eTA or eVisitor: List of eligible countries
Do you need an eVisitor or an eTA for Australia? Check the list of eligible countries and the selection criteria according to your nationality.
Many travelers want to visit Australia for a vacation, a family trip, or to explore the country. One question often comes up: should you apply for an eVisitor or an eTA? The answer depends entirely on your nationality. Only certain countries are eligible for these simplified procedures. The eVisitor is intended for European citizens, while the eTA is for countries outside the European Union, such as the United States and Canada. To avoid any mistakes when applying for your visa, it is essential to understand the differences between these two authorizations.
Are you looking for the complete list of countries eligible for the Australian eTA or the nationalities that can apply for an eVisitor visa? Here is a clear guide to help you determine which travel authorization is right for you, including the conditions, eligible countries, and official procedures to follow.
Differences between the eTA and eVisitor for Australia: at a glance
- Eligible nationalities: The eVisitor is for citizens of the European Union and certain other European countries. The eTA is mainly for citizens of countries such as the United States, Canada, and Japan.
- Cost: The eVisitor is generally free of charge, excluding any processing fees, while the eTA incurs a government fee of approximately AUD 20.
- Application process: The eVisitor and eTA can be applied for online via the Australian government's official website or can be applied for online through a private provider.
- Length of stay: Both visas allow a maximum stay of 3 months per visit, but are valid for multiple entries for 12 months.
- Use: Both the eVisitor and eTA are designed for unpaid tourist or business travel, but do not allow you to work in Australia.
Travelers wishing to visit Australia are often faced with an important question: should they apply for an eVisitor or an eTA? Although both authorizations allow entry into Australia for tourism or unpaid business purposes, they are not intended for the same nationalities and have different terms and conditions. Understanding the difference between eVisitor and eTA Australia is essential for travelers from Europe and beyond, as an incorrect application may result in rejection or processing delays. Here is a detailed overview of these two systems to help you choose the right one for your needs.
The eVisitor is an electronic travel authorization for citizens of the European Union and a few other European countries. It is the simplest and most economical solution for eligible citizens.
Here are the major features of the eVisitor for Australia:
The eTA (Electronic Travel Authority) is a similar authorization, but it is intended for travelers from certain countries that are not members of the European Union. It is the most common option for citizens of North America, Asia, or other regions outside Europe.
Here are the key points regarding the eTA for Australia:
Australia has introduced two simplified electronic travel authorizations: the eVisitor and the eTA. Each is only available to certain nationalities. It is therefore essential to check which system your country is linked to before starting your application. This section provides an up-to-date list of countries eligible for the eVisitor visa and eTA for Australia.
The eVisitor is primarily intended for citizens of the European Union and a few European partner countries. This visa is free when applied for via the official website and allows for short-term tourist or business stays.
See the full list of countries eligible for the Australia eVisitor visa below:
European Union (EU) – 27 member countries:
Other European countries eligible for eVisitor:
These nationalities can apply for an eVisitor online, provided that the trip is for tourism, family visit or unpaid business travel. The authorization is valid for one year and allows for multiple stays of up to three months each.
It is important to note that citizens of these countries should not apply for an eTA, as only citizens of certain countries outside Europe are eligible for this program. If you are a citizen of one of the countries listed above, the eVisitor is the right option for you.
The eTA (Electronic Travel Authority) is reserved for a limited number of countries outside the European Union, selected by the Australian authorities. It allows tourist stays or unpaid business trips of up to three months per visit. The eTA is valid for one year from the date of issue.
Here is the updated list of countries eligible for the eTA program for Australia:
North America:
Asia-Pacific:
Europe – countries not eligible for eVisitor but authorized for eTA:
Middle East:
Other territories or special cases:
The eTA is usually subject to a fee, with a government processing fee of approximately AUD 20. The application must be made via the official mobile app “Australian ETA” or through approved providers who may offer assistance or a simplified service for an additional fee.
It is essential that the information provided on the application matches exactly the information on the passport, otherwise it will be rejected.
Good to know
- If your country is not listed in either of the two lists above, you are not eligible for an electronic authorization and must apply for a regular visa (Visitor visa – Subclass 600).
- Simply residing in an eligible country is not sufficient: the nationality listed on your passport is the only criterion taken into account.
- The eVisitor and eTA are not interchangeable: you must choose the one that corresponds to your nationality. Any error in choosing the authorization may result in the application being rejected or entry into Australia being refused.
The choice between an eVisitor, an eTA, or a traditional visa to travel to Australia depends exclusively on your nationality. Some common mistakes—such as basing your application on your place of residence or type of stay—can lead you to the wrong procedure.
To avoid any confusion, here is an overview by region of the world of the options available depending on the passport you hold.
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
The main difference between eVisitor and eTA for Australia is the nationality of the applicant. The eVisitor is intended for citizens of the European Union and a few associated European countries such as Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland. The eTA, on the other hand, is designed for citizens of countries outside Europe, including the United States, Canada, Japan, and South Korea. Another notable difference is that the eVisitor is free (unless the application is made through a service provider), while the eTA is subject to a government processing fee of approximately AUD 20. Both authorizations allow stays of up to 3 months for tourism or unpaid business travel. It is essential to choose the right option for your nationality: a mistake could result in your application being rejected or delayed.
Almost all European countries are eligible for eVisitor for Australia, but there are a few exceptions and specific conditions. The 27 member states of the European Union are all eligible, as well as several associated European countries such as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Monaco, San Marino, Andorra, Liechtenstein, and the Vatican. However, some special territories or nationalities may not be included. For example, UK citizens can no longer use eVisitor since Brexit and must apply for an eTA instead. It is therefore important to check the official list of nationalities eligible for the Australian eVisitor visa, as eligibility depends strictly on the nationality stated on your passport, not your place of residence or dual citizenship. If in doubt, consult the official website or an authorized service provider.
To find out if your nationality is on the eVisitor or eTA eligible countries list, you must consult the official list updated by the Australian authorities. This is available on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) or from authorized providers.