The official Australian ETA route
The Department of Home Affairs says eligible applicants must be outside Australia, hold an eligible passport and use the Australian ETA app. The official page links the app and video guides 1.
The service charge is AUD20. Home Affairs says there is no other charge payable for an ETA. A private service may add its own fee, but that amount is not the government ETA charge 1.
What the ETA permits
The subclass 601 ETA permits visits during a 12-month period, with stays of up to three months at a time. It covers tourism, family visits, cruises and limited business visitor activity 1.
It is not a work visa. Home Affairs warns that anyone saying you can work on an ETA or Visitor visa is giving false information 3.
Warning signs from Home Affairs
- An email claiming to be from Home Affairs does not end in .gov.au 3.
- A person claims to be a registered migration agent but has no registration number or register entry 3.
- The agent will not let you check the application or give you the government receipt 3.
- Someone promises a guaranteed visa, permanent residence or faster processing 3.
- A seller asks for a large extra payment to issue the visa after the stated application charge 3.
Using a migration agent
You do not need an agent for an ETA. If you seek immigration advice, Australia says only registered migration agents, legal practitioners and specified exempt people may lawfully provide it. An exempt helper cannot charge 2.
Search the OMARA register yourself. Registered agents must follow a code, disclose fees and provide a written agreement. Registration does not let an agent guarantee the outcome 4.
If you paid the wrong site
Contact your bank or card provider at once. Scamwatch says to ask the provider to stop transactions and report the incident after securing your accounts 5.
Check whether a real application exists through the official Home Affairs route. Keep receipts, emails and the address used. Report an unregistered assistance provider through the government route named by OMARA 2.
Common questions
How much does the Australia ETA cost?
The official app has an AUD20 service charge. Home Affairs says no other ETA charge is payable 1.
Is there an official Australia ETA website?
Government information is on homeaffairs.gov.au, but eligible travellers apply through the Australian ETA app 1.
Can I work in Australia with an ETA?
No. Home Affairs says you cannot work on an ETA or Visitor visa 3.
Can an agent guarantee an ETA?
No. Home Affairs says no one can guarantee a positive visa outcome 3.
Check before you pay. Rules and fees change. Confirm the details on the official site linked below. Spotted an error? Email [email protected] with the official link.
Evidence
Official sources
- Australian Department of Home Affairs: Electronic Travel Authority subclass 601 (accessed 19 October 2026)
- Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority: Getting help from someone not registered (accessed 19 October 2026)
- Australian Department of Home Affairs: What you need to know about visa scams (accessed 19 October 2026)
- Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority: What your agent must do (updated 14 October 2024)
- Scamwatch: Website scams (26 March 2026)