eligible passports, including South Korea, Japan, the US, Canada, the UK (British Citizen/BN(O)), Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, travelling as tourists or business visitors. Each family member needs a separate application.
When
Before booking; the Department suggests not making travel arrangements until the ETA is granted. You must be outside Australia when applying and when it is granted.
Fee
A$20.00
Validity
12 months from grant or until the passport expires, whichever is shorter. Multiple entry; up to 3 months per entry.
Processing
In most cases the result is immediate; it takes longer if answers are incorrect, more information is needed or details are hard to verify.

Steps

  1. Download the free Australian ETA app from the App Store or Google Play.
  2. Turn on NFC, the camera and location services on your phone.
  3. Photograph the passport data page and scan the passport chip.
  4. Take a live photo of your face.
  5. Answer the health and character questions and enter your email address.
  6. Pay the AUD 20 service charge and wait for the grant notice.

Have ready

  • Eligible passport
  • Smartphone with camera and NFC
  • Email address
  • Payment card

Watch out

  • The ETA can only be applied for through the official Australian ETA app; websites offering ETA applications are not the government.
  • Anyone with a criminal conviction in any country should apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) instead.
  • A new passport ends the ETA; apply again.
  • You cannot work on an ETA; doing so can lead to cancellation.
Official site · immi.homeaffairs.gov.auSource: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au · checked 2026-09-29

ConditionalTravel authorisation

eVisitor (subclass 651)

Who
Holders of EU and certain other European passports visiting for tourism or business. Not for South Korean passports (Koreans use the ETA 601).
When
Before travel, from outside Australia.
Fee
Free
Validity
12 months from grant; multiple entry; up to 3 months per entry.
Processing
See the Department of Home Affairs visa processing time guide.

Steps

  1. Check your passport is eligible for eVisitor.
  2. Create an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs site.
  3. Complete the eVisitor application.
  4. Submit (no charge) and wait for the grant email.

Have ready

  • Eligible European passport
  • Email address

Watch out

  • The eVisitor is free; paying a website for it means paying an intermediary.
  • It is not a work visa.
Official site · immi.homeaffairs.gov.auSource: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au · checked 2026-09-29

RequiredArrival card

Incoming Passenger Card (IPC)

Who
Most passengers entering Australia, including Korean visitors. A parent or carer can complete it for a child.
When
Handed out on board or in the arrival terminal; complete it before immigration clearance.
Fee
Free

Steps

  1. Take the card on the plane or at the terminal.
  2. Fill it in in English: name, passport number, flight number and address in Australia.
  3. Answer the customs, quarantine, health and character declarations.
  4. Sign and date it and show it with your passport.

Have ready

  • Passport
  • Flight number
  • Address in Australia
  • A pen

Watch out

  • It must be completed in English; the ABF provides translated samples, including Korean, for reference only.
  • Undeclared food, plant or animal products can bring penalties; declare if unsure.
  • False information can affect your visa status.
Official site · www.abf.gov.auSource: www.abf.gov.au · checked 2026-09-29

Entry rules change without notice. Re-check the official site before you travel. Agency sites charge extra.

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FAQ

Is the Australia ETA free?

There is no visa application charge, but the Australian ETA app charges an AUD 20 service fee.

Can I apply for the ETA on a website?

No. Travellers apply through the Australian ETA app; authorised travel agents can also lodge through the app with a live face photo of you.

Is there a digital arrival card?

A digital Australia Travel Declaration is being piloted on some flights; otherwise the paper Incoming Passenger Card applies.

Related

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